The Peter Augustine Lawler Award for Excellence in the Study of ‘Things Divine’
The Ciceronian Society is excited to announce the The Peter Augustine Lawler Award for Excellence in the Study of ‘Things Divine’.
The late Dr. Peter Augustine Lawler (1951 – 2017) was a great teacher, mentor, scholar, and Christian. His legacy is not only in his many publications but in his lively fellowship with his colleagues and ordinary people interested in the way faith sends us “wondering and wandering.”
Key to Dr. Lawler’s legacy is the idea of the “relational.” The human person is a relational being, one seeking a relationship with God and community. Hence, no person is at home being alone. This starting point is what sent him into such a wide range of subjects, from bioethics to higher education, and to the fiction of Walker Percy. Dr. Lawler was also dedicated to building up the institution of Berry College, where he taught for 38 years, as well as students passing through the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, where he also served for many years.
Berry College has created an excellent gateway for learning more about Peter Lawler and his many writings.
Weeks before his death, Dr. Lawler spoke at the 2017 Ciceronian Society annual meeting, but he also met with countless attendees, socializing into the wee hours of the morning. Not only did he possess a keen mind and commitment to building institutions dedicated to the study of things divine, Dr. Lawler also possessed the character of a true Christian, generous and faithful in everything. We wish to honor him and others like him with an award in his name.
With the generous consent of his widow, Rita, we are pleased to announce the creation of an annual award in his name to those who have demonstrated “excellence in the study of ‘things divine.’” Starting in 2024, the award will be selected by the Board of the Ciceronian Society. Qualifications will entail a lifelong commitment to advancing Christian scholarship in publications, institution-building, and the spirit of generosity.
We welcome donations to endow this award to build a cash prize to provide due compensation for those who, like Dr. Lawler, gave up more lucrative opportunities to serve others with their God-given talents.
Click here to give to the Ciceronian Society in Peter Lawler’s honor.