On October 2, Joanne B. Beyer received Acton Institute’s second Guardian of Freedom Award in a ceremony at the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. More than 100 guests attended the dinner, including leaders of prominent philanthropic and free market organizations such as Philanthropy Roundtable, the Allegheny Foundation, and the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation.
Beyer is a trustee and former president of the Allegheny Foundation and is also a former member of the board of directors at St. Vincent College. Both Beyer and her late husband Dick were recently recognized as the winners of the Perseverance, Grace, and Purpose Award by the Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. Beyer has been a long-term leader in greater Pittsburgh through her involvment with the Scaife Family Foundation and the Allegheny Foundation.
The event’s program included remarks from the president of the Randolph Foundation, Heather Higgins, and the chancellor of St. Vincent College, Archabbot Douglas Nowicki. “Joanne has certainly made a great difference in providing resources for every aspect and dimension of this community,” said Nowicki.
Acton’s co-founder and executive director, Kris Mauren, presented the award sculpture and citation to Beyer, stating “the Acton Institute proudly recognizes you for your leadership in the cause of ordered liberty and constitutionally limited government, and your commitment to the principles derived from faith and reason upon which America was founded.” Additionally, Mauren announced that friends and admirers of Beyer have contributed funds in her name, establishing a new endowment in support of fellowships for Catholic leaders to attend special Acton programs. The Joann B. Beyer Fellowships will be a lasting tribute to her leadership and fight for freedom.
The Guardian of Freedom Award was created in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall to recognize the ongoing contributions of leaders who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to liberty.
