Media Coverage

Media Contacts:
Victor Nakas, The Catholic University of America
202-319-5600
Carolyn Parsons, The Opus Prize Foundation
952-346-6318

Jurors Selected to Award $1 Million Humanitarian Prize
10 Prominent Individuals Agree to Serve as Opus Prize Jury

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 23, 2007) - The Catholic University of America, located in the nation's capital, in partnership with The Opus Prize Foundation, announced today the selection of 10 prominent individuals from the fields of journalism, academia, health care, and social and humanitarian action to serve as the 2007 Opus Prize jury. This jury will identify the recipient of the annual $1 million Opus Prize.

The following jurors agreed to serve at the personal invitation of Very Rev. David M. O'Connell, C.M., president of The Catholic University of America. The 2007 Opus Prize jurors are:

James Billington, librarian of Congress
Wolf Blitzer, news anchor, CNN
Sister Carol Keehan, DC, president and CEO, Catholic Health Association
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, archbishop emeritus of Washington, D.C.
Diane Rehm, host and executive producer of The Diane Rehm Show, National Public Radio (NPR)
Timothy Russert, senior vice president and Washington bureau chief, NBC News
Timothy Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics, Inc.
George Stephanopoulos, chief Washington correspondent, ABC News
James Towey, Esq., president, Saint Vincent College, and former director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Anthony Williams, CEO, Public Properties Realty Investment Trust, Inc., and former mayor of Washington, D.C.

"I am so gratified that such a distinguished group of current and former Washingtonians have given of their time and talent to select a world-class humanitarian who is worthy of being recognized and supported," said Father O'Connell. "We at Catholic University are delighted to be hosting the 2007 Opus Prize because the key virtue it seeks to promote - faith-based service - so closely mirrors our university's Catholic identity and commitment to serve our fellow man," he added.

The Opus Prize is awarded annually to an unsung hero from anywhere in the world who is working on the front lines of today's most dire social problems. Opus Prize recipients combine a driving entrepreneurial spirit with an abiding faith to combat poverty, illiteracy, hunger, disease and social injustice. This Prize is awarded to recognize and support the recipient's non-profit organization and to inspire the next generation of humanitarian social entrepreneurs.

Opus Prize recipients are identified by anonymous "spotters" and the final prize recipients are selected by the Opus Prize jury. Annually, a university is invited to administer the Prize selection process, coordinate the award ceremony, and engage university students in activities that support the Prize's mission.

"The Opus Prize Foundation is proud to partner with Catholic University, a university that embodies the mission and values of the Opus Prize, in honoring those people whose life goal is to serve others and leave a lasting, positive impact on the world around them," said Joe Rauenhorst, chair of The Opus Prize Foundation.

The Opus Prize recipient will be recognized on Nov. 8, 2007, at an award ceremony taking place at Catholic University. In addition to the $1 million award, two $100,000 awards will be granted to two other individuals selected by the jury.