55th-Annual Baron Club Awards Dinner Honors Community Members and Former Super Bowl Champion Matt Birk
The 55th-annual Baron Club Awards Dinner at Franciscan University of Steubenville was a night filled with community recognition and inspiration. Former Super Bowl champion Matt Birk took the stage as the keynote speaker, sharing his journey from the football field to a deeper connection with his Catholic faith.
The event, which serves as the university’s primary fundraising effort for its intercollegiate athletics program, honored local community members who have made significant contributions. Among the honorees were Joanna Bernabei-McNamee, head women’s basketball coach at Boston College, Tom Timmons, a local banker and community benefactor, and the Phillipson family, founders of the Cynthia Rose Phillipson Charitable Foundation.
Birk, a six-time Pro Bowl selection and recipient of the 2011 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, shared how his faith played a pivotal role in his life and career. He emphasized the parallels between sports and Catholicism, highlighting the importance of commitment and discipline in both realms.
Bernabei-McNamee and Timmons were both recipients of the Father Terence Henry, TOR, Award, recognizing their outstanding contributions to their communities. Bernabei-McNamee, a Weirton native, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit home and reflect on the importance of family in her life.
Timmons, a dedicated volunteer and community leader, emphasized the value of service and selfless giving in his speech. He credited his faith, family, and community for shaping his values and guiding his actions.
The Phillipson family received the Kuzma Family Award in honor of their late daughter, Cynthia, and the charitable foundation they established in her memory. Todd Phillipson spoke about the emotional challenges of their philanthropic work and the overwhelming support they have received from the community.
Overall, the Baron Club Awards Dinner was a night of celebration, gratitude, and inspiration, showcasing the power of community and the impact of individuals dedicated to making a difference.