U.S. Rep. Karen Bass will be honored by the African American Alumni Association of Loyola Marymount University at its 10th annual awards dinner and scholarship fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.
Bass, a Democrat who represents California’s 33rd Congressional District, will receive the organization’s Legacy Award for her pioneering achievements as a politician and community organizer.
Prior to her election to Congress in 2010, Bass made history when the California Assembly elected her to be its 67th speaker, making her the first African-American woman in the country to serve in this powerful state legislative role.
As speaker, Bass worked for change for her constituents by jump-starting infrastructure projects to create new jobs in the state and championing efforts to provide quality health care to Californians and expand opportunities for young people in the state. A staunch advocate for kids in foster care, Bass carried several bills to support programs and funding to ensure foster youth have better chances for success including legislation that uses federal funds to extend support to California’s foster youth to the age of 21.
Other honorees at this year’s dinner are:
- Ralph Smith ’69, nationally recognized business leader, philanthropist, legal scholar and attorney. Smith, who is currently the executive vice president of The Annie E. Casey Foundation, will receive the association’s William L. Strickland Excellence Award, which recognizes professional achievement.
- Most Rev. Gordon Bennett, S.J., D.D., ’68, a member of the Society of Jesus and bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica. Bishop Bennett will receive the Irma Brown Dillon Community Service Award, which honors leaders who exemplify LMU’s mission and tradition of serving others. Bishop Bennett is currently the Peter Faber Fellow in Pastoral Theology and Ignatian Spirituality at LMU and a former president of Loyola High School.
These awards mark the association’s commitment to academic excellence and the spirit of community service. About 6 percent of LMU’s student body is African-American and the university has been cited by the prestigious Education Trust as one of the most successful universities at graduating African-American students. Proceeds from the dinner will go to scholarships for deserving students. In the last 10 years LMU’s AAAA has raised almost $600,000 in scholarship funds that have been awarded to 185 students.