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Rev. James Lackenmier, C.S.C. Award

In 2014, ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳'s College established an annual award for achievement and leadership in the name of Rev. James Lackenmier, C.S.C., seventh president of the College. The Reverend James Lackenmier, C.S.C. Award for Achievement and Leadership is presented annually to a ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳'s constituent who has achieved excellence in their field, who has demonstrated exceptional philanthropy and high ethical standards, and who embodies the spirit of ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳'s College. 

Father Lackenmier graduated from Stonehill College in 1961 with a B.A. in Philosophy and an S.T.L. from Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome in 1965.  He holds two master’s degrees in English and Religion & Literature from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and The University of Chicago respectively. 

Ordained a priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross in December 1964, Father Lackenmier has been devoted to the ministry of education.  He arrived on ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳'s campus in 1974 to serve as the College Chaplain and later as the Director of Development before becoming President.  While at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳'s College, Father also served as Local Superior from 1974 to 1978. 

Since leaving ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳'s College, Father Lackenmier has ably served as Treasurer for the Congregation of Holy Cross. He has served as Provincial Steward of the Eastern Province, Local Superior of the Holy Cross communities at Stonehill College, Cocoa Beach, Florida, and at Our Lady of Fatima House at Notre Dame. 

The 2025 Lackenmier Award Honorees: Neil T. O'Donnell, Esq. '84 and Catherine R. O'Donnell, Esq.

Neil and Cathy posing in formal wear

In 2024, Neil and Cathy O’Donnell celebrated 35 years of marriage—a milestone that mirrors the longevity and dedication they’ve poured into their personal and professional lives. They have built O’Donnell Law Offices into a trusted and respected name in Northeastern Pennsylvania for over 35 years. Their shared commitment to justice, integrity, and service defines the firm’s mission and guides their practice.

Neil T. O'Donnell, Esq. '84, founder of the firm, is a nationally recognized trial attorney with nearly four decades of experience. A Wilkes-Barre native, Neil graduated with honors from ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳’s College and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Since 1990, he has dedicated his career to representing injury victims across the region. He is a board-certified Civil Trial Specialist, a past President of the Northeastern

Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, and a frequent lecturer on personal injury law. His professional honors include multiple “Top 10” Super Lawyers recognitions in Pennsylvania, “Lawyer of the Year” for the region from Best Lawyers, and the 2023 “Man of the Year” award from the Greater Wilkes-Barre Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and the 2025 Milton D. Rosenberg Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Justice. In 2024, he was elected to the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳’s College Board of Trustees.

Catherine R. O'Donnell, Esq. is a practicing attorney, former District Justice, and business manager at the firm. She holds her undergraduate degree, JD, and MBA from the University of Pittsburgh—each earned cum laude. Cathy is a member of the DC Bar and currently serves as a Governor of the University of Pittsburgh Law Alumni Association. Her impact extends well beyond the courtroom through her leadership in education, equity, and community development. She is the immediate past chair of the Luzerne County Community College Board and serves on numerous boards, including North Branch Land Trust, Dress for Success Luzerne County, and Junior Leadership Northeast. She is an Emeritus Board Member of the Luzerne County Bar Association Foundation Board. In 2023, she was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Leadership Northeast, the Community Service Award from the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, and the President’s Award from the Friedman JCC. In 2025, she received the Community Service Award from the Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Neil and Cathy are the proud parents of two adult children, Neil and Renata, both practicing attorneys, and their daughter-in-law Mehak, also an attorney. Their grandson, Adam, has brought lasting joy and deeper purpose to their lives. The O’Donnells’ commitment to family informs their work every day—grounding their advocacy in empathy, resilience, and the belief that justice should serve every generation.

Practice Areas

Neil O’Donnell specializes in personal injury, sexual exploitation, product liability, workers’ compensation, bad faith, premises liability, and truck collisions.

Cathy O’Donnell specializes in estate planning, estate administration, orphans court practice, and elder law.

Past Recipients

  • 2024: Robert J. Ciaruffoli '75
  • 2023: Maureen Hanlon ’87 
  • 2022: Rose Marie Panzitta 
  • 2019: Dave Selingo ’89 
  • 2018: Tom Smith ’77 
  • 2017: Glenn Tyranski ’84 
  • 2016: Allan Kluger 
  • 2015: Rich Pinola ’67 
  • 2014: Tim Morris ’64

Benefactor Tiers

  • Presidential ($25,000) 
  • McGowan ($15,000) 
  • Monarch ($10,000) 
  • Gold ($5,000) 
  • Red ($2,500) 
  • Transportation Sponsor