Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
May 29, 2002
Regis U honors former Samaritan House director
Father Ed Judy gets Civis Princeps award at Regis commencement
The former director of Samaritan House received Regis University's highest honor during the university's May 5 commencement ceremony.
Father Edward F. Judy, O.F.M. Cap., was awarded the Civis Princeps (First Citizen) award at a 10 a.m. commencement ceremony at the university's Lowell Campus in north Denver. The Civis Princeps award recognizes individuals in the Colorado community whose work exemplifies the Regis Jesuit mission of "leadership in service of others."
Community involvement is a key factor in Father Judy's life. He has worked in several civic programs, including the Denver Mayor's Taskforce on Zoning Revision, the committee for the establishment of Denver Homeless Plan, Colorado Choir, Food Outreach and many others in Colorado, Missouri and Kansas.
His most extensive project was as director of downtown Denver's Samaritan House for 11 years. Samaritan House is a shelter for homeless men, women and children. Its function is to assist with resources such as case management, job training, and family and children services. Samaritan House provides services to more than 300 people every day, most of whom can stay at the house for 30-90 days. Samaritan House was built specifically as a shelter in 1986 and is a service of Catholic Charities.
Father Judy's commitment to and accomplishments at Samaritan House are impressive. He networked with other service providers in the Denver area and was active in bringing them together, becoming president of the Metropolitan Denver Homeless Initiative; raised awareness about Samaritan House to the legislature by providing the opening prayer on Fridays; expanded services for families in crisis by increasing programs and adding an intern program; and laid the foundation for a new position at Samaritan House, a housing coordinator, who helps residents find quality housing.
These are only a few of the legacies Father Judy left to Samaritan House, the homeless and Colorado before leaving in 2001 after 11 years as director.
"I observed a most remarkable trait in Father Ed at the Samaritan House during intake time in the evening," said Jim Ruybal, partner at Triumph Consulting and vice chair of the Regis Public Affairs Council. "Father Ed had such a unique presence that he had a special way of defusing potentially explosive situations. He has a way of looking people in the eye and making them feel and believe that everything is going to be OK and that he personally cares about them."
When not involved with community projects all over the country, Father Judy finds time to run. He has completed both the Boston and New York marathons.
Father Judy entered the seminary at age 16 and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1968. He has an extensive educational background, including a bachelor's of art in philosophy from St. Fidelis College in Herman, Pa.; a master's of art in religious education from Capuchin College in Washington, D.C.; extended theological studies from St. Louis University; and most recently, a certificate in marketing from the University of Colorado in Denver.
In addition to his years at the Samaritan House, Father Judy's extensive experience includes serving as director of Alverne Chapel in St. Louis, Mo.; director of the formation program for the Capuchin Province in St. Louis; associate pastor at Annunciation Church in Denver; pastor of St. Patrick Church in St. Louis; co-pastor of Good Shepherd Church in Shawnee, Kan.; associate pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Charleston, W. Va.; and campus minister at Morris Harvey College in Charleston.
More than 1,000 students received degrees during spring commencement at Regis University. The university conducted three commencement exercises on May 4 and 5 at its Lowell campus and one ceremony at its Colorado Springs Campus on May 11. Father Michael J. Sheeran, S.J., president of Regis University, gave his "Charge to the Graduates" speech at the May 4 and 5 ceremonies.
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