St. Jerome’s University (SJU) is pleased to announce that Rev. James (Jim) Donohue, C.R., PhD (BA ’78), is the recipient of this year’s Fr. Norm Choate, C.R. Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. The award is presented annually at the University’s Graduation Ceremony and recognizes an alum who has demonstrated extraordinary accomplishment in their professional and community life. This award is named after Fr. Norm Choate, C.R., the University’s past president (1979-1989) and the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree (1989) from the University of Waterloo for his outstanding service to both universities.

“Fr. Norm Choate was one of my best friends,” noted Rev. Donohue, who could not attend the University’s Graduation Ceremony to receive his award as he is currently working as the Superior in a Tanzanian Mission. Donohue provided a recorded video message for SJU’s graduates featuring insights into Fr. Choate’s impact on his life.

“He was a major influence in my life, encouraging me to become a Resurrectionist priest, attend graduate school, and teach Theology to undergraduates. I think he also inspired me to come to Tanzania. I have always admired Fr. Norm greatly; it is such an honour, through this award, to have my name and life attached to his name and life,” stated Donohue.

Donohue graduated from St. Jerome’s University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in Philosophy. He completed his Master of Divinity degree at St. Peter’s Seminary at the University of Western Ontario, and his Master of Theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois. In 2000, he received his doctorate in Systemic Theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He taught Theology at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He remained there for 26 years and coached their Division III hockey team for 24 years: a love for the sport nurtured as a player on the St. Jerome’s team. Rev. Donohue co-authored the book Moral Vision: Seeing the World with Love and Justice (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing, 2018) with David McCarthy and has authored innumerable articles, chapters, and reviews. During a sabbatical, he spent time as the rector for five seminarians in the Resurrectionist Mission in Tanzania. He returned to Tanzania after retirement, and as superior, he supports a growing and thriving mission with 20 Resurrectionist seminarians.

“Rev. Donohue is a model recipient of the Fr. Norm Choate, C.R. Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. He has embraced our foundational commitment to learning and academic excellence; the gospel values of love, truth, and justice; and the formation of leaders for the service of the community and the Church. We are pleased to recognize and celebrate his accomplishments with this award,” stated Peter Meehan, the University’s president and vice chancellor.

In addition to preparing Donohue for his theological studies, providing good teaching role models, a solid foundation in prayer and spirituality, and the enrichment of friendships that have endured to this day, he also described his time at St. Jerome’s as the most significant period of personal growth in his life.

Part of this growth comes simply from the experience of being at college, but I think that the quality of the people—administrators, faculty, rectors, staff, and students—is what made the experience so truly wonderful. I honestly believe that my time and experiences at St. Jerome’s were the foundation of most of my personal and professional life. This award has simply reminded me of all that I am grateful for when I think of St. Jerome’s University,” stated Donohue.

The Fr. Norm Choate, C.R. Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is one of four alum awards presented annually by St. Jerome’s University. To find out more about these awards, please visit the University’s website at www.sju.ca/honours-awards

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Rev. James (Jim) Donohue, C.R., PhD (BA ’78)
2023 Fr. Norm Choate, C.R.
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award Recipient