Congrats to Our 2021 Award Recipients!

The Darst Center annually gives two awards to recognize individuals and/or organizations without whom we would not be able to succeed.

The Heart of the Mission Award, lovingly referred to as the “Darstie,” was first given in 2016 and is presented to an individual or individuals from within the Darst Center whose grit, determination, and dedication to the Darst Center mission have allowed the organization to thrive.  This individual or individuals has/have made significant contributions to the program, operations, vitality, growth, and/or sustainability of the mission.

The 2021 Heart of the Mission Award will be presented to Mark Munninghoff, a long-time board member and significant supporter of the mission.

Br. Denis Murphy Justice in Action Award

Serving as one of the co-founders and first Directors of the Br. David Darst Center, Br. Denis Murphy, FSC, was an exceptional model of an individual relentlessly striving to create a more just society.  Unafraid to rock the boat, yet completely disarming in nature, it was Br. Denis who had the idea to open the Darst Center as a Lasallian social justice ministry designed to educate young people on the burning issues of our time.

Serving as one of the co-founders and first Directors of the Br. David Darst Center, Br. Denis Murphy, FSC, was an exceptional model of an individual relentlessly striving to create a more just society.  Unafraid to rock the boat, yet completely disarming in nature, it was Br. Denis who had the idea to open the Darst Center as a Lasallian social justice ministry designed to educate young people on the burning issues of our time.

The Br. Denis Murphy Justice in Action Award, first given in 2018 in memory of Br. Denis’ entrance into eternal life, is presented to an individual, organization, or foundation from outside the Darst Center whose strong dedication to social justice, fiery spirit, and service to the needs of the community warrants recognition and appreciation. This individual or organization has made significant contributions to the promotion of education, social justice, social inclusion, and/or community development.

The 2021 Br. Denis Murphy Justice in Action Award is being presented to the Brother Visitors of the Districts of Eastern North America, the Midwest, and San Francisco New Orleans, part of the Lasallian Region of North America, for their ongoing support and promotion of justice education in the Lasallian tradition.  It is the support of the Brother Visitors that assured the Darst Center could continue to offer programming during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2021 Darst Center Heart of the Mission and Br. Denis Murphy Justice in Action awards will be presented during the sendoff event on April 24th.  Please consider joining us virtually or in person to celebrate!