On Friday, September 20, Joseph Carlini, B.M.E. 1984, was formally awarded the Edward J. Pryzbyla Award for Support of Catholic Athletics during Cardinal Weekend 2024.

About Joe Carlini

A former Catholic University football player and proud member of the Class of 1984, Joe Carlini has been an exceptional leader and active advocate for Catholic University and the athletics program. After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering and launching his successful entrepreneurial career, he founded the Philadelphia Catholic University Alumni Leadership Network, was a member of the School of Engineering's Development Board, and served as a University Trustee. Carlini became the first layperson to chair the Catholic University Board of Trustees and served in that role from 2016 to 2021. The University awarded Carlini an honorary doctorate in 2021. He is also a 2022 recipient of the School of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award and proudly funds the Carlini Family Scholarship in the School of Engineering.

His wife, Christine, B.S.E. 1986, and their daughter, Victoria, B.S.N. 2021, are also Cardinals. Victoria was an involved student-athlete who competed on the track and field team during her time on campus.

Thanks to a generous $1.5 million gift, Joe and Christine helped to transform the upper grass field complex at the DuFour Center to a championship-level turf field with a bleacher complex, concession and restroom facility, and new parking lot. The University was proud to open the Carlini Field Complex in 2019. It serves as a home for Catholic University's women's and men's soccer and lacrosse teams, as well as for many other club and recreational programs.

About the Edward J. Pryzbyla Award

Through the Edward J. Pryzbyla Award for Support of Catholic Athletics, established by the Board of Governors, previously the Board of Directors, of the Catholic University Alumni Association, the Hall of Fame also honors alumni who have demonstrated outstanding philanthropic support to the athletic program. Named in honor of Edward. J. Pryzbyla, an esteemed alumnus and avid supporter of Athletics, the award aims to celebrate individuals who have made contributions to the advancement and success of the University's athletic endeavors.