Oldest Catholic Society in America Honors
La Salle Trustee “Bud” Hansen and His Wife Eileen
for Their Tireless Devotion to Church and Community

Standing from left to right: James V. O'Rourke, J. Anthony Hayden, '67,
Nicholas A. Giordano, '65, William R. Sasso, '69, John M. Daly, M.D., '69,
William J. McCormick, Jr., '58, William R. Sautter, '71, William W. Matthews, III, '90
Seated from left to right: Maria Tucker, '83, Mrs. Eileen Hansen,
Elmer F. (Bud) Hansen, Jr., '58, Brother Michael J. McGinniss, F.S.C., Ph.D., '70

The American Catholic Historical Society recently honored F. Elmer “Bud” Hansen, a La Salle University alum and trustee, and his wife, Eileen, with the Barry Award, given for their outstanding contributions to community and to the church.

The Hansens have worked together tirelessly for many Catholic causes, such as Co-chairs of the Catholic Heritage Center, the Ryan Memorial Library Fund at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, St. Ignatius Nursing Home and have been recognized as recipients of the CYO Hall of Fame Award.

The Hansens are also Knight Commander and Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher and Knight and Lady of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. They are Stewards of St. Peter and Stewards of Saint John Neumann, and members of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Legatus Society, which Mr. Hansen founded. He is also a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory.

After Mr. Hansen graduated from La Salle College High School (where he was inducted to its Hall of Fame) and La Salle College (now University) in 1958, he founded Hansen enterprises, which has developed properties in Florida and Pennsylvania, including golf courses and office buildings (many of which include Mrs. Hansen’s interior designs).

The Barry Award is named after Commodore John Barry, an Irish-Catholic who emigrated to Colonial America and became the “Father of the American Navy.” Past recipients include Cardinal Justin Rigali and former La Salle University President, Br. Patrick Ellis.