The C. Albert Koob, OPraem Merit Award was established in 1968 and renamed to honor Father Koob in 1976. It is awarded to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to Catholic education at any level – early childhood, elementary, secondary, higher education – or in any educational setting, in one or more of these areas: teaching, administration, parish religious education, research, publication or educational leadership. Such service or contribution should be recognized as having current significance at the national level.

Dr. Thomas & Rita Walters - April 10, 2012 Santa Claus, Minnesota

Lorraine Ozar, PhD - April 25, 2011 Loyola University of Chicago

Bernard Stratman, MS - April 5, 2010 NCEA Seminary Department Executive Director (retired)

Most Rev. Richard J. Malone - April 13, 2009 Bishop of Portland, Maine

Reverend William Leahy - March 25, 2008 President, Boston College

Dominica Rocchio, SC - April 10, 2007 Former Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of Newark

The University Consortium for Catholic Education - April 18, 2006

Sister St. Eugene Fiorino - March 29, 2005 (posthumously)

Joan Curtin, CND - April 13, 2004 Director of the Catechetical Office, Archdiocese of New York

Monsignor John M. Unger - April 22, 2003 Assoc. Superintendent/Religious Education, Archdiocese of St. Louis