Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
We are pleased to share that DePaul University has been selected to host the 2026 Opus Prize, a faith-based global humanitarian award. In a moment when violence, division, and humanitarian crises leave us feeling overwhelmed and helpless, the Opus Prize gives us an opportunity to lift up incredible people from around the world, bringing hope to our campus, Chicago, and beyond.
The annual prize honors individuals and organizations whose work, rooted in any faith tradition, addresses the most persistent social challenges of our time. The Opus Prize Foundation gives a $1 million award to the laureate and two $100,000 awards for finalists.
Our theme for this year’s prize, “Uplifting the Dignity of All,” reflects our Catholic, Vincentian values and commitment to advancing human dignity through education and service.
In collaboration with the foundation, DePaul will identify nominees, select finalists, and organize an immersive awards week. Our students play a central role in this process by serving as ambassadors, participating in site visits and engaging with finalists during campus events. These experiences offer our students a unique opportunity to learn from global changemakers and to consider how they might dedicate their own lives to service and innovation.
In October 2026, DePaul will host a week of celebrations with the three finalists, sponsored by the Opus Prize Foundation. We will share more about these events, which will include an interfaith prayer service, class visits, and an awards ceremony, closer to the fall.
Until then, we encourage you to get inspired by reading more about past Opus Prize laureates. In the coming months, we will share how you can participate in the Opus Prize celebrations at DePaul.
As our Vincentian heritage calls on us to act boldly and recognize the inherent worth of every person, it is an honor for our community to uplift those around the world committed to transforming the lives of those around them.
With hope,
Robert L. Manuel
President
Mark Laboe
Interim Vice President of Mission and Ministry
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