June 1, 2026
NCEA Gala and Elizabeth Ann Seton Awards to Celebrate Legacy, Leadership, and the Future of Catholic Education
The October event renews the promise of NCEA to support access, leadership, and commitment to Catholic education nationally.
Arlington, VA – On October 5, 2026, the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) will host an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating the mission, impact, and enduring legacy of Catholic education while renewing the promise that has guided NCEA for generations: strengthening Catholic education through expanded access, supporting leaders, and helping Catholic school communities flourish nationwide.
The NCEA Gala 2026, featuring the prestigious Elizabeth Ann Seton Awards, will bring together Catholic education leaders, distinguished honorees, supporters, and friends from across the country for a powerful celebration of faith-filled and Christ-centered education and its transformative role in shaping hearts, minds, and souls.
The evening will feature the presentation of the esteemed NCEA Seton Lifetime of Service Award to His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop Emeritus of New York, in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and lifelong dedication to Catholic education.
Rooted in a rich history and strengthened by a vibrant national community, the Gala will honor extraordinary leaders whose lives and work reflect the values, vision, and service that define Catholic education. This year’s event celebrates and renews our shared commitment to expanding access, strengthening leadership, and ensuring that every family seeking a Catholic education can receive one.
NCEA Elizabeth Ann Seton Awards will also be presented to:
- His Excellency, The Most Reverend Angelo Vincenzo Zani, Former Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education and Archivist Emeritus of the Vatican Apostolic Archive, Titular Archbishop of Volturnum
- Cecilia Abbott, First Lady of Texas
- Anthony J. de Nicola, Chairman of the Board of the Invest in Education Foundation
“Catholic education changes lives every day by forming students through faith, knowledge, and service,” said Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, NCEA President/CEO. “The NCEA Gala and Elizabeth Ann Seton Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate leaders whose dedication advances and inspires our common mission while reaffirming our shared commitment to the future of Catholic education.”
Paula Gwynn Grant, senior national director of marketing and communications for St. Vincent de Paul USA, will emcee the evening’s festivities.
Through attendance, sponsorship, and philanthropy, participants directly support the future of Catholic education—forming leaders, expanding opportunity, and strengthening communities for generations to come. Together, NCEA and its supporters continue to build a stronger future and safeguard its legacy, one student at a time.
For more information, visit www.NCEA.org/Gala and connect with NCEA on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
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In service of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, NCEA strengthens Catholic school communities by convening all stakeholders and providing professional development, data, public policy, and resources to support faith and intellectual formation.