The Dr. William P. Sexton Award - 2019: Al and Cathy Annexstad

2019: Al and Cathy Annexstad

For their work to help young people build opportunity, Al and Cathy Annexstad are recognized with this award.

Born and raised in neighboring small towns in the Minnesota River Valley, each experienced the anguish that follows the untimely death of a parent. During these formative years, they benefited from the love and nurturing of family and townsfolk.

From their days as high school sweethearts in the 1950s to the present, the Annexstads have built a life together that reflects their Catholic values of faith, unconditional love of family, and a commitment to serve those less fortunate. During Al’s career, in which he served as chairman, president, and CEO of Minnesota-based Federated Insurance Companies, the Annexstads chose to give back. In 2000, they established the Annexstad Family Foundation to provide college scholarships to deserving young people who, like themselves, endured uncommon hardship and dreamed of a better life.

Today, the Foundation’s Leaders for Tomorrow National Scholarship has been awarded to nearly 900 aspiring students at more than 60 of the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities, including Notre Dame, where more than 100 Annexstad scholars—including 44 graduates—are laying the foundation for lives of leadership and meaningful contributions to humankind.

We have long believed that higher education is the great equalizer in life. Armed with world-class educations and the enduring values of faith and service instilled in them during their time at Notre Dame, Leaders for Tomorrow scholars will for generations to come make a real difference in this world. They would surely bring a smile to Dr. Sexton’s face just as this honor in his name so warms our hearts.