La Salle University recognized its honorees at the 30th annual Charter Dinner—an event celebrating La Salle’s founding 160 years ago in 1863.

The event honored alumnus and former Trustee E.F. “Bud” Hansen III, ’90, MBA ’96, and Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS).

Over the last three decades, Charter Dinner has raised millions of dollars in support of student scholarships at La Salle. This year, the event was held on March 11 at the National Constitution Center.

Hansen III received the 2023 Lasallian Leadership Award, in acknowledgment of an individual’s outstanding leadership in their communities—whether corporate, civic, governmental, or religious. He is the first legacy recipient of the Lasallian Leadership Award. His father, former University Trustee Elmer F. Hansen, Jr., ’58, previously received the honor.

Hansen III is President of Hansen Properties. The hospitality company, founded in 1967 by his father, has a staff of more than 400 and owns Blue Bell Country Club and Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center. Under Hansen III’s leadership, Hansen Properties was named 2018 Multi-Generational Family-Owned Business of the Year by the Philadelphia Inquirer. Since 2017, Hansen Properties has been honored annually by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of its top-10 family-owned businesses in the region.

“I cannot adequately express the pride I feel by being named the 30th Lasallian Leadership Award recipient, and the first legacy recipient in history,” said Hansen III. “La Salle University is the place that made me feel accepted and part of something bigger.”

BLOCS received the 2023 Lasallian Impact Award. This honor recognizes organizations that value education in the spirit of St. John Baptist de La Salle, while also demonstrating respect for employees; valuing diversity of thought; nurturing mentorship; and acting ethically, collaboratively, responsibly. Founded in 1980, BLOCS is committed to providing access to high-quality, values-based Catholic education as an alternative to local public schools for any eligible pre-K, elementary school, high school, and special education students.

“For over 40 years, BLOCS, in conjunction with our partner schools, has created boundless educational opportunities for students all across the Philadelphia area,” said BLOCS CEO Dave Rowan. “We are thrilled to have received the Lasallian Impact Award honoring the important work we do in stewarding the next generation of leaders through the power of education.”