The description of the John F. Barry Spirit of Saint Anselm College Award states, “In recognition of John's dedication and enthusiasm for Saint Anselm College, The John F. Barry, '40, Spirit of Saint Anselm College Award is given to an alumnus whose personal and/or professional life embodies the enthusiasm and spirit for the Saint Anselm College Community.”

Of that description, two words stand out: dedication and enthusiasm. These two words describe this year’s award recipient, Paul Casey. From the moment Paul stepped foot on campus in 1966, he has made a profound difference in the lives of his classmates and friends. Paul’s involvement on campus included the King Edward Society, the Debate Society, and the Crier, which ultimately culminated with his service as Student Government President during his senior year. Paul continues to serve the Anselmian Community by being actively involved in planning his class’s 50^th Anniversary Reunion in 2020, and he is currently serving on the Board of the Center for Ethics in Society.

Economic and community development shaped the work of Paul while he served as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maryland, and this informed his work as an advisor to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

There seems to be a debate in some circles as to whether housing is a commodity or a human right. If we look at the life and career of Paul Casey, the answer becomes clear: housing is a human right, and access to affordable housing is fundamental to the promotion of the common good. Most of Mr. Casey's practice included the representation of housing authorities in the financing and development of affordable multifamily and single-family housing.

Max Latona, Professor of Philosophy and the Executive Director of the Center for Ethics in Society, writes, “Paul has been a tremendous source of support for the Center for Ethics in Society almost since its inception. Since 2018, he has been a member of the Center’s Housing We Need Steering Committee, using his extensive nationwide legal experience with affordable housing to provide guidance to the Center in addressing New Hampshire’s housing crisis. In the last year, he was elected to serve on the Center’s distinguished Advisory Board. Paul and his wife, Kathleen, also annually provide generous financial support to both the operations of the Center, and an endowed fund that will help sustain the Center long into the future. I regularly rely on Paul for his wisdom, and I am immensely grateful for his support.”

Thanks to the work, integrity, passion, and purpose of Paul Casey, more people are able to go to bed each night with a roof over their heads.