The Centennial Institute, Colorado Christian University’s (CCU) think tank, held its annual Christmas party on December 12, where Brittany Vessely, executive director of the Colorado Catholic Conference, was honored with the Hon. John K. Andrews Award for “Colorado Leadership in Fidelity to Biblical and Conservative Principles.”
Previous recipients of the award include Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, former Colorado State Senator Mike Kopp, businessman Jeffrey H. Coors, former Congressman Bob Beauprez, former Colorado Lt. Governor Jane Norton, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson, former Colorado State Senator Kevin Lundberg, and current state representative Stephanie Luck.
Vessely received the award in recognition of her impactful work in the pro-life movement over the last three years. During this time, she was a founding member of the Pro-Life CO coalition of over 50 pro-life organizations, pregnancy centers, medical associations, and churches. Since its foundation, the coalition has worked together to cultivate a culture of life and co-sponsor the Colorado March for Life in 2024. The March will be held again on April 11, 2025.
Vessely expressed gratitude for the trust and support of the Colorado bishops, emphasizing that it was fitting that the ceremony be on the feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as she is the patroness of the unborn.
“This is deeply meaningful to me because John K. Andrews was my mentor when I was a CCU student,” said Vessely. Andrews praised her as setting the “gold standard” for the award’s future.
The evening was also marked by the return of former professor Greg Schaller as the new director of the Centennial Institute, a moment of personal significance for Vessely, as she was his student.
A trailblazer in more ways than one, Vessely was among the first three students to graduate with a politics degree from CCU. She dedicated the award to her family, particularly her three children, two of whom she carried while advocating for the rights of unborn children. Her three-year-old daughter, Ellie, inspired by her mother’s mission, says she wants to "save babies just like Mommy."
The award not only celebrates Vessely’s accomplishments but also highlights her personal journey of faith and perseverance as an example of the students Colorado Christian University produces.
Vessely concluded her speech about the recent pro-life battles and how Pro-Life CO will continue to fight to promote a culture of life in Colorado by encouraging attendees to join them, saying: “I also thank God for giving us all the perseverance and strength to keep up the fight, even in Colorado’s valley of death for preborn lives, for we know Christ is victorious and our obligation is to be his light and take up the mantle until he comes again.”
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