CHICAGO — DePaul University and the Opus Prize Foundation are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2026 Opus Prize, a faith-based award for social entrepreneurship. The finalists are the Rev. David Kelly, C.PP.S., Nontsasa Nyovane, and the Rev. Vitaliy Novak, C.M. The Opus Prize Foundation awards $1 million to the laureate and $100,000 awards for two finalists to support their organizations.
“I am in awe of the life-changing work these leaders are doing around the world,” said Robert L. Manuel, president of DePaul University. “Their care for others reflects the core of our Catholic, Vincentian mission – acting boldly in service of human dignity. I appreciate the effort of our distinguished jury in selecting the finalists. I look forward to hearing the stories our student, faculty and staff ambassadors share about their journeys to witness the finalists in their communities. These finalists uplift and inspire us all to lead lives of service.”
The laureate will be announced at an awards ceremony and community celebration on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6 p.m. at DePaul’s Holtschneider Performance Center. The event is open to the public. Register on Eventbrite.
The theme for DePaul’s Opus Prize year, “Uplifting the Dignity of All,” reflects the university’s Catholic, Vincentian mission and commitment to advancing human dignity through education and service.
More about the finalists
- Fr. Kelly serves as executive director of Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, which promotes restorative justice and community-building among youth and families affected by violence in Chicago.
- Ms. Nyovane cares for orphan children and survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa, through after school care, parenting workshops, community gardens, employment trainings, and more.
- Fr. Novak is a Vincentian priest who founded Depaul Ukraine, which provides humanitarian relief to those displaced by conflict across the country. He serves as a frontline chaplain in the Ukrainian Air Force.
Read more about these unsung heroes on DePaul’s website.
“The finalists nominated by DePaul embody the spirit of the Opus Prize – tackling pressing challenges in their communities with faith-driven leadership and innovation,” said Daniel McGinty, executive director of the Opus Foundation. “I am excited to celebrate their inspiring work and engage students, faculty, staff, and all of Chicago in a week that highlights the power of service grounded in the dignity of all.”
The Opus Prize Foundation chose DePaul to host the 2026 Opus Prize, an annual prize that honors individuals and organizations whose work, rooted in faith, addresses some of the most persistent social challenges of our time. While the Opus Prize Foundation partners with a Catholic university to award the prize each year, the individual or organization receiving it may have roots in any faith.
DePaul convened experts from across the university to identify and research nominees. A distinguished jury of trustees, philanthropists and religious leaders selected the three finalists for the prize. Ambassador teams of DePaul students, faculty and staff completed site visits this summer with the Opus Prize Foundation.
“These faith-based humanitarian leaders are shining examples of bridgebuilders and peacemakers. They exemplify the DePaul mission that we profess and seek bring to life for our students and for the world,” said Interim Vice President for Mission and Ministry Mark Laboe, who chairs DePaul’s steering committee.
The 2026 Opus Prize process will culminate in DePaul hosting a week of celebration with the three finalists in October 2026, including an interfaith prayer service, class visits, and an awards ceremony. For more information about DePaul’s Opus Prize activities, visit the website.
Media contact
Mary Hansen
Mhanse26@depaul.edu
312-241-9856
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