Kellom Receives Fatherhood Award

Gar Kellom, executive director of the Men's Center for Leadership and Service at Saint John's University, was recently presented with the 2010 Excellence in Fatherhood Award for Individual of the Year by the Minnesota Fathers & Families Network. The award was presented at the Strong Foundations and Minnesota Fatherhood Summit Jan. 14 in Alexandria, Minn.

The Minnesota Fathers & Families Network annually recognizes programs and individuals who are advancing fatherhood policy and practice throughout Minnesota.

Kellom has served in higher education for four decades. In1992, Kellom joined SJU and began to focus on articulating and supporting the mission of one of the country's four all-male institutions of higher education. Over the years, he has led men's discussion groups, retreats and service trips and has helped launch national discussions about men's spirituality, health and service. Kellom is a pioneer, nudging people toward healthier notions of manhood and masculinity.

"It was especially impactful receiving the award from a group of people who are all so highly qualified and dedicated to working to improve the lives of fathers and their offspring," Kellom said. "I would only accept with the proviso that there are so many more deserving of this recognition."

Kellom has served on the Minnesota Fathers & Families Network board of directors since 2005. During his tenure on the board, he has been a strong advocate to embrace healthy masculinity in people's lives. He promotes an understanding that masculinity can be humble, generous and caring.