President and Chief Mission Officer Father Raymond P. Guiao, S.J. ’82 was named the 2025 recipient of the Richard W. Pogue Award for Excellence in Community Leadership and Engagement by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation (CMBF). This is the highest honor afforded by the CMBF and will be presented to Fr. Guiao at the Rock the Foundation 19 event on February 8 at the Music Box Supper Club.
“Father Guiao’s leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for Cleveland’s youth align perfectly with the mission of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation,” said CMBF President Eric Levasseur ’95. “By championing educational equity and inspiring the next generation of leaders in our community, he embodies the spirit of the Pogue Award.”
Fr. Guiao’s dedication to expanding opportunities has been particularly impactful through his support of The Welsh Academy. The Welsh Academy prioritizes educational equity, preparing students from families of modest economic means for success in high-performing high schools, college, and beyond. Each Welsh Academy student’s tuition is sponsored through the generosity of benefactors. Fr. Guiao’s work reflects the Bar Foundation’s mission of fostering leadership, building strong communities, and supporting future generations.
The Richard W. Pogue Award, first presented in 2015, recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, commitment to civic engagement, and a lasting impact on the Cleveland community.
Watch the video below!