St. Norbert Ambassador of Peace Award

Honoring Norbert of Xanten’s legacy of reconciliation, each year St. Norbert College recognizes an individual who has been an influential advocate for sustainable peace in our world. The St. Norbert Ambassador of Peace demonstrates the qualities of a peacemaker in a consistent and outstanding manner: respect for persons, promotion of dialogue, nonviolent conflict resolution, reconciliation and forgiveness.

2024 Ambassadors of Peace, Deacon Steve Meyer and Tony Pichler: 

Deacon Steve Meyer and Tony Pichler are impactful workers for peace and justice, building up the reign of God in our own neck of the woods. They beautifully live out the cherished Norbertine value of stabilitas loci, a deep and abiding commitment to the local community.

Deacon Steve Meyer:

In addition to his work in strategic marketing with the Karma Group, Steve Meyer is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Green Bay, currently serving St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish. He’s author of a handful of books, including God Plays a Purple Banjo, Jesus Wears Socks with Sandals, and Real Presence: Eucharist as an Approach to Life. He’s widely appreciated as an engaging speaker, inviting listeners to consider important theological and ethical matters with depth and humor. 

Tony Pichler:

Tony Pichler is currently Mission Outreach Director at Resurrection Parish. He’s served as Director for youth ministry and lay ministry formation for the Diocese of Green Bay as well as Director of the Norbertine Center for Spirituality. He is a graduate of St. Norbert College’s Master of Theological Studies program and has served on our MTS Advisory Committee for 25 years – consistently bringing his experience, insight, and joyful presence to the benefit of our program. 

Partners for the Common Good:

These two impressive men, over many years, have become partners for the common good. It’s worth remembering that the earliest Christian disciples went out two by two rather than alone. They were sent to do good, to set the world on fire in friendship. That’s what Deacon Steve and Tony have done – together – here in our own community. Together, they founded StreetLights Outreach, meeting people where they are, inviting them into conversation, and providing a positive presence in at-risk neighborhoods in Green Bay. They were instrumental in the founding of St. John Evangelist Homeless Shelter and the Micah Center daytime resource center for unhoused and at-risk brothers and sisters. Together, they co-founded Whatsoever You Do which – as described in its mission statement is “a community of justice and service that is a leaven for love and mercy in the Green Bay area focused on the works of mercy.” The initiatives of this amazing umbrella organization, include StreetLights Outreach, Spokes of Hope (which rehabs bikes and provides reliable transportation for folks who need it), the Giving Garden (a community garden on the east side of Green Bay), Amani Outreach (a program for seniors and adults with disabilities that provides social engagement and help with daily tasks), and Spirit Way (providing virtual spiritual resources). Whatsover You Do has been an excellent community partner for SNC's community-engaged courses, providing our students meaningful opportunities to serve in the community. 

In the words of Peter Maurin (co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement), Deacon Steve and Tony have made the world a place in which it is "easier to be good." For this, we are most grateful. 

Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024

11:30 a.m. Award presentation and Celebratory Brunch Reception

Cassandra Voss Center

This event is sponsored by the Norman Miller Center for Peace, Justice & Public Understanding at St. Norbert College.