George Durenberger ‘28

Fr. Walter Reger, OSB – priest, professor, prefect, dean and friend – was the driving force behind the Saint John's University Alumni Association for years. He had ties to thousands of Johnnies, corresponding with many of them long into their alumni years. So ardent was his dedication that he became known as "Mr. Saint John's."

Since 1971, the Saint John's University Alumni Association has presented the Fr. Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award in honor of Fr. Walter's dedication. The award recognizes outstanding service to the Saint John's community by an alumnus. It is the highest honor given by the Alumni Association.

1972 Fr. Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus
George Durenberger ‘28
SJU athletic director and coach

George Durenberger had one employer throughout his professional life as a coach and athletic director: Saint John’s University. While he had many outside interests, he had a passion for keeping SJU alumni in touch with their alma mater. George worked closely for decades with Fr. Walter Reger, Alumni Association secretary, and his associate, Isabelle Durenberger (George’s wife), to expand the scope and services of the University Alumni Office to include volunteer opportunities, chapter activities and fund raising.

Recipients

2008 Dave Wendt '63
2007 Dick Nigon ’70
2006 Steve Slaggie ‘61
2005 Dan Whalen ‘70
2004 Bob Wicker ‘64
2003 Al Eisele ’58
2002 Dan Coborn ‘52
2001 Joe Mucha ‘66
2000 Thom Woodward ‘70
2000 Bill Sexton ‘55
1999 Don LeMay, OSB ‘48
1998 Len Mrachek ‘58
1997 Frank Ladner ‘48
1996 Mike Dady ‘71
1995 John Agee ‘70
1994 John Rogers ’63
1993 Tom McKeown ‘52
1992 Cleve Cram ‘38
1991 Tom Joyce ‘61
1990 Bob Shafer ‘54
1989 Don Talafous OSB ‘48
1988 Jerry Donovan ‘53
1987 George Hawkins ‘49
1986 Frank Grundman ‘48
1985 Jack O’Connell ‘42
1984 LeRoy Lilly ‘55
1983 Martin Schirber, OSB ‘39
1982 Jerry Terhaar ‘48
1981 Harry Holtz ‘39
1980 Joe Ryan ‘31
1979 Fran Miller ‘48
1978 Paul Huber ‘55
1977 Ed Devitt ‘32
1976 Matthew Kiess, OSB ‘21
1975 Henry Borgerding ‘07
1974 Fr. Dunstan Tucker, OSB ‘25
1973 Herb Adrian ‘29
1972 George Durenberger ‘28
1971 Fred Hughes '31