Dr. Norman White Memorial Celebration and Awards
Saint Louis University honors the life and legacy of Norman White, Ph.D., an accomplished scholar who was highly respected for his academic knowledge, research and published works.
About Norman A. White
Norman White, Ph.D., (1953-2017) was a distinguished criminologist and associate professor at Saint Louis University (SLU), renowned for his profound impact on both the academic community and the broader St. Louis area. Born in New York City, he earned his bachelor's and Master of Public Administration degrees from Marist College, followed by a master's and doctorate from the State University of New York at Albany. In 2004, White joined SLU's faculty, where he became a passionate advocate for social justice and a leading voice in reforming the juvenile justice system.
His research explored the systemic issues contributing to youth violence, and he dedicated his career to mentoring students, fostering community engagement, and addressing racial inequities. He led initiatives such as the Overground Railroad to Literacy Project and Shut It Down: Closing the School to Prison Pipeline, which aimed to support vulnerable children and promote educational equity in the St. Louis area.
White's legacy lives on through the annual Norman A. White Lecture Series, the Dr. Norman A. White Faculty Award for Engaged Scholarship and Service, and the Dr. Norman White Service in Justice Student Award — each established to honor his unwavering commitment to education, justice, and community service. His work continues to inspire future generations dedicated to equity and meaningful change.
Fifth annual Norman White Memorial Celebration
6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Join us in celebrating the enduring legacy of Norman White, Ph.D., at the fifth annual Norman White Memorial Celebration. This year’s event will feature heartfelt reflections, engaging discussions, and recognition of those who embody White’s dedication to social justice and community engagement. Highlights include:
- A welcome address by Liz White, White’s widow
- A panel discussion featuring colleagues who worked closely with White, sharing stories of his impact
- The announcement of this year’s student recipient of the Dr. Norman White Service in Justice Award
- Tabling by SLU organizations and departments as well as community organizations to share resources and opportunities to get involved
Saint Louis University has honored Norman A. White's legacy through a series of annual lectures and events:
- 2024: The 2024 Norman A. White Lecture featured DeMarco K. Davidson, a community leader with a background in education, engineering, and youth development. Davidson, known for his work as a field organizer for President Barack Obama, is also the executive director of Metropolitan Congregations United. His efforts focus on addressing the school-to-prison pipeline and fostering unity across urban and rural communities in Missouri.
- 2023: The 2023 Norman A. White Lecture featured Precious Barry, a youth activist and entrepreneur. The event focused on empowering youth, particularly from black and brown communities, to speak out on critical issues. As a Riverview Gardens High School alum, Barry continues to advocate for educational equality.
- 2019: Flint W. Fowler, Ph.D., president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis since 1996, was the featured speaker for the second annual Norman A. White Lecture. A longtime friend and colleague of White, Fowler embodies a deep commitment to social justice and youth advocacy. A St. Louis native, he holds degrees from Washington University and a Ph.D. in education from SLU. His leadership and service have earned him numerous national and local awards, recognizing his impact on youth development and community engagement.
- 2018: The inaugural lecture in 2018 featured Judge Jimmie Edwards, a SLU alumnus and the director of public safety for the City of St. Louis. Edwards, who previously served as the administrative judge of the Family Court and chief juvenile court judge from 2007 to 2012, has been nationally recognized for his transformative work with juvenile offenders. His initiatives include founding a high school for students expelled from other institutions, an effort that earned him national honors and a feature in People magazine.
The Dr. Norman White Service in Justice Award honors the legacy of White and is presented to an undergraduate criminology and criminal justice student who, in the faculty’s judgment, exemplifies his unwavering dedication to service and justice.
- 2024 recipient: Katie Luu
- 2023 recipient: Grace Winters
- 2022 recipient: Lexi Delongchamp
- 2021 recipient: Tyler M. Garcia
- 2020 recipient: Hannah Foley
- 2019 recipient: Jennifer Daniels
- 2018 recipient: Regan McGrail
The Dr. Norman A. White Award for Engaged Scholarship and Service honors faculty members at SLU who exemplify community-engaged scholarship and a dedication to social justice.
Established in 2018, the award recognizes those who, like White, foster collaborative academic-community partnerships. Recipients of this award have demonstrated exceptional commitment to mentoring students, engaging with the community, and conducting research that addresses systemic inequalities, continuing White’s legacy of transformative scholarship and service.