In 2014, King's College established an annual award for achievement and leadership in the name of Father James Lackenmier, C.S.C., seventh president of the College.  The Reverend James Lackenmier, C.S.C., Award for Achievement and Leadership is presented annually to a King's constituent who has achieved excellence in his/her field, who has demonstrated exceptional philanthropy and high ethical standards, and who embodies the spirit of King's College.

Father Lackenmier graduated from Stonehill College in 1961 with a B.A. in Philosophy and an S.T.L. from Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome in 1965.  He holds two masters degrees in English and Religion & Literature from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and The University of Chicago, respectively.

Ordained a priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross in December 1964, Father Lackenmier has been devoted to the ministry of education.  He arrived on King's campus in 1974 serving as the College Chaplain and later as the Director of Development before becoming President.  While at King's College, Father also served as Local Superior from 1974-1978.

Since leaving King's College, Father Lackenmier has ably served as Treasurer for the Congregation of Holy Cross.  He has served as Provincial Steward of the Eastern Province, Local Superior of the Holy Cross communities at Stonehill College, Cocoa Beach, Florida, and at Our Lady of Fatima House at Notre Dame.