Peter Finney, Jr. ’74 has been named Jesuit’s 2024-25 Alumnus of the Year. This prestigious award is presented annually to an alumnus who embodies Jesuit’s mission through exceptional achievements and service to Jesuit and the wider community. Finney will be honored at the Alumni Homecoming Reception on November 2 at Jesuit.

Upon receiving the news of his selection as Alumnus of the Year, Finney expressed his gratitude: “I am shocked, humbled, and honored. Jesuit was such a powerful educational experience that has become a major part of my life.”

Jesuit’s president, Fr. John Brown, S.J., praised Finney’s dedication and contributions, saying, “Peter’s life and career embody the values we strive to instill in our students. His achievements in journalism and his service to the Catholic community are truly commendable.”

Finney has been the executive editor and general manager of the Clarion Herald, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, since 1993. His journalistic excellence has been recognized with numerous local and national awards, including the Individual Excellence Award for an Editor/Writer from the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada in 2001 and 2009, and the St. Francis de Sales Award in 2013, the highest honor from the Catholic Press Association.

Finney’s career began in sports journalism, where he worked as a sportswriter for the New York Post from 1981 to 1990, covering major events such as the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 and the Seoul Olympics in 1988. He was honored with the “Dick Young Award” by B’Nai B’Rith International in 1988 for his outstanding contributions as one of New York’s top sports journalists. In 1990, he joined the New York Daily News as a beat reporter, covering the New York Knicks and the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.

Growing up in Gentilly with his five siblings, Finney attended St. Leo the Great School before entering Jesuit High School as a pre-freshman in 1969. At Jesuit, he was active in the Glee Club, The Jayson, Student Council, the golf team, and the Big Brothers program. He was a National Merit finalist and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in communications from Loyola University New Orleans in 1978.

“I owe so much to my father, whose joy in his work at the States-Item and Times-Picayune influenced my career decisions,” he added. “My wife, Carolyn, has been my rock, raising our four kids with lots of love during my long hours and travels. Her support allowed me to serve others through my work.”

Reflecting on his time at Jesuit, Finney said confidently, “Jesuit transformed my life in so many ways.”

He fondly recalls memorable experiences that shaped his character. “I remember being the smallest kid at Jesuit, 4-foot-10 and 80 pounds.” He attributes much of his success to the rigorous academic environment and the values instilled in him during his years at Jesuit.

“The education I received at Jesuit not only prepared me for college but also laid the foundation for my career and life,” Finney said.

Reflecting on his teachers, he emphasized their profound impact, particularly those who combined intellectual rigor with deep spiritual guidance. “I look forward to having the chance to recall and share many of these stories in the coming weeks and months,” he smiled.

He credits these formative experiences for shaping his approach to both his personal and professional life. He reports that the discipline and critical thinking skills he developed at Jesuit have been invaluable throughout his journey in journalism.

Finney has co-authored three books, including The Archbishop Wore Combat Boots, a memoir of Archbishop Philip Hannan, and a compilation of his father’s best sports columns. He and his wife have been married for 45 years and have four children, including two daughters, Rebecca Finney Fernandes and Sarah Finney Algu, and two sons, Peter Finney III ’02 and Dr. Jonathan Finney ’06. They have six grandchildren, four of whom live in New Orleans. 

Alumni and their spouses or guests are invited to Jesuit’s Alumni Homecoming Reception where Finney will be honored on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Attire is coat and tie. Registration is required.