This scholarship was established in 1986 to acknowledge the "devoted service and pastoral guidance" of Father Eugene Gries, O.Praem. upon completion of his seventeen years of service to St. Norbert College.

"My call to religious life was influenced by pastors in my own home parish and the Norbertines who helped on weekends there. My attendance at St. Norbert College had a great impact on me. I entered the Norbertine Order in 1962. By God's good grace, I made my Solemn Profession in 1967 and was ordained a priest the following year in March, 1968 on the Feast of St. Joseph. The past almost 33 years as a Norbertine Priest, I have enjoyed the many opportunities to serve. My present experience in Albuquerque too is a special blessing. For this I give thanks to many."

Fr. Gene Gries was recently honored again by having the newest residence hall named after him, and he is a frequent visitor to the St. Norbert College campus.