St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center is honoring the church’s founder, Monsignor Vincent Krische, at its annual Wine Fest in Kansas City.

Krische served as a chaplain and a director at St. Lawrence for 30 years. Two years ago, he became pastor at St. Ann Catholic Church in Prairie Village.

“Monsignor Vincent Krische really made St. Lawrence what it is today,” said the Rev. Steve Beseau, who became pastor at St. Lawrence in March 2006. Beseau has known Krische since he was a student at Kansas University, more than 20 years ago.

The award will recognize Krische as a witness and servant to the church, symbolizing traits of the parish’s patron, St. Lawrence, Beseau said.

“We hope it will be an affirmation and word of thanks to all he’s given to St. Lawrence over the years and for all he did to make this place possible,” he said.

Krische always had students in mind when he envisioned the church. Krische said the campus center has served as a model for several other public universities because of its relationship with the school, students and faith-based education it provides.

“I noticed that about 90 percent of our Catholic students are in public universities,” he said. “I thought we’d give them the best of both worlds, education and faith education. Students would have a great opportunity for a future.”

About 350 students have enrolled every semester for theology classes in the past several years, Krische said. He’s heard from many students who said the theology helped them make sense of their KU classes.

“It integrates with life,” he said.

Doug Longstaff, director of development, said the Wine Fest is a fundraiser and an opportunity to bring the alumni and the community together. The event will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Camelot Ballroom, 6635 W. 151st St. in Overland Park. The event will include a live auction, wine tasting, dinner and live music from the band Bali Root.