Ralph McInerny, prof. emer. of philosophy, former director of the Maritain Center at Notre Dame, and author of over 100 books in philosophy, history, translation, and – what he’s most known for – mysteries, particularly the Fr. Dowling novels and the recent Notre Dame series. 
     His writing awards include:  Bouchercon Lifetime Achievement Award (1993), Agatha Award (1988), and Best Short Story for “Dutiful Son” (1988). He was the first recipient of the James Schall Award for Teaching and Humane Letters (2008), and received the most prestigious award in philosophy, the Gifford Lectures (1999–2000).