For nearly four decades, Kenneth L. Woodward has been the Religion Editor for Newsweek Magazine, producing more than 1,500 articles and 80 cover stories on family life, politics, aging, dying, and man's relationship with God. In addition, he had authored five books. Thus, amidst Newsweek's coverage of current event, business, arts and science, Mr. Woodward has included relevance for religion.
The foundation of his career began at Notre Dame University, where he graduated cum laude. He then went on to receive his Master's Degree in English from the University of Iowa, and to conduct graduate studies in comparative literature at the University of Strasbourg in France.
His academic appointments have included an invitation as a Regents' Visiting Lecturer at the University of California in Santa Barbara, and a Fellowship at the National Humanities Center in North Carolina.
During his tenure at Newsweek, Mr. Woodward has reported from five continents on a variety of topics. In one of his major cover stories, he astutely noted that there is a figure of Jesus Christ in all world religions, not just Christianity. In a discussion about that story, Woodward explained that "For Christians, Christ is alive, not dead. And what he has taught has enduring significance, especially in a blind, ignorant and warring era like our own."
Mr. Woodward's work has been widely recognized, including a National Magazine Award from the American Society of Magazine Editors for his popularly acclaimed article "The Greying of America." He has also been honored by organizations such as Women In Communications, the American Psychological Foundation, and the Religious Public Relations Council. The Religious Newswriters Association praised him for "excellence in preparation of a weekly religious section in the secular press," and the Catholic Press Association cited him for "best article on Catholic life in a general magazine."
Siena College today recognizes Kenneth L. Woodward with an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.