Leo Nestor, BA 1974, will compose and conduct for Pope Francis and received the 2015 faculty award for scholarly achievements in the creative arts at Catholic University of America

Leo Nestor, [California State University, East Bay: B.A. Music, 1974] Justine Bayard Ward Professor; Director of Choral Studies; Director, Institute of Sacred Music; Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at The Catholic University of America received the 2015 faculty award for scholarly achievements in the creative arts.
http://publicaffairs.cua.edu/releases/2015/faculty-luncheon.cfm

Prof. Nestor is a member of the conducting faculty and cooperating member of the composition faculty.  He conducts the CUA Chamber Choir and University Singers and guides the formation of graduate students in choral music and musica sacra.  On 23 September, Pope Francis will preside at the Mass of Canonization of Blessed Junípero Serra at which Nestor will conduct the CUA Chamber Choir and CUA Symphony Orchestra.  Nestor has been commissioned to compose music for the Mass, the fourth time such an honor has been accorded to him for the visit of a pontiff to the United States.