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Marquette University is drawing criticism from a Christian social justice group after presenting an award Thursday to U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan.

Faithful America, a national organization that claims approximately 280,000 members, said by presenting Ryan with the Les Aspin Center 2014 Public Service Award, the university is trading on the Republican's popularity with the superwealthy to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The organization said Ryan's proposed budget "slashes lifelines to the poor and middle class in ways that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have previously condemned as immoral."

The award was presented to Ryan, the chairman of the House Budget Committee, at a luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The cost of registration for the event was $150. However, attendees could make scholarship donations of up to $25,000 for additional recognition, guests and tables at the luncheon.

Faithful America has started an online petition demanding the university donate proceeds from the event to the poor.

On Thursday night, Marquette spokesman Andy Brodzeller said the funds raised from the event will benefit students of the university's Les Aspin Center for Government, and that the award was given to Ryan because of his support for the center.

Brodzeller added that the award is not an endorsement of Ryan's proposed budget.

He also noted that the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, of which Marquette is a member, sent a letter to Ryan this week stating it does not endorse Ryan's proposals.

"Marquette University stands with the Catholic Church in its commitment to the preferential option for the poor," Brodzeller said, referring to the church teaching that sets a priority on caring for the most vulnerable members of society.

Michael Sherrard, executive director of Faithful America, said if Marquette is truly committed to helping the poor, "raising money off Congressman Ryan is unconscionable."

Sherrard said the petition drive has already gathered 16,000 signatures and said his organization will deliver them to the university in the next several days.