August 1, 2012

DAYTON, Ohio — Marianist Brother Raymond L. Fitz, the longest-serving president in University of Dayton history, will be inducted into the Dayton Walk of Fame Sept. 20.

Brother Raymond, the Ferree Professor of Social Justice for the past decade, was nominated by University of Dayton President Daniel J. Curran for the honor.

 

Brother Raymond led the University of Dayton from 1979-2002 with “an extraordinary blend of strength, compassion and faith” and continues to work tirelessly in addressing issues of poverty, child protection, urban education reform and neighborhood development in the Dayton region, according to Curran.

 

Deborah A. Feldman, former Montgomery County administrator, said Brother Raymond strengthened the social services safety net in the Dayton region.

 

“For nearly 20 years, I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Brother Ray on numerous initiatives that touch the lives of our most vulnerable citizens,” wrote Feldman in a support letter.  “The Dayton Walk of Fame honors individuals who have made this community proud ‘every step of the way.’  I can think of no one more fitting for that honor than Brother Ray.”

 

John E. Moore Sr., a 1955 University of Dayton alumnus who collaborated with Brother Raymond on a number of community initiatives, called him “one of the most respected and effective leaders of our time.

 

“He leaves a legacy of innovation and unparalleled service to mankind,” he wrote in a letter of support.

 

Brother Raymond is one of six honorees this year. The inductees include Doris Ponitz and Milton Kantor. John David Siebenthaler, Tony Stein and Rudolph Wurstner will be recognized posthumously.

 

“I am very humbled to be listed among so many people that have made a difference in Dayton,” said Brother Raymond, a 1964 alumnus. “I am very grateful for the recognition made by the committee.”

 

The Walk of Fame is located on the sidewalks along West Third Street in the historic Wright-Dunbar Business District — home of the Wright brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar.

 

The Walk of Fame recognition luncheon is slated for 11 a.m., Sept. 20, at the Ponitz Center at Sinclair Community College. For more information, contact Carol Sampson, director of community development for Wright-Dunbar Inc., at 937-443-0249.