Nov 2, 2022

Xavier University today announced receipt of a $50-million gift from Harry and Linda Fath. This extraordinary gift is the largest in the University’s 191-year history and will enhance Xavier’s ability to make its Jesuit Catholic education more affordable to talented students. Reclassified as a Doctoral Professional university this year by the Carnegie Foundation, Xavier debuted as a “National University” in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges list, which included a ranking of 54th in the nation for undergraduate teaching.

“Harry and Linda’s remarkable gift will transform Xavier University as we approach our third century of providing life-changing experiences, one student at a time. This contribution will significantly benefit our endowment, enhancing our ability to make a Xavier education possible for generations to come,” said Xavier University President Colleen Hanycz, PhD. “As Xavier launches our next strategic plan, we have spent the past year developing a bold vision for our future, raising our sights in this region and beyond. This gift encourages audacious thinking.”

“Xavier is a significant asset to our community. Linda and I are honored to be able to make this gift to Xavier University,” Harry Fath shared. “My own Jesuit, Catholic education made me who I am today. It is our hope that this gift will change thousands of lives for the better and allow for a Xavier education to be available to those who seek the experience.”

Raised in Cincinnati, Harry Fath graduated from St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati in 1959, graduated from Notre Dame, served in the U.S. Army, and earned a law degree. Fath began making investments in real estate, which led to the founding of Fath Properties. While building the company, Fath also engaged in numerous civic and business activities in this region and beyond. Linda Fath has been a dedicated supporter of local Cincinnati organizations including Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati Art Museum, Greater Cincinnati Foundation and several other civic and social activities.

“Xavier is honored and humbled to be the recipient of this transformational gift”, noted Gary Massa, Vice President for University Relations at Xavier. “The Faths are true champions of Cincinnati. Their gifts among many – from the Arts to St. Xavier High School, the Lindner Center of Hope, the Cincinnati Zoo, and now Xavier University – leave a lasting legacy that will have an impact on their hometown for generations to come. The Faths have highlighted the Jesuit motto of being Men and Women For and With Others.”

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-longest-running Catholic university in the nation. U.S. News & World Report ranks Xavier as one of the best universities in the country, while The Princeton Review names it one of the “Best 388 Colleges in America.” Follow Xavier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.