Xavier U. receives $50 million from Harry and Linda Fath; largest gift in 191-year history

Madeline Mitchell, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read

The largest gift in Xavier University's 191-year history is coming from notable Cincinnati philanthropists Harry and Linda Fath in the form of a $50 million check, officials announced Wednesday.

“This contribution will significantly benefit our endowment, enhancing our ability to make a Xavier education possible for generations to come,” university president Colleen Hanycz said in the news release. “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.”

The Faths have made several other donations to local schools this year, including at Harry Fath's alma mater St. Xavier High School and Springer School and Center in Hyde Park.

Harry Fath is a Cincinnati businessman and property owner. Fath Properties oversees more than 8,400 apartment homes in Ohio, Northern Kentucky, Indiana and Dallas, according to the company's website.

The Faths have made several multimillion dollar donations to various organizations in the arts, entertainment and education realms over the years. In 2018, they donated $50 million to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. That same year, the Faths donated $50 million to the Christian ministry Mercy Ships.

“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 said in the Wednesday news release. “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.”

Gary Massa, the university's vice president for university relations, said 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," Massa said. "The Faths have highlighted the Jesuit motto of being Men and Women For and With Others.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Xavier University receives largest gift in 191-year history