Campaign Notebook

 

 

One for All | Robert Thierauf’s connections to Xavier ran deep. He graduated with a BSBA in 1958 and earned an MBA in 1960. He began teaching in the Williams College of Business in 1965 and continued for almost three decades. So perhaps it isn’t surprising that when Thierauf died in January 2009 at age 75, he remembered Xavier with a gift of $100,000 and 1,500 books.
  
    “Bob was loyal to Xavier,” says Tom Clark, professor and Castellini Chair in Entrepreneurial Studies for the Williams College of Business, and a colleague of Thierauf. “He did everything the school asked him to do. He became chairman of the Department of Management and Information Systems and created an excellent management department. He was also very supportive of younger faculty and often co-published things with them.”
   
    Thierauf was widely known as a patron of the arts in Greater Cincinnati and was a supporter of Xavier’s jazz and piano series and many Cincinnati theaters. “He was a kind and generous friend to his Xavier colleagues, frequently giving them free tickets to shows that he sponsored,” Clark recalls.
   
    Thierauf’s book collection, including English and foreign-language translations of many of the more-than 35 books he authored or coauthored, have found a home in McDonald Library, according to Kathann Koehler, estate administrator and relationship manager for the Office of Gift and Estate Planning. The cash portion of the gift is unrestricted.

    “An unrestricted gift is always good because the Board of Trustees and Fr. Graham can choose the area where the need is greatest and apply the money there,” Koehler says. “It often helps fill the gaps. It’s a lovely gift.”

Distinguished Alum | Robert Conway’s dedication to Xavier is no secret. Recently, the 1949 graduate underscored this commitment once again, providing funding for the new Institute for Jesuit Education, which is a key component of the Learning Commons and the James E. Hoff, S.J., Academic Quad.

    From his time on campus as captain of the Musketeer football team and president of the student council to his service as a member of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Jesuit Identity Committee, Conway has been a leader, generous with his time and resources. This most recent gift is the latest in a long history of support. Together with his wife, Ruth, who shares a passion for Xavier, Conway has supported a wide range of initiatives, from club football to the landmark exhibit, “A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul and the Jewish People.” They are also members of The 1831 Society and the All For One club, and participate in the Cintas Center Club Seat Program. Conway is a past member of the President’s Advisory Council and the Alumni Board of Governors.

    At commencement on May 16, the University honored Conway’s commitment to Jesuit values, as well as his personal achievements and his outstanding service to both the University and greater society, by presenting him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.