Father Dave Pivonka, TOR '89 President | Franciscan University website

Franciscan University of Steubenville has received a multimillion-dollar donation from Ward and Kathy Fitzgerald to support student engagement in Washington, D.C.'s political and cultural activities. The $10 million gift will fund the Ward and Kathy Fitzgerald Franciscan University Homeland Mission (FUHM), providing students with resources to participate in the legislative process while fostering their faith.

The funds have enabled the acquisition of residential and learning facilities on Massachusetts Avenue in D.C., establishing a dedicated hub for the University's mission. An endowment will also be created to sustain FUHM's programs, including internships, job placements, networking opportunities, and continuing education.

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, president of Franciscan University, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Ward and Kathy Fitzgerald share Franciscan University’s zeal for the Gospel... Their generous gift will enable Franciscan to form students and others called to bring the heart of Jesus to the public processes in our nation’s capital."

Kathy Fitzgerald expressed gratitude for being able to contribute: “We have been provided great Providence... We are too well mindful that nothing we have created or hold is our own but graces and gifts from Our Lord.”

Ward Fitzgerald is CEO of EQT Exeter and founder of Exeter Property Group. He and his wife focus their philanthropy on various community causes including Catholic education, homelessness, poverty, addiction, child abuse prevention in Mexico, and medical research.

The couple are Trustees to the Papal Foundation. They were named Knight and Dame Grand Cross in the Order of St. Gregory the Great for their contributions during the 2015 World Meeting of Families. In 2025, they will receive the St. Charles Borromeo Award for their leadership within both local and broader Catholic communities.

Bob Hickey, vice president of Advancement at Franciscan University commented: “We are so grateful to Ward and Kathy Fitzgerald for their wonderful support... May God bless them for their generosity."

The FUHM forms part of Franciscan University's new Encounter initiative aimed at extending its mission beyond Steubenville through collaboration with various academic departments. Stephen Catanzarite will oversee programming alongside other university partners with initial student rotations starting this fall.

Further details on the Rebuild My Church Campaign can be found at giving.franciscan.edu.