XAVIER HONORS A GREAT JESUIT

CINCINNATI – The late Fr. Jim Hoff, SJ, former president and chancellor of Xavier University, was named recipient of the school’s 2004 St. Francis Xavier Award.

Fr. Hoff received the award, given annually at the undergraduate commencement ceremony, just weeks prior to succumbing to cancer. The award recognizes outstanding individuals who reflect the qualities of St. Francis Xavier – a man of action, courage, daring and imagination – and who manifest high moral principles in their personal lives.

In receiving the award, Fr. Hoff was cited for strengthening curriculum, bolstering the university’s endowments, creating a national alumni association, developing a nationally recognized basketball program, and overseeing renovation and revitalization of Xavier’s campus, culminating in the construction of the Cintas Center basketball arena/conference and banquet center and the Gallagher Student Center.

The late Fr. Jim Hoff, SJ as depicted in a sculpture by Tom Tsuchiya. Unveiled in 2002, the statue stands outside Hoff Dining Hall, which is located in the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinatti.

After 16 years of distinguished service at Creighton University, Fr. Hoff was named president of Xavier in 1991. He had been chancellor since 2001. Fr. Hoff considered formulating Xavier’s vision his most important legacy since it has governed planning, allocation of resources and hiring, which, in turn, gives many graduates a sense that his vision continues to be realized in them.

back to news