Fitz stepped down from his position in June 2002 and now works in the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community as the Fr. Ferree Professor of Social Justice.
“As president, Brother Ray moved the University of Dayton into national prominence,” said UD President Daniel J. Curran. “He’s still hard at work on issues of social justice and faith that have defined his life and left a permanent mark on this university. He richly deserves this honor, though it certainly was not easy talking him into it.”
Fitz, who is widely known for his humility, said Friday he thought about the request after Curran approached him.
“My personality is somewhat introverted so I don’t like a lot of recognition but as I talked to him (Curran), I told him I would think about it,” he said. Fitz said he has learned that part of serving is “not only do you have to be a gracious person and thank others but you also have to be able to receive thanks.
“I took it in that light. I am very humbled and thankful.”
The campus and Dayton community is invited to a dedication ceremony and open house at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The event is free and open to the public.
Fitz served as president from 1979 to 2002. The university’s announcement noted his ability to “think boldly and empower people,” and highlighted his work in growing the university’s operating budget, endowment and sponsored research.
An engineer by training, Fitz chaired Montgomery County’s Child Protection Task Force in the 1990s in response to the deaths of five children in Dayton’s child welfare system. He has worked on two successful human services levy campaigns. As the Ferree Professor of Social Justice at UD, he has provided, “leadership on community boards and teaches classes that connect Catholic social teaching to urban justice issues.”
Outside of the new Fitz Hall will be a statue of Jesus the Teacher, the university announcement said. The statue will be designed by Joseph Aspell, a 1968 alumnus, whose other work around the campus include statues of Mary, of William Joseph Chaminade and of Joseph carrying a young Jesus.
Images of the statue will be shared at the dedication and is expected to installed next year, the announcement said.
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