Memorial Funds at Xavier Jesuit Academy
Memorial Funds at Xavier Jesuit Academy provide a meaningful way to honor a loved one while supporting XJA's mission of providing transformative, faith-based education to young men in grades 3-8. These funds can be established by anyone wishing to create a lasting legacy that supports student scholarships, educational resources, and programs aligned with Jesuit values of academic excellence and forming "Men for Others."
Each Memorial Fund becomes part of XJA's commitment to making quality education accessible to students from all backgrounds. Contributors can customize the focus of their fund to reflect their loved one's passions and priorities within the educational mission of the Academy.
To establish a Memorial Fund or learn more about existing funds and ways to contribute, please contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@xavierja.org.
The Myron M. Kilgore, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a pioneering educator (1936-2019) who broke barriers and embodied Jesuit values throughout his life. As the first African American football player to graduate from Xavier University (1958) and later the first African American faculty member at St. Xavier High School, Myron dedicated his career to education and justice.
During his 10 years at St. X High School, he served as an English teacher, guidance counselor, and coach while helping develop the SEP (Summer Enrichment Program), which became today's Companion Scholars Program. True to his middle name "Memory" and Cicero's wisdom that "Memory is the guardian of all things," Myron continued serving St. Xavier High School on the Board of Trustees and celebrated four grandsons who graduated from there.
This memorial fund ensures Myron's legacy of faith, intellectual competence, commitment to justice, and openness to growth continues opening doors for future generations of young men.
The Jane C. Schaefer Memorial Scholarship Fund for Xavier Jesuit Academy honors a woman whose life embodied the transformative power of education. From teaching multiple grades at John S. Connor School to co-directing Religious Education programs and founding the Parents Aid to Learning Program, Jane (1950-2025) dedicated herself to nurturing young minds with compassion and purpose. This fund continues her legacy of service and her belief that quality education can change lives—a mission perfectly aligned with XJA's commitment to developing "Men for Others" through faith-based, academically rigorous education.
MEMORIAL FUNDS
Dr. Ronald H. Fisher Memorial
Dr. Ronald H. Fisher exemplified Xavier Jesuit Academy's core values through his lifelong dedication to education. Born and raised in Cincinnati's Bond Hill neighborhood, the same community XJA now serves, Dr. Fisher's journey from St. Martin de Porres Boys Catholic High School to earning a PhD and teaching across multiple states reflects the transformative power of Catholic education. As teacher, coach, and mentor, he emphasized character development alongside academic achievement, embodying the Jesuit spirit of service to others. The Dr. Ronald H. Fisher Memorial Fund provides scholarships for XJA students, supporting academic excellence, community leadership, and character formation to develop young "Men for Others." Memorial contributions may be made through Xavier Jesuit Academy, ensuring Dr. Fisher's commitment to education continues impacting young lives for generations to come.
Betty Alice Murphy Memorial
Xavier Jesuit Academy mourns the loss of Betty Alice Murphy (1927 - 2025), a remarkable woman who embodied faith, grace, and service throughout her 97 years. Born during the Depression in Kentucky, Betty became a cherished member of the Cincinnati community through her dedication to education and music.
A graduate of La Salette Academy and The College of Mount Saint Joseph with a degree in Music Education, she was a piano player extraordinaire who shared her gift through private lessons and work with The Summit Country Day Montessori program. After being widowed at a young age, she courageously supported her family while volunteering with numerous organizations.
Betty was known for her devotion to family, poise, grace, and wonderful sense of humor. An accomplished bridge player and fixture at Hyde Park Country Club, she and her late husband Jack were famous for their annual Derby Day parties. Her legacy lives on through her children Beth, Joy, Jeff, and Greg; nine grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Her life exemplified the Jesuit values of faith, intellectual competence, commitment to justice, and openness to growth. In Betty's memory, memorials can be made to Xavier Jesuit Academy. To know Betty was to love her. May she rest in peace.
READ her full obituary.
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