The Myron M. Kilgore Sr. Scholarship Fund

We are honored to establish this memorial fund in recognition of Myron M. Kilgore, Sr. (1936-2019), a pioneering educator whose life embodied the Jesuit spirit of being a "man for others."

Myron's extraordinary journey began when he became the first African American football player to graduate from Xavier University in 1958. His commitment to education and justice led him to St. Xavier High School, where Fr. Jack Beckman, S.J. (Class of 1939) hired him as the first African American faculty member, breaking the color barrier at St. X.

For 10 years, Myron served with distinction as an English teacher, guidance counselor, and coach. He was instrumental in developing the SEP program, which evolved into today's Companion Scholars Program, a lasting testament to his vision for expanding educational opportunities.

When Myron received the Magis Award in 2011, it was noted that his middle name was Memory. As he reminded us through Cicero's wisdom, "Memory is the guardian of all things." Myron truly was the guardian of St. Xavier's values, later serving on the Board of Trustees and taking special pride in his four grandsons who all graduated from St. X.

This memorial fund honors Myron's legacy of faith, intellectual competence, commitment to justice, and openness to growth, ensuring that his memory continues to open doors for future generations of young men, just as he opened doors throughout his remarkable life.

"Memory is the guardian of all things." In honoring Myron M. Kilgore, Sr., we celebrate a life devoted to education, justice, and the formation of young men for others.