In December, CISE announced it has received a $50 million pledge from Harry and Linda Fath to the CISE Foundation. This transformational donation, the largest in CISE’s 40-year history, will establish an endowment that will award Catholic high school scholarships to graduates of CISE-supported Catholic elementary schools. In addition, the gift will strengthen student support systems at local high schools to help ensure the continued success of these scholars.

The Faths have a long and distinguished history of support for CISE. Harry was a long-standing member of the CISE Board of Trustees and now serves as an Emeritus Member. In addition, he played an instrumental role in creating the CISE Foundation. Harry and Linda Fath have been loyal contributors to CISE for several decades.

“On behalf of CISE, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to Harry and Linda for their remarkable generosity,” said CISE President Philip R. McHugh. “Their continued support will enable CISE to provide the resources necessary for our students to continue their Catholic, value-based education. A quality education is the best investment we can make in our children and community.”

CISE was created in 1982 by Archbishop of Cincinnati Joseph Bernadin and businessmen Ralph Lazarus and Edward Harness. This trio of community leaders of three different faiths united with the mutual goal of utilizing these parish schools, providing Catholic school opportunities for challenged families, and leveraging the generosity of the broader community. Today, CISE supports nearly 2,300 students attending 10 elementary schools and an additional 406 students attending a Catholic high school.

“CISE is a remarkable organization in our Cincinnati community. Linda and I are honored to make this gift to the CISE Foundation to provide a quality, Catholic education for the inner-city children of Cincinnati,” said Harry Fath. “My own Catholic education made me who I am today. It is our hope that this gift will transform the lives of many children for the better.”

Harry Fath was raised in Cincinnati and graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1959. He continued his Catholic education at The University of Notre Dame, later serving in the U.S. Army and earning a law degree. He is the owner of Fath Properties, a real estate firm. The Faths are active and dedicated supporters to many Cincinnati organizations, helping improve the lives of countless families and children through their generous gifts.