Xavier University receives $4 million donation for establishment of College of Osteopathic Medicine

A financial gift from Dr. Robert Heidt Jr., Julia Heidt, and the Adam R. Scripps Foundation is putting Xavier University on the path toward establishing its future College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is planned for 2027. The Xavier University College of Osteopathic Medicine aims to graduate its first class in 2031, which would coincide with the university’s bicentennial celebration.

According to an article on Xavier University’s website, Dr. Heidt was quoted as saying of his and his wife’s financial support of the new College of Osteopathic Medicine, “As longtime members of the health care community, our family understands the critical importance of solving the physician shortage our country faces, and we are proud to support Xavier in addressing this need. The Xavier University College of Osteopathic Medicine will serve as a tremendous asset to the community, and we are excited to witness that impact in the years ahead.”

This is only the latest round of donations from Dr. and Julia Heidt; the couple has, in total, given Xavier University $8 million. Past financial support has gone toward numerous efforts, including the construction of the Heidt Family Champions Center in 2021 that houses many of the school’s athletic teams.

Of the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine's webpage, Colleen Hanycz, PhD, the president of Xavier University, said, “Xavier's mission is deeply tied to our culture of care, making our campus a perfect fit for a College of Osteopathic Medicine. This college will sit squarely at the intersection of community need, Xavier’s established academic strengths and a remarkable Jesuit Catholic mission that emphasizes service that is rooted in justice and love. We will soon welcome aspiring doctors with servants’ hearts, instilling in them the knowledge, skills and values that will empower them to make a true difference through their profession.”

Hanycz acknowledged the support of the Heidts and how instrumental it is in bringing the College of Osteopathic Medicine to fruition. She was quoted as saying, “This remarkably generous gift lends further support to a project that will change the primary care landscape in our state and beyond. The Xavier University College of Osteopathic Medicine embodies our longstanding Jesuit Catholic mission, which includes fostering wellness in all dimensions while meeting critical community needs. Bringing this vision to fruition would not be possible without the support of the Heidt family, and I am sincerely grateful for their continued commitment to Xavier’s mission.”

For more information about Xavier University, visit the school’s website.