Xavier University receives $2 million gift for College of Osteopathic Medicine

Xavier University has received a $2 million gift from the Harold C. Schott Foundation in support of the university’s currently under construction College of Osteopathic Medicine. The gift will ensure the name of the main lecture hall within the new building to honor the Schott family. The gift was secured by Thomas Hiltz, a Xavier alumnus and the Board Chair of the Schott Foundation, and his wife, Francie Schott Hiltz, who is the organization’s Vice Chair.

According to an article on Xavier University's website, Colleen Hanycz, the university’s president, was quoted as saying of the Hiltzes’ support, “The Hiltz family’s Xavier roots run deep, and I could not be more thankful for their support of the University’s landmark endeavor to launch the world’s first medical school at a Jesuit institution. Xavier will soon begin educating values-centered, compassionate doctors of the highest quality, a bold undertaking made possible by the exceptional generosity of donors such as Thomas and Francie. Their commitment to the University, and that of the broader Musketeer community, is truly a blessing.”

The new College of Osteopathic Medicine will house a simulation hospital and two teaching kitchens, which will help students learn how to cook with the guidance of nutrition experts. The building will also feature a lecture hall, to be named after the Schott family, and a large meeting space.

Thomas Hiltz said, “A medical facility is one of the best ways to reach the large number of people who are in need. As Musketeer alumni, we are proud Xavier is taking this leadership role.”

Recently, on November 14, 2025, the construction project reached its estimated halfway point, with the traditional topping out ceremony being held. The final steel beam of the structure was put into place following being covered in signatures from ceremony attendees.

In a separate article on Xavier University’s website that covered the topping out ceremony details, Hanycz was quoted as saying, “Today marks another milestone for our University’s historic endeavor. As our community watched this world-class facility rise from the ground here on our Cincinnati campus, I could not help but look ahead to the life-changing outcomes this medical school will bring to our future doctors and their patients. This is a great day not only for Xavier, but for the entire state of Ohio and beyond, as we take another step toward addressing one of today’s most pressing health care needs.”

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