Welcome Center Room Named in Honor of Fisher Philanthropists

Over the summer, the Joseph S. Skalny Welcome Center Board Room received significant upgrades and on Wednesday, Oct. 13, College officials gathered to formally acknowledge the philanthropists who made the enhancements possible. The event celebrated the renaming of the space the James ’71 and Kathleen Leo Community Room, in honor of their generosity.

Led by President Gerard J. Rooney, the ceremony recognized the many ways James ’71 and Kathleen "Flower" Leo have supported the College; earlier this year, they were among 12 new inductees into the Presidents Society, which honors philanthropists who have made commitments of $1 million or more to Fisher. In addition, the Leos were inaugural members of the Spire Society, a network of College leaders who invest in Fisher’s mission, and have supported a number of areas of campus. They honored their friendship with Fr. Leo Hetzler by making a gift in his name to the Hermance Family Chapel of St. Basil the Great. In 2014, they made another gift in honor of Fr. Al Cylwicki and Fr. Hetzler by dedicating the lecture hall in the Victor E. Salerno Center for American Enterprise in their names.

The space, which is used by members of the Office of Admissions during information session and open house events, showcases all the campus has to offer prospective students.

“Jim and Flower, on behalf of the current and prospective students and families, alumni guests, and others who will enjoy this gathering space and all of its features, thank you,” said Rooney. “Your continuing commitment to the College, to our mission and vision, and most importantly, to our students is sincerely appreciated.”