Xavier University Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2004
Rev. James E. Hoff, S.J., former chancellor and president of Xavier University, was inducted into the Xavier University Athletics Hall of Fame at the 2004 men's basketball banquet. His impact on Xavier University and the lives he touched will never be forgotten. "Jim Hoff raised the bar at Xavier," said Michael Graham, S.J., president of Xavier University, "and set a tone that pushed the University and all of us associated with it, to dream big and strive to be better. He set the example, academically, spiritually, athletically, in every way, of how to do things right and we will continue to follow his example."
Fr. Hoff's spirit and passion for Xavier University will be immortalized in the next great project for the campus. Fr. Graham's strategic 10-year plan for Xavier calls for the creation of the James E. Hoff, S.J. Academic Quadrangle. The Hoff Academic Quad is a multi-part project that will provide an enhanced educational experience and better career preparation for all Xavier students. It will include: Construction of a teaching, learning and research facility that will centralize academic resources and services, provide appropriate space for collaborative learning and better meet the needs of students, faculty and the community. Construction of a new building to house the Williams College of Business, where members of the business community will actively engage with students and faculty. The renovation of Alter Hall and the creation of state-of-the-art technology-equipped classrooms to enhance the learning environment. The revitalization of McDonald Library to provide access to information as it is delivered in the 21st century.
The Hoff Academic Quad will result in an academic transformation, providing a new center of gravity for the campus, one place where students and faculty will go everyday.
The Academic Quad is a fitting tribute to a man who oversaw tremendous transformation of Xavier's campus, academic quality and national reputation while serving as president from March 1991 to December 2000. Fr. Hoff's vision for the University, what he called his most important legacy, became a mantra for the entire campus: "to prepare students intellectually, spiritually and morally to take their place in a rapidly changing global society and work for the betterment of that society."
During Fr. Hoff's presidency, the University raised $125 million in the largest capital campaign in school history, nearly quadrupled the endowment and raised the funds to build Cintas Center. Fr. Hoff oversaw new construction and the renovation of existing buildings and added green space to change the look and feel of the entire campus.
