Xavier University Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2018
- Class:
- 1955
Mike Conaton, who earned three letters as a lineman on the football team, was not only was a student-athlete but he also had an impact on Xavier University and Xavier Athletics in countless other ways after graduation. Conaton helped Xavier notch notable wins over Boston College as a sophomore (6-0 in 1952) and a senior (19-14 in 1954). The game his senior year, which was played at Fenway Park, was BC's only loss of the season and the Eagles finished the season ranked eighth in the nation. XU defeated Louisville (27-13) and Dayton (14-13) in addition to BC his sophomore year. There was a sophomore star on that Louisville squad named Johnny Unitas. The top highlight of his junior season, 1953, was a 7-0 win over Dayton.
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Over the years Conaton has assisted Xavier in a variety of capacities, including as board chairman and interim president. The university has recognized his service by granting him an honorary doctorate. The Learning Commons is named after him. Conaton, a long-time member of the Xavier University Board of Trustees, served as Chairman from 1985-2004, including the key period of decision making and building of the Cintas Center. He remains a member of the Board and is the first lay person ever to serve as Xavier's President. That was in 1990-91 before the University hired James Hoff, S.J. as the University's 33rd Jesuit president. Conaton became a trusted adviser and close friend to Fr. Hoff, as he continued to serve as chairman of the Board of Trustees.
