Xavier University Athletics
Generous Endowment Gift Results In Harmon Family Vice President And Director of Athletics
11.04.25 | Athletic Department, All For One Fund
Xavier alumnus Fred Irwin and his wife Linda Chamness choose a way to thank the Harmons and support Xavier.
CINCINNATI --- Xavier University Athletics All For One Fund is proud to announce that the Vice President and Director of Athletics position will now be known as the Harmon Family Vice President and Director of Athletics. This endowment was made possible by a generous contribution from 1964 Xavier alumnus Fred Irwin and his wife Linda Chamness as a thank you to the family he became close to during his time as an undergraduate and graduate student at Xavier.
Irwin played freshman basketball at Xavier and, due to injuries, was forced to finish his career as a team manager to maintain his scholarship. The Xavier ROTC graduate spent 25 active and reserve years with the U.S. Army, retiring as a Colonel. He had a 30-year career with Citigroup in Germany, retiring as Vice Chairman. He spent 55 years in Germany and now resides in Florida.
"Pat and Anna Harmon had 11 children, six boys and five girls and they called me their seventh son," Irwin said. "Tim is one of my best friends to this day. I am the godfather to Tim's oldest son, Alan. I was always welcomed into their home. I feel this is a very public way to recognize the Harmon family and thank them for all they have done for Xavier and for me. Hopefully this will encourage other Xavier alums to give back to their alma mater."
The late Pat Harmon was well known in the Cincinnati area as the long-time Sport Editor of the Cincinnati Post and the author of "Cincinnati's Greatest Sports Stories." Three of Pat and Anna Harmon's 11 children are Xavier graduates, Tim ('64), Mike ('63) and Brigid ('76). Brigid was the first female valedictorian in Xavier history and her husband (Tony Fries) and stepson (Carl Fries; '88 graduate) also attended Xavier.
"I have been successful in my life and it all started at Xavier," said Irwin.
"The story behind this gift tells you everything you need to know about Fred and Linda, the Harmons and Xavier University," said Dr. Colleen Hanycz, President. "A shared commitment to integrity and care for others led to this moment, exemplifying the power and lasting impact of the Xavier experience. I am so grateful for Fred and Linda's generosity, which lends further momentum to strengthening Xavier Athletics and building on its remarkable legacy.""I want to thank Fred and Linda for their tremendous generosity to Xavier University, said Greg Christopher, whose new title is now Harmon Family Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Fred's story of friendship with the Harmon family is a great example of the impact of relationship building during the Xavier educational experience. The fact that they also prioritize a desire to energize fellow alums to support Xavier Basketball further shows their love for the University."
Xavier Athletics, often referred to as the Front Porch of the University, serves as a platform for national exposure and a vehicle for student, faculty, staff, alumni and community pride and engagement. This season Xavier is on target to welcome the four millionth fan to Cintas Center for men's basketball. The total stands at 3,931,305 fans that have come through the turnstiles to date following Monday night's opener. Xavier Athletics, under the direction of Greg Christopher, and his staff empower student-athletes to excel academically, athletically and spiritually.
"This makes the eighth endowed position for Xavier Athletics. Permanent endowments like these strengthen the foundation of Xavier Athletics," said Christopher, allowing our annual operating resources to further support student-athletes."
