A longtime benefactor of the University of St. Thomas and one of the namesakes of Sitzmann Hall— the home of the campus' Catholic Studies— has passed away.

Gene Sitzmann died on Sept. 16. He was a member of the University of St. Thomas graduating class of 1944. 

Calling hours will be outdoors on Sept. 30 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at O'Halloran and Murphy Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial and memorial service celebrating Sitzmann's life is set to take place on Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. People who wish to attend from home have the option of watching the livestream.

"Gene Sitzmann was a wonderful friend of St. Thomas and Catholic Studies, not only in his generous contributions but also in a life well lived," Michael Naughton, director of the Center for Catholic Studies, said in a release posted on the university's website. "He was a model not only for us but our students."

Sitzmann was described as a man who was "always happy." He received the inaugural Catholic Studies Truth and Life Award two years ago. 

He and his wife gifted money to help renovate what is now known as Sitzmann Hall. They also donated toward the hall's $4.2 million, 4,700-square-foot expansion project. The addition allowed for more offices and classrooms plus a new chapel and elevator. Naughton reflected that the hall is more than just a building at the university; it's a place for students and staff to come together, whether it be to study or to pray.

The Sitzmanns also donated to help restore the Grotto and add on to the O'Shaughnessy Library. Additionally, they donated the money used to buy the Christopher Dawson Collection for the University. 

Sitzmann's wife Faye passed away five years ago.