UC Alumnus Honored for Lifetime of Giving

Jim Kautz (A&S ’53, HonDoc ’95), one of the University of Cincinnati’s most iconic donors, was presented the President’s Award for Excellence for his support of and service to the university’s mission on Oct. 15, 2014. 

Kautz’ most recent gift of $2 million created the Kautz Family Endowed Chair in Geriatric Medicine Education, which supports a subspecialty in the College of Medicine’s Department of Family and Community Medicine. Jeffrey Schlaudecker, MD, will hold the chair. Kautz and his family have given more than $7 million to UC since 1969 to support scholarships, endowed chairs and more.

Kautz said he created the chair both to honor Gregg Warshaw, MD, professor of family and community medicine and director of the Office of Geriatric Medicine, and to enable the department’s geriatric program to continue to grow. Warshaw treated both his late sister, Jean Cunningham, and his late wife, Carol, for Alzheimer’s disease.

"Dr. Warshaw was a combination of a brilliant physician and compassionate guide as we searched for answers on an extremely difficult journey,” said Kautz. "I believe that, ultimately, there will be a treatment for Alzheimer’s. Until then, our endowed chair will continue to provide funds to study and treat this ever-growing segment of our society.”

During the Oct. 15 ceremony, Warshaw spoke about how the gift has enabled faculty to improve patient care, education and research in the fields of geriatric medicine and gerontology.

"As the new geriatrics education chair, Jeffrey will further secure our mission to ensure that every graduate of the UC College of Medicine is prepared to provide the most up-to-date and compassionate care to older adults, regardless of their specialty practice,” Warshaw said.

"Jim’s legacy of selflessness and volunteerism is a tremendous example for today’s students,” said UC President Santa Ono, PhD. "He has exemplified what it means to be a Bearcat who remains engaged in his alma mater and has spent much of his adult life giving back in innumerable ways.”

Kautz also served as a chair of the UC Foundation board from 2002 to 2005 and led the Campaign for UC from 1995 to 2000.

"When these types of significant, powerful gifts are given, I am always grateful for what it will mean for the future of the university and to the College of Medicine,” said Rodney Grabowski, UC Foundation president. "Jim’s commitment demonstrates the transformational impact of philanthropy.”

In addition to the President’s Award for Excellence, Kautz has received numerous accolades from UC including an Honorary Degree, the Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award and the William Howard Taft Medal for Notable Achievement. He has also been recognized with the UC Foundation Chairman’s Award for his legacy of personal involvement and investment in the university. Today, Kautz resides in Arizona and continues to play a significant role in UC’s advancement.