Fond Memories Inspired a History of Giving

Brother Edward Bozzo, C.F.X. B.A. ’56, Ph.D. ’69

The Catholic University of America is grateful for the generosity of the late Brother Edward G. Bozzo, C.F.X. (B.A. ’56, Ph.D. ’69), an Xaverian brother who gave the University an unrestricted gift in his will. Through his generous bequest of more than $1 million, Catholic University will have the resources needed to serve future generations as it deems necessary.

Brother Bozzo entered Catholic University as a junior in the early 1950s. He majored in English and took a wide variety of classes on subjects such as Shakespeare, philosophy, foreign languages, history, and education.

“I relished courses by professors such as Giovanni Giovannini on Romantic and Victorian verse, Catherine Dunn on Chaucer, and Henry Cain on Shakespeare,” he said.

Brother Bozzo also enjoyed theater performances.

“The theater, ancestor to the current Hartke Theatre, would have special performances for clerical and religious students—packed houses always—where we watched young actors in a wide range of repertoire, including a memorable performance of Hamlet.”

A dedicated benefactor of the Fund for Catholic University for many years, Brother Bozzo was pleased to support Catholic University’s continued commitment to intellectual advancement within the horizon of faith. Having received bequests from both of his sisters, he also designated a portion of his estate to the University to be used as it sees fit.

“I view Catholic University as a formative influence for which I am grateful,” he said earlier this year. “Brothers and nuns in habits and priests in cassocks were a dominant feature of the campus.”

Last spring Brother Bozzo shared his intention to include Catholic University as a 50% beneficiary of his estate valued at $1 million. The University was able to thank him for his very generous intention by welcoming him into the St. Thomas Aquinas Society. The Society demonstrates the University’s gratitude to living alumni and friends who, in accord with the legacy of St. Thomas, wish to preserve and further the mission of Catholic University by means of a planned gift.

On Aug. 20, 2018, the Catholic University community was deeply saddened to learn of Brother Bozzo’s sudden and tragic passing. Vice President for University Advancement Scott Rembold recalls his visit with Brother Bozzo at his home in Massachusetts only a few months prior to his passing. “It was a blessing to have had an opportunity to share our appreciation for Brother Bozzo's generosity and to spend time learning about his passions and warm recollections of his time at Catholic University.”

Allow us to recognize and celebrate your legacy! Simply complete an intention form or contact Isabel de la Puente at 202-319-6914 or delapuente@cua.edu.