Jim Schlater ’83 has a spirit of service that grew from childhood, through the University of Dayton and into a multi-decade legacy of volunteerism.

Since 1996, Schlater has been involved with Journey House, a social service agency in Milwaukee focused on empowering residents experiencing poverty through education, leadership, workforce development and family engagement. He helped grow the organization from supporting youth through sports to involving parents in the process and addressing the families’ needs.

Schlater served on the organization’s board of directors for 17 years, including as chairman and board president. In 2011, he became the chairman of the charitable foundation board of which he still is a member. In that time, the organization has grown its budget from less than $200,000 to $2.5 million, served over 9,000 children and families, secured $22 million for building projects, and addressed youth sporting and family housing needs.

His giving spirit can be traced back to Christmas on Campus when, as a volunteer, he saw the needs of his neighbors in a new way.

As a UD student, Schlater studied management. He also remained devoted to his Catholic roots, attending noon Mass at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception with his wife, Karen (Fridl) Schlater ’82.

Schlater grew up with a faithful foundation through his upbringing, and he and his wife have instilled in their three children, who are all Flyer alumni, the same sense of purpose to lead through action and service.

Christian Service Award
For living out the Marianist ideals in today’s society

The Christian Service Award is presented to alumni whose life’s work best reflects the unique quality of service and sacrifice to others, consistent with the Marianist identity of the University of Dayton.

It is given to a graduate who has devoted their life in service to others, who affirms the fullness and complexity of human existence, who appreciates social justice and who brings about changes that make it more possible to live the Marianist ideal in contemporary society.

This award celebrates the rare alumnus whose life is devoted to extraordinary self-sacrifice for the benefit of others. To be eligible, a person must be a degree holder from the University of Dayton. The alumni board anticipates that this award will only be given when, from the pool of nominations for Alumni Awards, an individual clearly meets the criteria for the award. Unless there is a compelling reason to warrant an exception, only one award will be presented in any given year.

Past Recipients

Ruth Beckman ’57
Tony J. Brunswick ’97
Sr. Constance J. Clark ’66, ’68
Blane Collison ’84
Peter W. Daino, S.M. ’81
Paul M. Engle ’43
Daniel R. Fiehrer, D.D.S. ’62
Theresa Flores ’07
Barbara J. Fraser ’78
Richard “Dick” Glennon ’50
The Rev. J.D. Grigsby Jr. ’73
Timothy M. Harris ’79
Christina Herold Hill ’68
William J. Hoben ’50
Philip C. Hoelle, S.M. ’33
Tracy Irvine Janess ’87
Laura Jean Libertore ’83
William Lorenz ’84
John “Jack” Meagher ’63
Richard McBride ’57
Catherine Mary O’Brien ’84
Claire Tierney Pfleger ’78
Richard J. Pfleger ’77
Timothy F. Phillips, S.M. ’69
Jim Place ’69, ’72
Toni Prasnikar Moore, PH.D. ’68, ’87, ’99
Bill Ricco ’58
Maria L. Scharfenberger ’86
Michael Schulz ’07
John M. Spellman ’65
Sr. Rosemary Wach S.N.D. ’58
Sr. Rose H. Wildenhaus, C.P.P.S. ’65
Denise Zaccardi ’70