Fred Sitzberger Donates $2 Million to Pius XI Catholic High School

MILWAUKEE, WI)—Fred Sitzberger, a Pius XI Catholic High School alum, has donated $2 million to Pius XI and with it secured the naming rights on the school’s field house, which will become known as the Pius XI Sitzberger Field House.

Sitzberger, a 1971 graduate, credits the disciplines he learned attending Catholic schools and the educators who helped instill in him the value of hard work, with the success he’s experienced in his career and life. His $2 million transformational gift to Pius XI is meant to honor the opportunities his education created for him.

“It’s a simple story, really,” Sitzberger shared. “Education is what got me out and it’s the places that educated me where I’m giving my money.”

After graduating from Pius XI, Sitzberger earned his accounting degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and went on to found his accounting practice, Sitzberger & Company, which became one of the largest and fastest growing accounting firms in Wisconsin. He sold the practice in 2022, retaining his investment management firm, Bultman Investment Management. Sitzberger has also supported UWM by pledging two $1 million gifts to the UWM Foundation in support of UWM Athletics.

“Pius XI is blessed to have nearly 30,000 alumni and we speak often about the many ways those alumni make us proud,” commented President Jack Herbert. “Fred is a shining example of this. He’s enjoyed an outstanding career, building successful businesses and now he has leveraged that success to make a transformative gift that will have a significant impact on Pius XI and the students we serve.”

Sitzberger’s gift, along with two six-figure gifts from anonymous donors, has officially retired the $3.25 million in debt that remained from the field house construction. The Field House was completed in 2004. Retiring the debt represents a significant accomplishment that addresses a key piece of the financial sustainability goal pillar vision outlined in the school’s strategic plan, helping to strengthen the school’s overall financial position.

Exterior signage to honor Sitzberger’s naming rights will be installed early in the new year. A ribbon-cutting event will be planned for a future date. Sitzberger will also be honored with the XI Impact Award at the school’s Spring Auction, Pius XI: Growing the Future, on May 7, 2026, at the Italian Community Center. He hopes his gift will inspire other alumni and community leaders to support the mission of Pius XI.

“It gives me a great amount of joy,” Sitzberger remarked. “When you give to help others, it creates a goodness inside of you and you feel you’ve done the right thing. The right thing in business, the right thing in relationships, the right thing in life.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.