Sitzmann Memorial Scholarship for Catholic Studies
Your gift supports an education in faith, scholarship and service.
Your gift supports an education in faith, scholarship and service.
Dr. Eugene Valentine Sitzmann, Jr. of Wyandotte, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2025 at the age 71.
The University of St. Thomas received a generous life insurance gift from Eugene that will support the Sitzmann Memorial Scholarship for Catholic Studies — a fund originally established by his parents, Eugene and Faye Sitzmann, whose vision and generosity inspired the growth for the Catholic Studies department at St. Thomas. Their lead gift that established Sitzmann Hall as the home of Catholic Studies at St. Thomas created a space where students, faculty, and community members can come together to explore and deepen their faith, scholarship, and service.
Visitors to this memorial page are invited to contribute to the Sitzmann Memorial Scholarship for Catholic Studies to remember and honor Eugene's legacy.
A proud graduate of Saint Thomas Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota, Eugene continued his academic journey at Northwestern University (B.S.) and the University of Chicago (Ph.D.), where he developed his passion for chemistry. He was a faculty member at Columbia University before spending nearly 20 years at CIBA and BASF, where he was highly regarded by his colleagues, particularly in Europe, due to his fluency in German and his expertise in advanced chemistry.
Eugene was known for his brilliant mind, tireless work ethic, and deep dedication to his family. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, great uncle, and friend, whose warmth, kindness, and loyalty touched the lives of all who knew him. His unwavering faith and active involvement in parish life were central to his life. Eugene will be remembered for his integrity, generosity of spirit, and his deep love for his family and community.