CATHOLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION REMEMBERS DANIEL C. ULMER, JR.
True Champion of Catholic Education
Prolific Benefactor to Foundation’s Mission and Impact
(Louisville, Ky.) – The Catholic Education Foundation of Louisville (the “Foundation”) acknowledged with great sadness the passing of Mr. Daniel C. Ulmer, Jr., retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PNC Bank of Kentucky, model civic leader, quiet philanthropist, and sage mentor and friend to so many. He was 90 years old.
Foundation President Richard A. Lechleiter remarked, “From our beginnings in 1995, Dan and the Ulmer Family have been with us every step of the way, fundamentally ensuring that our impact continued to expand through their amazing generosity. A graduate of Holy Spirit School and Flaget High School, he understood quite well the life-changing value of Catholic education and its importance in shaping the social and moral culture of this community.”
Mr. Lechleiter continued, “Beginning early in our history, Dan and his family funded an annual program to recognize and reward exemplary teachers in Catholic elementary schools across central Kentucky that continues to this day as “The Catholic Education Foundation Innovation Award.” He always thought that Catholic school teachers deserved more credit for their heroic sacrifice and selfless commitment to their students. And he did something about it!”
“For many years, the Ulmer Family would fund annually scholarships that propelled Catholic school students in need beginning in kindergarten and lasting throughout their elementary school journey. These students, known as Ulmer Scholars, were assured of an annual scholarship for nine years as long as they demonstrated a financial need.”
“In 2016, Dan and his family created a $1 million endowment, one of the largest in our history, that provides $2,500 scholarships to 25 Ulmer Scholars each year – forever!! What an incredible legacy the Ulmer Family leaves to this organization and our Catholic school families in need!”
“Since 1999, the Foundation has granted over 39,000 scholarships to deserving young students and their families. What I’ll always remember about Dan is the prominent role that he and his family played in making it all happen.”
Mr. Lechleiter concluded, “The entire Ulmer Family remains in our prayers and intentions as we all mourn Dan’s passing. And, just as he lived his own life, we will march onward to do even greater works.”
About the Catholic Education Foundation and Catholic Schools
For over 200 years, Catholic schools have contributed significantly to the social, spiritual and economic fabric of our entire community. The Catholic Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the growth and vitality of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Louisville.
The Archdiocese of Louisville sponsors 39 elementary schools with 12,900 students and nine high schools with 5,500 students across central Kentucky.
In the fall of 2022, the Foundation and its funding partners awarded tuition assistance to an all-time high 3,600 Catholic elementary students with record funding of $7.7 million. Since 1999, the Foundation has awarded over $51 million in support of Catholic education. Visit the Foundation at www.ceflou.org.
