$2 Million Gift Unlocks Field House Naming Rights

Home of the Mighty Popes to become "Sitzberger Field House"

When Fred Sitzberger ‘71 reflects on the success he’s experienced in his career and life, he credits the disciplines he learned attending Catholic schools and the educators who helped instill in him the value of hard work. Sitzberger recently committed a $2 million transformational gift to Pius XI 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.

With this gift, the Pius XI Catholic High School Field House will be officially known as the "Pius XI Sitzberger Field House."

“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 additional six-figure gifts acquired 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 strategic plan, helping to strengthen the school’s financial position. 

Sitzberger hopes his gift will inspire other alumni 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.” 

Exterior signage to honor Mr. Sitzberger’s naming rights is currently in production and will be installed early next year. A ribbon-cutting event will be planned for the signage reveal on a future date. Sitzberger will also be honored with the XI Impact Award at the Spring Auction, Pius XI: Growing the Future, on May 7, 2026, at the Italian Community Center.