Roger L. Fitzsimonds and Leona I. Fitzsimonds
Roger Fitzsimonds grew up in Milwaukee. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison but returned to Milwaukee when his father became ill. Married after his sophomore year, he worked full time at a variety of jobs while enrolled at UWM. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1960, and then served four years with the U.S. Army before entering the world of banking. He led First Wisconsin and later Firstar banks, and became one of a generation of leaders who found community work just as important as business. He was an active and ardent supporter of the Boys & Girls Club. Roger earned his MBA at UWM in 1971 and received an honorary Ph.D. in Business in 1989.
Impact
This scholarship is one component of the Roger L. Fitzsimonds Scholarly Achievement Fund, which serves to enhance the academic stature of the Lubar School of Business, its faculty, students and graduates. Roger was especially proud of the School’s graduate programs, which attracted high-caliber faculty to the university. Roger believed that a high-quality public university and business school, accessible and affordable, are key to a prosperous regional economy.