$60 million new gift to university by Peter Klekamp and family

Xavier University has secured another milestone donation, today announcing a $60 million planned gift from the Cincinnati-based Klekamp family. The donation will significantly strengthen the University’s ability to educate students intellectually, morally and spiritually in the years ahead.

“The Klekamps continue to demonstrate their steadfast belief in the life-changing power of a Xavier education,” said Xavier University President Colleen Hanycz, Ph.D. “As our University builds toward its third century of educating the whole person, the Klekamp family is helping to ensure generations of future students will experience the transformative benefits of learning and growing at a Jesuit Catholic institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition. I am so grateful to the Klekamps for their extraordinary generosity.”

The Klekamp family has deep ties to the University. 1994 Xavier graduate Peter Klekamp, founder of Cincinnati-based real estate management company PLK Communities, joined the University’s Board of Trustees in 2023, following in the footsteps of his father, longtime trustee and 2023 Great Living Cincinnatian Don Klekamp. A 1954 Xavier graduate, Don co-founded Cincinnati-based corporate law firm Keating Muething & Klekamp. Additionally, the late Robert C. Klekamp, Ph.D. — Don’s brother and Peter’s uncle — taught business administration at Xavier for many years, and Davis Klekamp, Peter’s son, graduated from the University in 2022.

When asked about the family’s passion for Xavier, Peter Klekamp highlighted the University’s mission as well as its growing impact throughout the region.

“Our family is so proud to support an organization that truly cares about the holistic well-being of its students and contributing to the betterment of our world,” Peter Klekamp said. “Xavier is a tremendous asset for the city of Cincinnati and only stands to expand its positive influence in the years ahead. So many members of our family have benefited from Xavier’s focus on becoming people for others, and this opportunity to support that development for future Musketeers is incredibly gratifying.”

The family’s previous impact at Xavier also includes the Klekamp Family Training Center, a $10 million project providing Xavier’s basketball and volleyball teams with one of the country’s premier practice facilities.

“Our community is truly blessed to have the Klekamp family’s support in building toward an even brighter future here at Xavier,” said Vice President for University Relations Gary Massa. “This gift reflects their selflessness and serves as a testament to their belief in the value Xavier provides its students. We are so appreciative of the Klekamp family for the lasting impact they will have on our University.”

With this gift, Xavier has now received the four largest donations in its history, all within the past two years.

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-longest-running Catholic university in the nation. U.S. News & World Report ranks Xavier as one of the best universities in the country, while The Princeton Review names it one of the “Best 389 Colleges in America.”

Peter Klekamp is an active real estate investor and founder of Domain Equity, a real estate investment firm he founded to acquire and rehab investment real estate assets. As president of Domain Equity, Peter is responsible for leading the company’s strategic direction. Klekamp is an active member of the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association and a gold member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.

He also devotes significant time fundraising for local causes, including Talbert House, Pro Kids, and Make-a-Wish.

Klekamp is a graduate of Xavier University where he earned a degree in business. Outside of work, Klekamp enjoys skiing, tennis, biking, traveling, scuba diving, reading and working out. He and his wife Laura reside in Indian Hill and are proud parents to Charlie, Davis, William, twins Molly and Maggie who are members of the CCDS Class of 2025.