Former Cincinnati State president Frederick Schlimm dies

CINCINNATI - Former Cincinnati State Technical and Community College president Frederick Schlimm has died.

He passed on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the age of 77. Cincinnati State announced his death on Thursday. 

In 1968, when the school was known as the Cincinnati Cooperative School of Technology, Schlimm began his career as director of admissions and records. He was promoted to a variety of positions throughout the years, including vice president of academic affairs and vice president of administrative operations, before becoming college president.

During Schlimm's time as president, Cincinnati State says the college doubled in size from about 2,000 to more than 4,000 students and the number of academic program offerings increased to 45.

He also renovated the school's auditorium, launched the $1 Million Select Campaign, laid the foundation for the school's co-op program and created a day care program for students and employees that also served as an academic program.

“Fred was one of the people who laid the foundation for the Cincinnati State we know today,” said Cincinnati State’s current president, Dr. O’dell M. Owens. “In many respects, he was a visionary educator.”

Schlimm was credited as one of the school's founding fathers by an emeritus professor, Paul Callahan.

“Fred had a passion for technical education, and co-op, and for this college. It was more than a job, it was passion, it was his life,” Callahan said.

Schlimm served as president from 1976-1989.

A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church starting at 8:30 a.m.

He is survived by wife of 54 years, Patricia, his children, 25 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Aloysius Gonzaga Tuition Aid Fund or the charity of one’s choice.