HERITAGE CLUB MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: STEVE ’80 AND JILL BACHUS

The relationship between Steve Bachus ’80 and Aquinas College began over 40 years ago when Steve received a basketball scholarship to what was then Aquinas Junior College. He played two seasons for the Cavaliers while studying accounting. He remembers “studying in a van full of basketball players on the way home from away games.” Such diligence not only led to his graduating with honors in 1980, but also characterized his professional achievements.

Steve spent his entire professional career at Vanderbilt University in different positions related to university finance, including that of Managing Director for Investment Administration. In this position, he was responsible for all of the accounting and reporting of the University’s investment portfolio. His financial expertise has served Catholic education in many ways.

Both Steve and his wife Jill have a strong commitment to Catholic education which complements and expresses their dedication to their faith. Their two daughters, Jennifer and Erin, attended Catholic schools. Steve’s support for Catholic education extends to his alma mater, and he is the first lay alumnus to serve on Aquinas College’s Board of Directors. Steve contributes leadership and insights as the chair of the Board’s Finance Committee.

In 2006, Steve and Jill established an endowed scholarship at Aquinas in honor of Steve’s parents, Janet and Bill Bachus. This scholarship has the purpose of ensuring that students from all financial backgrounds can attend Aquinas College. In addition, Steve and Jill have named Aquinas College as a beneficiary in their will.

“The whole impetus for us supporting Aquinas is that Catholic education is more important now than ever,” comments Steve. “Jill and I feel strongly about this. We need Catholic educators who have been trained professionally and can provide a strong witness in the classroom. Aquinas fills this need, and so by supporting the mission of Aquinas College, we are able to support the legacy of Catholic education.” Steve’s tireless and often behind-the-scenes efforts have provided inestimable benefit to Catholic students at all levels of education.

Aquinas College is grateful for the generosity, encouragement and support given by Steve and Jill. Deacon Mark Faulkner speaks for many in observing that Steve’s “loyal service to the College, through years of history with it, has been an immeasurably valuable resource and asset to everyone who loves the College and holds it dear.”