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Even though Larry Katz’s career was not one of a typical Scripps College of Communication graduate, the radio and television major who graduated in 1977 never forgot what ������Ƶ, the Scripps College and WOUB Public Media meant to him. The New Orleans businessman grew up in University Heights, OH and came to Athens to take classes and work at WOUB to pursue a career in sports broadcasting.

“I can assure you that when I entered the RTV building way back in 1973, being here today was the last thing on my mind,” said Katz. “I was just trying to find my way, get accepted into the Sports Department at WOUB and let the world know that the next Joe Tait (the former voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers) was alive and well and living in Athens, Ohio.”

Now, more than 50 years later, Katz has been inducted into the Scripps College Ohio Communication Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was established in 1993 and honors professionals who exhibit lifetime professional achievement and individuals and foundations who show lifetime commitment to the college. Each honoree must have a connection to Ohio (either the state or the University). To date, 40 people and two foundations have been inducted into the Hall of fame, and their names can be found in a wall display on the first floor of the Schoonover Center.

“I am humbled and honored to receive induction from the Scripps College of Communication into the Ohio Communication Hall of Fame,” said Katz during his induction ceremony on April 24. “Thank you to Dean Titsworth and all others for this recognition.”

After Katz graduated, his career went in a vastly different direction. He ended up working in his family’s clothing manufacturing business in New Orleans and eventually started a chain of restaurants called “Dots Diner.” However, Katz’s time at ������Ƶ and WOUB always stayed with him. That’s why he decided to start the Larry and JoAnn Katz Family Scholarship, which is awarded annually with a preference given to a student with involvement in WOUB, especially in athletic programming.

“I spent so many hours on the third floor of the RTV Building that I felt it was important to leave a little part of me there to hopefully inspire current and future students to do the same when they are able,” said Katz.

In 2023, Katz established the Larry Katz WOUB Sports Student Leadership and Production Fund to provide general support for sports productions and content produced by students working at WOUB. It benefits students working on productions like Gridiron Glory, Hardwood Heroes, The Bobcat Sports Showcase, Ace Nation, SportsBeat, NewsWatch and others. The fund helps pay student wages and/or supporting costs including student travel to cover sporting events.

Scripps College of Communication Dean Scott Titsworth thanked Katz for his outstanding support of scholarships and experiential learning opportunities in the college.

“According to our internal estimates, Larry’s total contribution to the Scripps College to support student scholarships in the college and experiential learning at WOUB, makes him the largest individual donor to the college,” said Titsworth. “What he has done for students in our college is outstanding.”

“I feel you should donate to places that have made a profound positive difference in your life and WOUB did just that for me,” said Katz.  “From the very first day of college to the last, I am who I am because of the people at this station and the work I did here. It’s where I learned to be a dedicated team member, honed my work ethic, gained confidence and made lifelong friends.”

Katz was inducted during the Scripps College Discover Pillar Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 24, in the Schoonover Center Lobby. During college-wide gathering, Dean Titsworth and school directors recognized 15 faculty, staff and students for their exemplary work carrying forward the Discover Pillar of the university’s Dynamic Strategy. This was the final of four pillar celebrations hosted by Dean Titsworth during the 24-25 academic year.