Love, Loyalty and Leaving a Legacy

Richard A. "Dick" Bugher grew up on the west side of Indianapolis and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1952. Dick was definitely someone who was loyal to his traditions and loved the people and places he grew up knowing. He lived in the same area of Indianapolis all his life, worked for one company most of his career, and supported Cathedral throughout his lifetime and now beyond.

Dick was a loyal friend and fan. His friendships have spanned six and seven decades. Dick rooted for Indiana University and Cathedral High School, of which he was a trustee and proud 1952 graduate. He loved the New York Yankees and in 1948 led fellow St. Anthony 8th-graders on a bike trek to an exhibition game at Victory Field to see his hero, Joe DiMaggio.

Dick especially loved attending Cathedral football games. His dedication to the Cathedral Fighting Irish was not limited to the athletic fields, however. "Dick also loved the fact that Cathedral draws students from all over Indianapolis," says Mike Feeney, Cathedral's director of planned and major gifts, "especially those from his old neighborhood." That's why the proceeds from Dick's charitable remainder trust and his estate established the Bugher Family Endowment at Cathedral High School that will provide in perpetuity part of the tuition costs for students coming from the West Deanery of Indianapolis.

In the year 2000, Dick made a gift to Cathedral through a charitable remainder trust and subsequently made a provision in his will naming the school as a partial beneficiary of his estate. Unfortunately, Dick Bugher passed away in September of 2011. However, because of his foresight in setting up a planned giving program, his legacy of loyalty will benefit Cathedral—and Cathedral students—forever.

This last December, the Bugher Family Endowment provided close to $200,000 in tuition assistance to Cathedral. According to his brother Bill Bugher, also a Cathedral grad, Dick was not the kind of person to broadcast his financial support of the school. "He kept things to himself," says Bill, "but he thought highly of Cathedral."

"Dick's love for Cathedral has created a legacy not just for his memory," says Mike Feeney, "but for the entire Bugher family. Generations of Cathedral students will be grateful for the opportunity he has provided."

If you are interested in more information, please contact Abbe Ernstes at aernstes@gocathedral.com or (317) 968-7348.