Roger Fortin, Ph.D., arrived at Xavier University in Cincinnati in the fall of 1966 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of History. During his fifty years at the University, he was promoted to the rank of Professor and assumed a number of administrative positions, including Academic Vice President and Provost. During his tenure he has written four books, including Faith and Action: A History of the Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati: 1821-1996 and To See Great Wonders: A History of Xavier University: 1831-2006, as well as authored numerous scholarly articles.

Based on extensive research, Fellowship: History of the Cincinnati Irish is a comprehensive history of the Irish in Cincinnati. Fortin paints a picture of the involvement of the Irish in the city’s development and contextualizes their values and contributions in the region. He presents the story as a microcosm of the tribulations and triumphs of the Irish in America.

The history of the Cincinnati Irish is an urban ethnic success story. From the time of their arrival in the late 1700s to the present, the Irish have had a dramatic impact on the city’s growth, culture, and quality of life. In spite of the prejudice that many Irish faced, especially in the first 150 years, generally they were optimistic about their future and that of their loved ones. While pursuing their individual dreams and participating in the local institutions, they helped build the Catholic Church in the archdiocese of Cincinnati and worked for the betterment of society. Each generation has proven to be a potent force in the growth of the community.