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Donor’s degree was a dream fulfilled

Robert Campion with Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.
Robert Campion, who left Loyola without graduating to become a World War II soldier, received his diploma from Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., Loyola president, last spring.
When the late Robert T. Campion left Loyola in 1941 to enlist in the U.S. Army, he was just a few credit hours short of graduating.  Back from World War II, Campion didn’t return to college, but went on to build a successful career. He eventually became CEO of Lear Siegler Inc. in Santa Monica, CA, as well as a noted philanthropist.

“Bob never forgot Loyola,” says John O’Keefe, a former Loyola development officer and friend of Campion’s.  “He’d accomplished a lot, but always felt something
was missing.” 

Last spring, Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., Loyola president, fulfilled Campion’s longtime wish by presenting him with his Loyola degree. 

“That really meant a great deal to Bob,” O’Keefe says.

Campion died earlier this year.  Besides contributing $25,000 over the years, he and his wife, Wilma, have included a $100,000 bequest to Loyola in their estate plans.

“It’s wonderful that Mr. Campion maintained such strong ties with Loyola, and that he was able to receive the degree he wanted so much,” says Connie Knapp, director of planned and major gifts.  “Through the Campions’ generosity, current and future students will have access to the same unique Loyola education that Mr. Campion valued so highly.”