Founders' Dinner 2008 attendees:        Presidential Scholarship fund

While 14 of Loyola's most committed and accomplished alumni and friends were honored at the eighth annual Founders' Dinner in early June, student scholarship also received a substantial influx of funding. The $150,000 ticket proceeds from the 950 guests attending--a record number--went toward the Presidential Scholarship Fund.

"We gathered to pay tribute to an exceptional group of Loyolans," says President Michael J. Garanzini, S.J. "Each one of our honorees embodies our mission as a Jesuit, Catholic institution of higher learning and we are extremely proud of them. That we also were able to raise so much toward student scholarship made a wonderful evening that much more so."

Although the evening began with a bit of rain, the festive mood was not dampened. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in Centennial Forum before entering the beautifully transformed space at the Gentile Center for dinner and the evening's program. The Loyola Jazz Ensemble greeted the guests as they entered the hall, which was decorated in a black and white motif. A video of each award recipient was shown after dinner, and Rev. Michael M. Boland (MSW '95) received the Heart of Loyola Award, which honored his extraordinary generosity and commitment to Jesuit education.

2008 Founders' Dinner Award Recipients

Caritas Award

Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust
This award honors a corporation or foundation that has contributed significantly to the betterment of society and the University community with its extraordinary philanthropy.

Coffey Award

The Honorable June Carter Perry (BA '65, MA '65)
Named for M. Justitia Coffey, BVM, the first president of Mundelein College, this award honors an alumna for leadership  in the community, accomplishments in industry, and service to others.

Dux Mirabilis Award

Patti Ray, Director of Hillel
Latin for "extraordinary leader," the Dux Mirabilis Award is presented to a member of Loyola's faculty or staff for his or her extraordinary contributions to the University and its mission.

Damen Award

Named for Loyola University Chicago's primary founder, Arnold Damen, S.J., this award is granted to an alumnus from each of Loyola's schools and colleges. It recognizes the qualities of leadership in industry, leadership in community, and service to others.

College of Arts & Sciences
Christine M. Johnson-Wolff (BA '72)

School of Business Administration
Eugene R. Croisant (BBA '59, MSIR '66)

School of Education
Rose Ann C. Pastor (MEd '93)

The Graduate School
Stephanie Pace Marshall (PhD '83)

Institute of Pastoral Studies
Terrance P. McGuire (MPS '02)

School of Law
Katherine S. Janega (JD '77)

Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Dr. Sheila A. Haas (MSN '74)

School of Social Work
The Honorable Christine M. Radogno (BA '73, MSW '74)

Stritch School of Medicine
Dr. John L. Wilhelm (MD '69)

School of Continuing & Professional Studies
RuthEllyn Musil (BA '75)