Loyola University Chicago

University Archives & Special Collections

Loyola university chicago presidents  1870-1900

 

   1900-1970                                   1970-PRESENT

 

Arnold Damen, S.J. (1815-1890)
President, 1870-1872

  • Founder of Holy Family Parish
  • Founder and first president of St. Ignatius College, 1870

Ferdinand Coosemans, S.J. (1823-1878)
President, 1872-1874

  • First degree awarded by St. Ignatius College on June 25, 1873, Master of Arts to Phillip J. Reilly
  • Creation of Student's Sodality

John DeBlieck, S.J. (1821-1883)
President, 1874-1877

  • Chrysostomian Society (the debating society) is formed
  • Seven degrees awarded in 1876

Thomas H. Miles, S.J. (1831-1909)
President, 1877-1880

  • Defined division between the college course and the grammar school/high school course
  • Introduction of a scientific course leading to a Bachelor of Science degree
  • Introduction of monthly reports to parents
  • Creation of the St. Cecilia Choral Society

Thomas O'Neill, S.J. (1822-1899)
President, 1880-1884

  • 203 students enrolled at St. Ignatius College at beginning of tenure; 265 students enrolled by end of his tenure

Joseph P. Zealand, S.J. (1831-1904)
President, 1884-1887

  • St. Ignatius College reaches enrollment of 301 students

Edward A. Higgins, S.J. (1838-1902)
President, 1887-1891

  • Faculty at St. Ignatius College numbers 19
  • North Side Collegiate School opens in 1888; closes in 1890
  • Dramatic Club formed
  • Athletic Association founded
  • Library numbers over 5, 000 volumes
  • Forerunner of college magazine "Easter Chimes" appears in 1888

Thomas S. Fitzgerald, S.J. (1848-1910)
President, 1891-1894

  • St. Ignatius College enrollment reaches 496
  • First perpetual scholarship founded by Miss Eliza McConville
  • Scientific Academy formed
  • Camera Club formed

 

James F. X. Hoeffer, S.J. (1852-1913)
President, 1894-1898

  • Alumni Association founded, 1895
  • St. Ignatius College Silver Jubilee celebrated June 1895

John F. G. Pahls, S.J. (ca. 1847-1910)
President, 1898-1900

  • Monthly visiting day for parents and Friends of the Institution created
  • Loyola Literary Society formed, 1899
  • Administration known for supporting plays; elocution and oratorical contests; concerts; and literary evenings