Loyola University Chicago
Office of the President
President's Biography
Sustainability
Continuing our commitment
Dr. Rooney joins leaders in higher education, business, and government in signing an open letter showing support of climate action to meet the Paris Agreement.
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Easter 2021: Faith and Renewal
March 26, 2021: Dear Loyolans, So much has happened in our lives since Easter time 2020, yet it also feels as though the pandemic has forced so much to remain the same. A sense of optimism and hopefulness, however, seems stronger this spring than even just a few months ago.READ MORE -
Update on VP of Institutional DEI: Search Committee
March 18, 2021: Dear Fellow Loyolans, I am delighted to share that the search committee for the Vice President of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) position has been formed. This committee is comprised of distinguished and proactive individuals in the DEI space from our student body, faculty, and staff who will each bring a unique perspective and background to ensure the candidates we evaluate throughout this process not only meet the list of qualifications but also demonstrate the character of a Loyolan, our Jesuit and Catholic values, and the commitment to DEI both on and off campus.READ MORE -
Message from the President
Statement on March 16, 2021 Events in Atlanta
March 17, 2021: Dear Loyolans, On behalf of our Loyola University Chicago community, I am saddened and outraged by the latest acts of racial violence and loss of life that occurred yesterday in Atlanta, Georgia, where a gunman killed eight people—six of them Asian women. We extend our prayers to the victims and their families and stand in solidarity with members of the Asian community.READ MORE -
Update on VP of Institutional DEI: Search Firm Selected
March 11, 2021: Dear Loyola Community, As Chair of the search committee for the Vice President of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion position, I wanted to update you on our progress. I am thrilled to share that we have selected Koya Partners to help guide the search for the new role.READ MORE -
Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Update on Search for Vice President of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
February 26, 2021: Dear Loyola Community, Last week, President Jo Ann Rooney announced the creation of the Vice President of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) position. This position will be dedicated to leading and coordinating DEI efforts across every aspect of the University and establishing measurable institutional outcomes for progress that can be monitored and challenged as Loyola pursues broad and sustainable cultural change.READ MORE -
Message from the Provost
Commencement 2021 Update
February 5, 2021: Dear Loyolans, I write to update you on plans for Loyola University Chicago’s 2021 Commencement ceremonies, which will be hosted virtually from Monday, May 10 to Saturday, May 15, 2021. My colleagues and I understand and share your disappointment that we will not be able to hold 2021 Commencement ceremonies in person. Even after our last message about virtual Commencement, we have carefully considered alternatives for on-campus ceremonies. Unfortunately, these considerations did not result in a feasible outcome for ceremonies in Chicago.READ MORE -
Announcing the Loyola 150 Scholar Series
January 29, 2021: Though a worldwide public health crisis has curtailed some of our plans to come together as one to celebrate the Sesquicentennial of Loyola University Chicago, we are happy to announce that we will virtually gather our campus and global community this spring in a special 150th Anniversary series of reflection and dialogue with some of Loyola’s most esteemed faculty.READ MORE -
Welcome Back, Loyolans
January 19, 2021: Dear Rambler Community, We want to welcome everyone to the start of the spring semester. While this semester will continue to be one in which we connect mostly virtually, we are pleased to hold an increased number of on-campus classes and host some students in our residence halls. By working together, we will make it a vibrant and safe experience for everyone.READ MORE -
News from the Quinlan School of Business
January 15, 2021: Dear Faculty and Staff, We write to share the news that Kevin Stevens, dean of the Quinlan School of Business, will be stepping down as dean and transitioning to a faculty role on June 30, 2021. Dean Stevens will return to the faculty for the 2021-22 academic year, after which he is planning to retire from the University. READ MORE -
Event
Beyond Physician Leadership: In Conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci
January 13, 2021: Dear Loyola Community, It is our distinct pleasure to invite you to join the Stritch School of Medicine on Thursday, January 28 for a unique opportunity: a conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci, renowned physician expert and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.READ MORE -
A Message from Dr. Rooney
Statement on January 6, 2021 Events in Nation's Capitol
January 7, 2021: Dear Loyolans, Like so many of you, I watched and listened to the dramatic, disturbing, and inexcusable events that took place in our nation’s Capitol yesterday. As someone who personally had the privilege to take and uphold the oath of office to protect and defend the constitution of the United States earlier in my career, experiencing this direct threat to our democracy has been deeply jarring and emotional.READ MORE -
Press Release
Jesuit College & University Presidents Call for End to Violence
On January 7, Dr. Rooney joined the presidents of the Jesuit colleges and universities across the country in condemning the violence that took place at the nation’s Capitol on January 6, 2021.READ MORE -
A Message from Dr. Rooney
Our Confident Hope
December 22, 2020: Dear Loyolans, As I sat down to compose this Christmas message to you, during a time of the year typically marked by celebrations and happy gatherings, competing thoughts filled my mind and my heart.READ MORE -
UAO Investigation Now Complete
December 17, 2020: Today the University announced that the external investigation into allegations against the University’s Undergraduate Admission Office concluded with no findings of hostile work environment, discrimination, or retaliation. We invite you to read the announcement.LEARN MORE -
Message from the Office of the President
Michael J. Kaufman, JD, Appointed Dean of the School of Law at Santa Clara University
December 16, 2020: We wanted to share the news that Michael J. Kaufman, vice provost for academic strategy and dean of the School of Law, has accepted a new position as dean of the School of Law at Santa Clara University (SCU) in Santa Clara, California.READ MORE -
Message from the Office of the President
A Gift That Touches the World
December 10, 2020: We are pleased to announce the creation of the Rule of Law Institute at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Law. The Institute extends Loyola’s leadership in promoting and strengthening the rule of law domestically and in developing nations and emerging democracies around the world.READ MORE -
Message from Dr. Rooney
Finding Gratitude
November 23, 2020: As we approach our national Thanksgiving holiday, many of us may be struck with a sense of irony, and initially, may feel a bit strained to list things for which we are grateful this particular year. However, St. Ignatius regularly reminds us through his Spiritual Exercises that the most fundamental response to God’s presence—which is found everywhere—is our own gratitude for being loved.READ MORE -
A Gift of Time
As we head toward the holiday season, we are grateful to all members of our community for the diligent work, flexibility, and resilience you've demonstrated as we navigate this challenging semester. We understand the demands of adapting to remote work and instruction have meant juggling extra time, training, work, and personal priorities. Work-life balance on many days is more aspiration than reality.READ MORE -
Message from the Office of the President
Honoring Our Veterans
November 11, 2020: On Veterans Day, Loyola University Chicago honors and extends our gratitude to students, staff, and faculty who have served in the military. For over 245 years, U.S. service members have answered the call of the nation and protected the freedoms we all exercise. Originally established as Armistice Day, the first anniversary of the end of World War I, Veterans Day commemorates all those who have honorably served during conflict and peacetime.READ MORE -
Message from the Office of the President
Honoring our President’s Medallion Winners
November 9, 2020: The President’s Ball and Medallion has been a tradition at Loyola University Chicago for more than 50 years. Each year, we celebrate and honor extraordinary students from each of our colleges, schools, and institutes who exemplify leadership, scholarship, and service. These students extend the legacy of our Jesuit, Catholic mission, which is traced from Loyola’s founder and first president, Father Arnold Damen, and extends through his 23 successors.READ MORE -
Message from the Office of the President
Update on 2021 Commencement
November 2, 2020: Our students have demonstrated tremendous strength and resilience during our most unusual fall semester. In addition to classes, many students have engaged in rewarding internships, service projects, and discussion groups that have expanded their networks and experiences. This rings especially true for the students in our Class of 2021.READ MORE -
Message from the Office of the President
Plans for Spring 2021: Limited In-Person Classes and On-Campus Residence Halls
October 28, 2020: We appreciate your resilience and patience as our Loyola University Chicago COVID-19 response working groups and many other colleagues across the University have been diligently planning the next steps for safely and responsibly reopening more of our three campuses for the Spring 2021 semester. Our plans include an increased number of classes on our campuses, modifications to the spring break schedule, and offering students the opportunity to live on campus.READ MORE -
Message from the Office of the Provost
Next Steps on Anti-Racism Initiative
October 26, 2020: Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, It is hard to believe that we’re midway through the fall semester. We want to express our gratitude for all your hard work and continued commitment to the Loyola University Chicago community. As we continue to advance the goals and strategies outlined in our Anti-Racism Initiative, we’re writing to discuss some of the next steps. We would like to ask for your input as we proceed with our planning and implementation.READ MORE -
Message from the President
Continuing to Fight for Racial Equity Together
October 20, 2020: Dear Loyolans, You have urged me to keep communications short and succinct when possible. However, this communication cannot be limited to bullet points or limited characters on a social media post. Our country’s history is full of examples of racial injustice, systemic racism, and missed opportunities. While some progress has been made, it is a sad truth that the Black community continues to be marginalized and dehumanized.READ MORE -
External Investigation of Undergraduate Admissions Office
As a Jesuit, Catholic institution, we are guided by a firm commitment to learning, faith, and social justice. To that end, we have engaged the help of an external investigator who will work with a panel of Loyolans to look into allegations of discrimination in the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Out of respect for the rights of all parties, we must maintain that all parties deserve to be heard, and allow the investigation to be thoroughly conducted and conclude while refraining from judgement or condemnation. We should do this for any student, faculty or staff member.LEARN MORE -
Message from the President and Cabinet
Fiscal Year 2021 Budget and Financial Update
President Rooney shares an update on the 2021 fiscal year budget including information on the successful balancing of the budget, University-wide efforts to close the budget gap, the conclusion of the staff furlough/reduction-in-force process with fewer positions impacted and ways in which the university community can help going forward. -
Message from the President and Provost
Updates on the Anti-Racism Initiative
September 25, 2020: Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, The grand jury ruling in the death of Breonna Taylor earlier this week continues a pattern of painful imprint on the American soul. Hence, now more than ever, we must acknowledge the areas where Loyola University Chicago can deepen our commitment to racial justice. Loyola wants to grow and make a difference. We must thus first seek to understand with humility and openness those aspects within ourselves that unintentionally prevent us from fully attaining the virtues that we aspire to as people.READ MORE -
Message from the Office of the President
Announcing the New School of Environmental Sustainability and Big Plans Ahead
September 24, 2020: Dear Loyola Community, I am pleased to share the news that the Board of Trustees has approved the elevation of the Institute of Environmental Sustainability (IES) to the School of Environmental Sustainability, creating Loyola University Chicago’s 11th school. The School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) solidifies our University’s continued commitment to addressing the causes and impact of global climate change.READ MORE -
Message from the Office of the President
University Update and Financial Impact: Phase III
September 18, 2020: Dear Faculty and Staff, The fall semester is underway amidst the challenges we are navigating. While many at Loyola University Chicago worked tirelessly over the summer to prepare for our fall reopening, none of us could have anticipated what campus “operations” would now look like as we continue to deliver a first-rate Jesuit education and keep our campus community safe. We are especially grateful to faculty and staff for their flexibility and commitment to welcoming our students back to Loyola and delivering a robust academic experience.READ MORE -
Message from the Office of the President
Updates on the Anti-Racism Initiative
September 10, 2020: Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, The country continues to grapple with newer revelations of racial injustice. Recently, they have included the late-August shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to details surrounding the March arrest and death of Daniel Prude in Rochester, New York. These recent examples contribute to the pain of our nation as it wrestles with racism.READ MORE -
Message from the Office of the President
Supporting our Black Students and Advancing Loyola’s Anti-Racism Initiative
August 31, 2020: Dear Ramblers, This past weekend marked the poignant anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s inspirational “I Have a Dream” speech. Myriad protests and activities occurred across the country—including near or on our campus—in response to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Riah Milton, Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, and many others, as well as the shooting of...READ MORE -
Supporting Our Black Students and Peaceful Protests
Read the August 28 message from the Division of Student Development in support of our Black students and peaceful protests.READ MORE -
My Message to Students and Families
August 6, 2020: As follow-up to earlier communication today, I am reaching out directly to students and families and to the wider university community to provide background on our difficult decision to suspend plans to host students in on-campus residence halls until conditions are favorable.WATCH VIDEO -
ICE Ruling Reversal: A Victory for Higher Learning
July 15, 2020: We are gratified by the U.S. government’s decision to rescind the July 6 ruling of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. That decision would have unfairly impacted international students by requiring them to take in-person classes or return to their home countries. This is not only a huge relief for these students, but a testimony to the advocacy of the Loyola University Chciago community as part of the family of higher education institutions. LEARN MORE -
ICE Ruling: Loyola Supports Our Students through Legal and Legislative Action
July 13, 2020: We remain troubled by the disruptive guidelines announced July 6 by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. These guidelines would prohibit international students living in the United States from enrolling exclusively in online classes. Last week we outlined our commitment to providing continuing opportunities for international students. In parallel, we continue to pursue legal and legislative remedies to overturn these unfair rules and want to update you on some of those actions.READ MORE -
Loyola’s Support for International Students and Response to ICE Ruling
President Rooney details the University's response to the ICE ruling and affirms our institution's support for international students as part of our global Loyola community.READ MORE -
Our Support for Dreamers
President Rooney calls for lasting legislative solutions as the U.S. Supreme Court affirms DACA.READ MORE -
From Grief to Action
May 31, 2020: Once again American society is witnessing outrage over the systemic racism that has led to the murders of women and men of color in the past weeks. The response understandably has been anger and fierce opposition to those who have betrayed their charge of upholding the law and protecting people by abusing their power and committing these heinous crimes of violence. Members of our own community feel these tragedies on a very personal level, yet again, and are not “all right.” We have also seen prejudice and hostility against people of Asian descent who are inappropriately being blamed for the outbreak of the coronavirus. We are keenly aware that members of black and brown communities have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of infection and mortality. Naturally, we want to express solidarity with the individuals, families, and communities of color who continue to be victimized unjustly. But words are not and never will be enough. READ MORE -
IBHE Names Higher Ed Leaders to COVID-19 Campus Reopening Committee
Loyola President Jo Ann Rooney is among several Illinois higher education leaders convened by the Illinois Board of Higher education to shape guidance on how campuses can open safely this fall semester.LEARN MORE -
Appointment of Thomas Neitzke, S.J., Dean of Arrupe College
May 12, 2020: We are pleased to announce that Father Thomas Neitzke, S.J., has been appointed dean of Arrupe College at Loyola University Chicago, effective August 1, 2020.READ MORE -
Connected In Community
In her weekly message President Rooney reflects on the ways we can care for each other and care for the future of Loyola. -
A Note from the President, March 18, 2020
We are called to care and be community: As we continue to navigate one of the greatest global health challenges to ever face our University and possibly the world, I want to express my deepest appreciation for the numerous ways faculty, staff, students, and their families are working together. READ MORE -
A Note from the President, February 2020
In February 1870, construction of St. Ignatius College at 12th and May Streets in Chicago continued through the winter weather. In the face of delays and debates about the value and feasibility of the project, Fr. Arnold Damen, SJ, the Jesuits, and the BVMs persevered.READ MORE -
