Summer News from Loyola: Conversations with Pope Francis, Welcoming New Deans, and More

Throughout the summer months, students, faculty, and staff welcomed new community members to campus, sat for private audiences with Jesuit, Catholic spiritual leaders, and represented Loyola Athletics at the Paris Olympics. As we look forward to another exciting fall semester, take a look back at the top stories that shaped Loyola’s summer.

Pope Francis shared wisdom with Loyola leaders during a visit to the Vatican 

President Mark C. Reed, members of the Board of Trustees, and other senior Loyola leaders sat for a private audience with the Pope on May 20. During the visit, the Holy Father encouraged staff to be “diligent dreamers,” and called upon the community to draw strength from their Jesuit, Catholic roots. The visit was part of a week-long Ignatian pilgrimage that took Loyola leaders to historical locations related to St. Ignatius in Spain and Italy, and included a visit to the John Felice Rome Center. READ MORE 

Loyola welcomed new deans to campus  

Four schools and colleges welcomed new deans to the Loyola community over the summer. As they prepare for the upcoming fall semester, the new deans discussed their academic backgrounds, their approaches to higher education, and their visions for their school’s future.   

• Virginia McDermott became the dean of the School of Communication after 14 years at High Point University in North Carolina. Bringing over 30 years of experience and a passion for integrating social justice into her teaching, McDermott emphasized the importance of communication in community building. READ MORE 

• Patricia Findley returned to Loyola as the dean of the School of Social Work after nearly two decades at Rutgers University. Findley, who received her Masters of Social Work degree from Loyola, shared her multidisciplinary, community-focused approach to social work education. READ MORE 

• Father Martin Connell, S.J., returned to Loyola to become the dean of Arrupe College after a decades-long career in Jesuit education. Fr. Connell, who received his bachelor’s degree from Loyola, focused on creating responsive programs to ensure accessible pathways to higher education. READ MORE 

• David E. McIntosh joined Loyola as the dean of the School of Education after 25 years at Ball State University. With a background in childhood behavioral and mental health research, McIntosh discussed fostering an educational environment that prepares students to promote justice in their communities. READ MORE 

Margaret Callahan steps down, Douglas W. Woods joins Loyola as new Provost  

Margaret Callahan stepped down as provost and chief academic officer in July to return to teaching and research. This transition marked a new chapter in Callahan’s higher education and health care career that began as a first-generation college student at Loyola. READ MORE 

Following Callahan’s departure, Douglas W. Woods joined Loyola leadership as the new provost on July 8. Provost Woods had served as Dean of the Graduate School, Vice Provost for Graduate and Professional Studies, and a tenured Professor of Psychology at Marquette University. In addition to his role as provost, Woods will remain an active scholar as a professor at Loyola. READ MORE 

School of Nursing’s Currie Tighe selected as Tillman Scholar 

Currie Tighe, a Doctor of Nursing Practice student in the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, was named a 2024 Tillman Scholar by the Pat Tillman Foundation. Tighe’s decade-long service in the U.S. Army and as a civilian nurse honors the legacy of Pat Tillman, reflecting a commitment to leadership and patient care. This prestigious award recognizes Tighe’s exemplary service in the U.S. Army and as a civilian nurse and reflects his commitment to leadership and dedicated patient care. Tighe was one of 60 active-duty military, veterans, and spouses to receive this honor this year. READ MORE 

Loyola Men’s Volleyball alumni competed for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics

Two Loyola Men’s Volleyball alumni joined the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France. Thomas Jaeschke (BBA ’22), who played in his third Olympic Games, and Jeff Jendryk (BA ’18), who made his Olympic debut, helped Team USA earn its third bronze medal in Olympic history. The pair won two NCAA national championships together as Ramblers. READ MORE