The Loyola community is mourning today’s death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree, honoris causa, from Loyola College in Maryland 15 years ago.

Shriver was honored at Loyola’s 1994 Commencement with her husband, the Honorable Sargent Shriver, and their five children. The degrees were bestowed because of the family’s service to the ideals of public and community responsibility, which has brightened the lives of millions and people, exemplifying the very best that America has to offer the world, according to the citation read when the Shrivers accepted their degrees.

Throughout her career, Shriver compiled an unparalleled record of public service at every tier, from the local level to the world community. She devoted her life to improving and enhancing the lives of those with mental retardation, leading the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., Foundation starting in 1947 and founding Special Olympics in 1968.

Shriver and her husband ensured that the same principles that informed their lives were instilled in their children. Throughout her life, Shriver was committed to serving humanity, a commitment reflected in her numerous professional and personal accomplishments.