The Society, established in 1981, bears the name of Loyola’s founder, The Reverend John Early, S.J. Born in Ireland, Fr. Early emigrated to the United States as a teenager and completed his seminary work at Mount Saint Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Maryland and at Georgetown. Chosen to direct the opening of a Jesuit college in Maryland after a successful tenure as the President of the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, Fr. Early established Loyola in 1852, going on to serve two terms as President, from 1852 to 1858 and from 1866 to 1870. He was also twice President of Georgetown, from 1858-1866 and again from 1870 until his death in 1873.

Fr. Early played an essential role in the development of these vital institutions, steering them through a turbulent period in American history. Now, more than 150 years later, it is quite fitting that the group representing Loyola’s most steadfast champions bears his name.