View From the Porch: An Education for the Mind, Body, and Spirit
President Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., reflects on celebrating school spirit and takes pride in the incredible way that Loyola’s mission propels the University forward
Photo by Aaron Boutwell
One of our newer campus traditions—and one of my favorites—takes place once a year during the halftime of a Greyhounds basketball game. As the teams head to the locker room to prepare for the second half, two groups of faculty, staff, and administrators take Forbes Court for an employee matchup.
Cheered on by students and colleagues, we face off in a good-natured—but also competitive—game. I love the spirit and excitement the fans bring to Reitz Arena, whether they’re cheering on their colleagues in an annual matchup or our exceptional scholar-athletes who compete at the highest level.
At Loyola, we recognize that school spirit means more than yelling “Go Hounds!” and wearing Green and Grey. When we emphasize growing and celebrating school spirit, we mean we want our students and alumni to be proud of their Loyola education—and use it to make a difference in the world. We want our employees to know they are contributing to an institution that brings about positive, transformational change through education. We want people outside Loyola to marvel at the power of a Loyola education, the strength of our community, and the incredible way that our mission propels us forward.
I hope you take pride in your connection to Loyola and that you see alumni applying their Jesuit, liberal arts education in your community—and in the world. In this issue alone, you’ll learn about former Loyola students who are competing in the NBA and in the Paralympics, writing bestselling books, celebrating Masses as newly ordained priests, making leadership gifts that will shape the future of Loyola, and reflecting on the legacy of our late Holy Father and the promise of a new one. Loyola graduates are leading with mind, body, and spirit—and they’re making us proud. You are making us proud.
If you haven’t been to campus lately, I hope you will stop by soon, perhaps for Alumni Weekend in February. Or come cheer on your favorite players at our employee basketball game. We will save you a seat.