Transformation 1…2…3

In December 2025, Loyola announced the first eight-figure gift in Loyola’s history. That history-making gift caught people’s attention.

Then the next week the University announced a second eight-figure gift. The phones started ringing, and Loyola’s social media platforms lit up.

Weeks later, just after 2026 started, news came of a third gift that was larger than each of the two that preceded it. Greyhound Nation couldn’t contain its excitement.

That’s what momentum looks like. That’s how excited Loyola alumni are about the direction of the University right now. With new academic programs coming online and dynamic, strategic growth underway, donors are stepping forward to be part of the transformation and shape the future of the Jesuit, liberal arts university they love.

“This is an incredible time at Loyola with new programs and new offerings, and our alumni are responding to that in extremely positive ways,” said Brian M. Oakes, ’99, MBA ’10. “These transformative commitments reflect the continued momentum sparked by the University’s strategic plan, Together We Rise. I am confident that they will inspire others to be part of this exciting time and invest in the future of Loyola.”

Loyola is writing the next chapter in its more-than-170- year-old history. This is a time of growth and transformation, thanks to current leadership, a visionary plan for Loyola to be a preeminent university for student success, and the generous support of those who believe in the promise of Loyola’s future.

“These gifts are truly historic. When we look at how they will strengthen the University, I can’t overstate the impact their support will have on our students’ education and experience,” Oakes said. “By dreaming big with us, these donors are shaping the future. What’s also incredible is seeing how their gifts are inspiring others to step forward to ask how they can support a particular initiative or simply be part of this moment for Loyola.”

That’s exactly what these supporters—and others—are hoping their gifts will do—not just have an impact on the University but invite others to make similar commitments that will secure Loyola’s future success.

Meet the donors behind these three historic, transformational gifts, and see why they are excited to be helping advance Loyola University Maryland.

Bill and Susan Bloomfield, MBA ’94

Largest Gift in Loyola’s History Will Advance STEM Education and Support First-gen Students

Susan S. Bloomfield, MBA ’94, credits much of her professional and personal success to her Loyola education. Honoring that impact, she and her husband, Bill, made a landmark $12 million commitment to establish Bloomfield Hall—the new addition to Donnelly Science Center—and the Bloomfield First-Generation Scholarship.

“Our gift stems from gratitude, pride, and confidence,” said Susan, who is the former general manager of Neutrogena Corp. “I am grateful because I would not have been nearly as successful or impactful in my career without my Loyola education. I am extremely proud of my Loyola education and proud of Loyola’s success in preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow’s world.”

Susan has remained actively involved with the University and has served on the Board of Trustees since 2022. Today, she and Bill have made the largest gift in the University’s history.

Susan notes that her confidence in the University’s trajectory and momentum, when combined with her gratitude and pride, cemented her and Bill’s desire to make this gift.

“I am quite confident in the direction that the University is headed and the strategic decisions that have been made to ensure a robust future,” she added.

For Susan, her inspiration to support first-generation students is a personal one, driven by her own experience as a first-generation college graduate from The Ohio State University. First-generation students make up a significant portion of Loyola’s student body, including 21% of the Class of 2029 and 22% of the Class of 2028. The Class of 2027 features the highest percentage of first-generation students on record at Loyola with 26%. With this gift, Susan hopes to create more access and help fulfill prospective students’ dreams of getting quality education.

Susan earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business and Marketing from The Ohio State University. Since her retirement from Neutrogena, she has served on several corporate and nonprofit boards focused on public education and eliminating educational inequality. Bill is a retired business owner and entrepreneur who is also a community leader and philanthropist.

Patricia and John Cochran, III, ’73

Historic Gift Will Support Faculty Excellence and Create Scholarship Opportunities

John R. Cochran III, ’73, graduated from Loyola in 1973 before embarking on a successful career in banking with MBNA Corporation. He and his wife, Patricia, have remained actively involved in the University community over the years, living out their commitment to Loyola and Jesuit education through impactful leadership, generous philanthropy, and as the parents of Katherine Jellick, ’00.

Their $10 million commitment will significantly increase the Cochran Family Scholarship Fund, create the Cochran Family Center for Faculty Excellence, and establish the Cochran Faculty Fund, simultaneously elevating Loyola’s expert faculty while advancing the University’s commitment to student success.

“Loyola was, and is to this very day, founded on the principles of my Catholic faith. It is a program committed to excellence and the development of the individual with sound values and good ethics. That excellence has continued with the ‘strong truths well lived’ by Loyola’s graduates,” John said. “This is a great opportunity for Pat and me to grow the scholarship fund for future students, particularly those coming from Baltimore.”

John was born and raised in Baltimore City, where he attended Cardinal Gibbons High School. The son of a postmaster and one of eight children, he paid for his Loyola education by working 30 hours a week stocking grocery shelves. After graduating in 1973, John began a career in banking working at Maryland National Bank as a consumer lending management trainee. He ultimately became chief operating officer of the MBNA Corporation and chairman and chief executive officer of its principal subsidiary, MBNA America Bank.

John credits much of his personal and professional success to his Jesuit education and Loyola experience, which has inspired his decades of philanthropy and leadership involvement with the University. This includes his and Patricia’s commitment to creating opportunities for students from Baltimore to benefit from the same Loyola education he received.

“Pat and I were both raised in Baltimore City and know the challenges families face when it comes to affording higher education. It is our hope that this scholarship will enable families to send their children to Loyola.”

Ellen and H. Edward Hanway, ’74

$10 Million Commitment Will Enhance Programs in Sciences and Risk Management

A longtime leader in the health insurance industry, H. Edward Hanway, ’74, understands the shortage of nursing resources in the country. So, when he and his wife, Ellen, saw that Loyola was launching a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, they knew they wanted to offer their support.

“I’m very proud that Loyola decided to address that and expand its offerings to include nursing in a way that is reflective of the University’s mission, and with a partner in Mercy Medical Center that shares that mission of care for others and care for the City of Baltimore,” said Ed, who is the former CEO and board chair of Cigna Corp.

The Hanways are making their $10 million gift to support the renovation and expansion of Donnelly Science Center and the creation of the Loyola Nursing Leadership Scholars for the University’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

“Loyola has been a major part of my family’s life for many years. I attended Loyola, as did my son. My respect for the institution has only grown,” Ed said. “Loyola is an educational institution that truly focuses on developing students to be thinkers, not just learners. We wanted to be sure that Loyola would have the resources to continue to evolve, meet the needs of its students, and meet the needs of the world.”

The Hanways’ philanthropic contributions over the years make up the largest from a donor in the University’s history. Ellen and Ed, who received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from the University in 2014, are the parents of Ed Hanway, ’99.

Recognizing the importance of graduating leaders who have a broad understanding of the nature of risk, the Hanways included in the gift funds to establish the Hanway Endowed Professorship in Risk Management and the Hanway Risk Management Experiential Learning Fund. An additional portion of their commitment will provide general operational and scholarship support to the University.

“When people hear ‘insurance,’ they think it sounds boring—but when you understand how risk management facilitates investment, health, and well-being, you realize its broader importance,” said Ed. “Risk management today is about far more than purchasing an insurance policy. It requires a broad understanding of the nature of risk—from cyber to AI to climate—and how it affects both businesses and individuals. Loyola has the strength through the Sellinger School to build a program that immerses students in the full spectrum of modern risk management.”