Loyola Trustee Dan Rizzo, ’99, receives papal honor for service

Loyola University Maryland Trustee Dan Rizzo, ’99, was named to the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope Leo XIV. The papal honor recognizes lay members of the Catholic Church for service to the church and accomplishments that benefit society. The honor was conferred by Archbishop of Baltimore William E. Lori at a ceremony on Sept. 12, 2026, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. 
 
“Dan embodies the values that define Loyola at its best: faith, integrity, service, and care for others,” said Gerry Holthaus, ’71, chair of Loyola’s Board of Trustees. “His enduring commitment to Loyola and the Catholic Church has touched countless lives and strengthened institutions that serve the common good. This papal honor is a fitting recognition of his many contributions.” 
 
Rizzo’s professional expertise and philanthropic service have advanced Catholic education, charitable outreach, and Jesuit institutions, according to the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Earlier this year, Loyola announced a $3 million gift from Rizzo and his wife Kelly Bryan Rizzo, ’98, to strengthen student career preparation and faculty formation through the endowment of key programs. 
 
The Rizzos have a history of philanthropic support and leadership engagement with Loyola. They previously pledged $2 million to name Loyola’s Rizzo Career Center and have each been honored with the Carroll Medal, which recognizes distinguished alumni for noteworthy and meritorious service to Loyola. Dan and Kelly Rizzo were married in Loyola’s Alumni Memorial Chapel in 2000. 
 
In addition to his service to Loyola, Dan Rizzo is a trustee for Catholic Charities of Baltimore, chair of the board of trustees for Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, and vice chair of the board of trustees for St. Mary’s Seminary & University. Professionally, Rizzo has held leadership positions at Inovalon, a healthcare technology company in Bowie.

 
“Through leadership, service, and philanthropy, Dan has made a lasting difference in the lives of our students and in the broader Catholic community,” said Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., president of Loyola. “This honor recognizes not only his many accomplishments but also the faith, humility, and commitment to the common good that have guided his life’s work. We are proud to call him a Loyola alumnus, trustee, and friend.” 
 
Other Loyola alumni receiving papal honors at the ceremony were Ralph Arnold Sr., ’74, MBA ’85, and Barbara Nazelrod, ’73, M.Ed. ’82. The Rev. William Watters, S.J., who delivered Loyola’s 2019 Commencement address and received an honorary degree from Loyola, received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice honor recognizing great service to the Catholic Church.