Loyola College in Maryland will celebrate its official transition to Loyola University Maryland on Friday, Sept. 25, with a convocation beginning at 3 p.m. In addition to remarks by Loyola President Brian F. Linnane, S.J., the event will feature a keynote address by Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia, Ph.D. DeGioia and His Excellency Archbishop Edwin O'Brien of Baltimore will receive Doctor of Humane Letters degrees, honoris causa - the first degrees awarded by Loyola University Maryland.
"Dr. DeGioia leads one of the world's preeminent Catholic, Jesuit universities - the oldest Catholic university in America," said Fr. Linnane. "I am certain Dr. DeGioia will offer remarkable insights into what it means to be a truly exceptional Catholic, Jesuit university today. For Loyola, this perspective is especially valuable as we pursue our goal of being the nation's leading Catholic, comprehensive university. I am honored to welcome Dr. DeGioia to Loyola for this special moment in our history, and I am delighted that he and Archbishop O'Brien-the distinguished leader of Baltimore's Catholic community-will become members of the Loyola family by accepting Loyola University Maryland's first degrees."
The convocation, which will be held in Reitz Arena, is open to the entire university and alumni community as well as the media, and will also feature the unveiling of key elements of the new Loyola University Maryland branding strategy, including the transformed Loyola Web site. This new strategy is the result of two years of extensive research and creative development, and its introduction promises to be an exciting moment for all members of the University community.
The festivities will continue on Saturday, Sept. 26, with a reception, live music, and fireworks display on the University's Quad. That event begins at 8 p.m. and continues until 9:30 p.m.
For more information or questions regarding this story, contact Media Relations Manager Nick Alexopulos at nalexopulos@loyola.edu or 410-617-5025.