Loyola is an institution to be proud of. It has grown from being an all-male undergraduate commuter school, with a presence limited to Baltimore, to a flourishing co-ed institution with terrific undergraduate and graduate programs and a reputation that is spreading nationwide. Loyola has never been afraid to tackle "change" in order to strive for improvement. The proposed name, "Loyola University," better represents the school today and allows it to compete more effectively, nationally and internationally, for both students and faculty. The idea of change is not always easy, especially when it concerns something we love, but we can't let nostalgia impede the continued development of an institution that has a lot to offer our world.
When I walk through campus now, 12 years after I graduated, I feel tremendous pride. I love to look at the changes around campus. Even more, I love to show off the campus to fellow alums who remember the days when there was no Sellinger building, and Maryland Hall was still covered in fluorescent green bathroom tile (thankfully now faced with traditional stone). To ice the cake, I show them the Fitness and Aquatics Center. They are always blown away and inevitably comment that they wish we'd had it that good back then. I laugh and agree with them and then we go get sushi at Boulder (yes, the food has improved dramatically since our days here). Loyola has come a long way.
With two schools -- soon to be three -- and a thriving graduate program, Loyola is a university. But even with all the changes, Loyola remains "Loyola." The presence of the Jesuits is still felt across campus, classes are still taught by actual professors, the student community is still strong and active and community service is still a major part of the campus experience, with more than 60 percent of our undergraduates participating.
I do have an insider's advantage when I look at the direction the school is going. Like many of Loyola alums, I have returned to my alma mater and now work in Technology Services. I'm never shy about getting involved and providing my two cents to discussions about the strategic direction of the school. I'm pleased to say that the parties in those discussions continue to understand the heart of Loyola. We are not in danger of losing the core values and identity that make Loyola great. Remember, it isn't the name or designation that determines the identity of a school or any other organization: It's the people.
I believe in Loyola, and I believe that it has a positive impact on the world around us and the potential to make an even bigger difference in the years to come. Recognition of Loyola as a university better allows us to make that successful impact by accurately conveying what we have to offer, and it helps to chart the road ahead. We must never forget the heart and soul that make Loyola great, and the proposed designation change does not pose risk to that. For these reasons, I fully endorse "Loyola University."
Richard G. Sigler, '96 Associate Director of Application Systems Development Technology Services
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