Loyola University New Orleans – USA

Founding and Early Years

Loyola University New Orleans, founded by the Society of Jesus in 1904, began as Loyola College. It was established on a section of the Foucher Plantation, purchased by the Jesuits in 1886. A young Jesuit, Father Albert Biever, was pivotal in its foundation. With just a five-cent tram fare, he was instructed by his superiors to travel via the St. Charles tramway to the affluent areas of the city to start a new university. The college initially functioned both as a college and a preparatory school, a common structure for many Jesuit institutions at the time. First classes were held in a residence behind the Most Holy Name of Jesus Church, with Father Biever serving as the first president. The first permanent building was constructed in 1907, followed by the completion of Marquette Hall in 1910.

Reorganization and University Status

In 1911, a significant reorganization of Jesuit schools in New Orleans took place. The College of the Immaculate Conception, established in 1847 in downtown New Orleans, separated its high school and college divisions, becoming exclusively a secondary school, now known as Jesuit High School. Loyola was designated as the collegiate institution and was officially chartered as Loyola University on July 10, 1912.

Expansion and Development

Over the years, Loyola University New Orleans expanded steadily on its uptown campus. By the end of its first decade, the university included the College of Arts and Sciences, a Law School (established in 1914), a Dental School (also founded in 1914), and a Pharmacy School (opened in 1919). This expansion reflected Loyola's commitment to providing comprehensive education across various fields of study, positioning it as a significant educational institution in the region.

Growth and Modernization

Loyola University New Orleans has continued to grow and modernize throughout the decades. It has expanded its academic programs, facilities, and services to meet the evolving needs of its student body. The university's dedication to Jesuit values, emphasizing social justice, critical thinking, and service to others, remains a cornerstone of its mission. Today, Loyola offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, maintaining its reputation for academic excellence and community engagement.

Loyola University New Orleans has a rich history rooted in Jesuit tradition, characterized by its steady growth and commitment to education and service. From its humble beginnings with Father Biever's tram journey to its current status as a respected institution of higher learning, Loyola continues to uphold its mission of fostering intellectual and personal development in its students.