Leadership Transition at Loyola University Chicago

Dear Members of the Loyola Community,

After a series of conversations and planning that he initiated with the Board of Trustees, Father Garanzini has decided to step down from his position as President and CEO of Loyola University Chicago on June 30, 2015. This transition will allow Father Garanzini to satisfy the ever-increasing demands of his position as Secretary for Higher Education for the Society of Jesus, in which he is tasked with promoting Jesuit higher education around the world. After 14 years of leadership, and with the knowledge that Loyola’s financial footing and academic programs are strong, Father Garanzini feels the time is ripe for a new leader to shepherd the University and our students.

The Board of Trustees has asked Father Garanzini to continue his service to Loyola as Chancellor, where he will serve at the direction of the President for whatever amount of time is needed. As Chancellor, Father Garanzini will serve in an advisory capacity to advance strategic projects, assist the Advancement Division with fundraising, and consult on international programs, as requested by the President and the Board of Trustees.

At the request of the Board of Trustees, John Pelissero, PhD, has generously agreed to serve as Interim President, beginning July 1, 2015. John has been a member of Loyola’s political science faculty for 30 years. He joined University administration in 2003, when he served as Associate Provost for Curriculum Development until 2005. From 2005–10, John held the position of Vice Provost, and in 2010, he was elected as Provost and Chief Academic Officer. John is uniquely qualified to lead Loyola during this transition. He is a member of all of the University’s institutional administrative bodies, including the Cabinet, the Council of Deans (which he chairs), two committees of the Board of Trustees, the Budget Review Team, and the Development Council. He also serves as an ex officio member of the University Senate. John’s deep knowledge of Loyola, his commitment, and his invaluable contributions to our strategic efforts will continue to benefit Loyola and the students we serve.

Samuel Attoh, PhD, currently Dean of The Graduate School and Associate Provost for Research, has graciously agreed to serve as Interim Provost beginning July 1.

These leadership changes will provide us ample opportunity to conduct a comprehensive presidential search over the next year. We anticipate that a search firm will be retained to assist a small group—primarily composed of Trustees—in conducting a national search for our next University leader. We are confident that Loyola’s prestige as a university rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic heritage will attract extraordinarily talented Jesuit and lay leaders who are able to fulfill our mission. Additional information regarding the search process will be sent to all members of the Loyola community after the June Board of Trustees meeting.

Thank you for everything you do for Loyola and for your continued support during this important transition.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Parkinson Jr. (BBA ’73, MBA ’75)
Chairman, Board of Trustees

cc: Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.
     President and CEO