Loras College > Explore > President's Annual Report

 

DEAR ALUMNI and FRIENDS:

When I graduated from Loras in 1984 with a B.A. in Finance, I had every intention of going back to Chicago and pursuing banking. On a return visit to campus that summer, I fortuitously bumped into Professor Frank Noonan. He asked me what I was doing, and I said, “Looking for a job.” He told me to go see Director of Admissions Dan Conry, which I did. Dan told me he had over 70 applications and that none fit the mark to “sell the Loras Experience.” He did say that he recalled my student involvement and, as long as President Di Pasquale approved, the job would be mine. Early the next week I met with Dr. Di Pasquale and, much to my surprise, I was offered the job. I was ecstatic, and thanks to these three good men, it started what has been 27 great years working for my alma mater.

As I write, Loras just finished celebrating its annual Homecoming weekend. The campus was filled with crowds of enthusiastic alumni, friends, parents and students. Repeatedly, and in sync with my own reflections, alumni told me of their deep love for Loras, the gratitude they had for their own experiences here and the profound impact Loras has made on their lives. At the height of all these remarks were the lifelong relationships Loras created for them and the foundation of faith that was further instilled in them.

Though grateful for, and reminiscent of, the Loras Experience, our alumni were overwhelmingly impressed by the marked improvements to our campus. From the new landscaping, to the construction and renovations on campus, alumni expressed satisfaction for the numerous changes. Further, alumni remarked about the beauty of our liturgies. They also commented about the talents and friendliness of our students, faculty and staff.

The Loras Experience has always been about the people. Of special note is the generosity of Loras people who have made the Loras Experience possible. On behalf of the entire Loras community, I offer my deepest gratitude to you for your belief in, and generous support of, Loras College.

I urge you to continue joining me, my colleagues, our alumni and friends in giving so that future generations of students will have the opportunity to receive the Loras Experience in the same ways that many of us have so richly benefitted.

May God bless you always!
James E. Collins, President ('84)

   
 
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