For weeks we have been hearing about new campaigns and new ideas Loyola has implemented to establish itself nationally and to bring prominence to our school.
Attention is what we wanted.
Attention is what we got.
The resignation of the Rev. Bernard Knoth, S.J. has sent shock waves through our community and beyond.
Unfortunately, this isn’t what we were hoping would be the circumstance under which we’d receive national media attention.
The events of this past week have been surprising and tragic. Their impact will be far-reaching and long-lasting, but we cannot allow the negativity surrounding this to change the character that has been the benchmark of this campus.
It is important during this time of national attention and scrutiny that Loyola shows the traits that make it a strong Jesuit community.
Just as any company or organization is not defined only by its leader, Loyola is not exemplified by Father Knoth alone.
Loyola is represented daily by the exemplary actions of its students, faculty and staff.
The circumstances under which this spotlight has been placed on our campus have not been favorable. The scandal may have brought the attention here, but we have the opportunity to keep it here. Now we are presented with the opportunity to shine on our own. Father Knoth was not the only member of this community, and we must show that we are able to survive, and indeed rise above this situation.
The predicament is not as bleak as it seems.
Loyola can and will recover.
And maybe there’s an unforeseen positive to all of this.
It was Father Knoth himself who stressed to students and faculty that change is often good.
He went so far as to tell professors that he would get rid of anyone using yellowed notes or saying the words “that’s how it’s always been done.”
It was under Father Knoth’s watch that Loyola built the Monroe Library, made the campus technologically advanced and increased annual giving by 2 million over the goal amount.
Through aggressive fundraising and a commitment to the betterment of this campus, Father Knoth brought Loyola to the position of distinction it currently enjoys.
This may not be the way we imagined the changing of the guard, but new ideas, new direction, and a new director are on their way, and they may be just what Loyola needs.
Interim President William J. Byron, S.J., comes to Loyola with experience and knowledge.
Having served as president of two universities and rector of the Georgetown Jesuit Community, Father Byron has the training and insight necessary to lead us through this trying time.
He saw Loyola thirty years ago and now comes back to a much-changed campus.
They say that those who don’t learn from their history are doomed to repeat it. Father Byron knows our history. He is back and is committed to helping us write a new chapter.
As this chapter unfolds, undoubtedly there will be rumors, questions and uncertainty.
The true character of Loyola will be tested in the coming weeks. It is how we handle the circumstances we’ve been handed and the choices we make from here that will determine our future.
We must not forget the Loyola that existed before Tuesday.
The legacy left behind by these events should not be one of weakness or scandal.
The legacy of Loyola should always be one of strength in adversity and solidarity in our community.