This week was difficult for Loyola in light of Father Knoth’s unexpected resignation.
Our campus, which is usually a warm, inviting, lively place, was filled with shock, sadness, confusion, and loss, all of which are natural and expected responses at a time like this.
As a university, we have experienced a great loss.
However, there is no doubt in my mind that we can and will overcome the adversity that we face, and that we will face in the near future.
Sometimes in life things happen that are beyond our control, and it is our response to those occurrences that define us.
This is a difficult and complex situation on many levels.
~ Bea Forlano is a management senior. She is the president of the Studend Government Association.
There are many things that must be taken into consideration at a time like this, and my prayers go out to all who have experienced injustice.
The Student Government Association’s main concern is for our students and their ability to cope with the events of this week. I have no comments on the actual allegations.
We will never know what happened, but as the SGA President, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and be thankful for the improvements and contributions made by Father Knoth during his tenure as president of the university. His charismatic leadership will be missed.
However, in terms of daily operations I have all the faith in the world that the vice presidents, deans, and other personnel have the ability and leadership to run the University until our interim president, Father Byron is able to be with us.
Shortly after Father Byron arrives on campus SGA hopes to plan an event that would allow students the opportunity to get to know more about him on both a professional and personal level.
Just as students were involved in the search for our new provost I am sure they will be involved in the search process for Loyola’s new President. If students have any questions or concerns please contact us in the SGA office at x2132, and we will do our best to respond or refer you to the appropriate person.
How we, as a university, react to this crisis will speak volumes about the character of this institution, and I have no doubt that the resilience of our administration, faculty, staff, and most of all students will allow us to act in solidarity and to approach the coming days with a degree of level-headed calmness.
Through that calmness our actions, words, and deeds will exude the character and integrity of the Loyola community.
