Enrollment and construction were the highlights of Rev. Kevin Wildes S.J. , speech given on Monday, Aug. 19

Wildes, university president, addressed Loyola faculty and staff in Roussel Hall to discuss issues from new faculty and staff to enrollment.

Wildes began the speech by addressing the “elephant in the room”–Loyola’s enrollment challenges.

He reminded faculty and staff that Loyola has faced serious challenges in the past by referring to the book “Founded on Faith,” written by Bernard A. Cook, provost distinguished professor of history, discussing the history of the university.

Eleven students made up the population of Loyola during a time of war, the Spanish flu, and other factors, Wildes said, citing these as other challenges the university has overcome.

Despite facing challenges, “the university has consistently risen to meet those challenges and emerges stronger than before,” he said.

During the summer months, Wildes contacted the Loyola community, to seek input about how they believed the university could mitigate the impact of the budgetary shortfall created as a result of the drop in freshman enrollment.

The plan is divided between short term and long term solutions, Wildes said.

In an upcoming board of trustees meeting on October 17, Wildes will present a proposal to the board of trustees.

“I will ask the board to approve at a minimum a voluntary retirement plan at the October meeting,” Wildes said.

He said that following the October meeting he will know where the university’s budgetary shortfall stands and whether or not further measures are necessary.

The long term plan seeks to prevent and to avoid future enrollment shortfalls challenges, Wildes said.

“We need to understand what factors contributed to the problems we now face and take the corrective steps that are necessary so it does not reoccur,” Wildes said.

Lauren Patton can be reached at [email protected]