Discussing Loyola’s’ achievements over the past year, university president the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J. noted a continual improvement in undergraduate enrollment and retention rates at the President’s Convocation Jan. 15. Students, faculty and staff gathered in Nunemaker Auditorium for the annual spring convocation to hear Wildes gave his speech.

In the speech, he emphasized the university’s accmplishments in the area of admissions. ‘At this time our undergraduate applications for next year are up over 30 percent,’ Wildes said. ‘And we expect to reach next year’s budgeted goal of over 800 new first year students, and 125 new transfer students.’

Announcing that fall and spring retention rates have increased to 96 percent this year, Wildes extended his gratitude to the faculty and staff for their vital role in improving the university’s retention. ‘It is important that all members of the faculty and staff continue their own engagement with students to continue to increase our retention,’ Wildes said.

‘If we are truly going to be an excellent university, we must improve our retention rates.’ In addition to an improvement in undergraduate enrollment and retention rates, Wildes pointed out that Loyola experienced a 14 percent increase in their rate of giving this past year.’ ‘ Wildes mentioned that the university should continue to expand and improve its graduate program.

He also noted that the university should continue to improve its graduation retention rate, which is currently at around 80 percent. ‘Improving our retention graduation rates is crucial to Loyola; not only what it means in terms of revenue and support, but what it means in terms of academic reputation,’ Wildes said.

‘ To conquer the many challenges Loyola will face in the future, Wildes urged faculty and staff to continue to implement Loyola 2012, the university’s strategic plan, and to assist in carrying out the new master plan for facilities – which was approved by the board of trustees in October.

‘Loyola ought to always be a place that is involved in a cycle of planning, implementation, evaluation and more planning,’ Wildes said. ‘The goal of our work is not just to have a great year this year or next year, it is to build a strong foundation for our success in the long term.’ ‘

Alex Ackel can be reached [email protected]