Loyola almunus chosen New Orleanian of the year by Gambit Weekly

Gambit Weekly named Norman Francis, Loyola alumnus and president of Xavier University, as New Orleanian of the Year. Gambit chose Francis for the positive effect he had on the recovery effort as the chairman of the Louisiana Recovery Authority. With Francis as the chairman, the LRA was able to secure billions of dollars and bring about state approval for the city’s recovery plan, according to the Gambit. The aid will include money to stimulate first-time homeownership and mixed-income housing in the city, as well as aid for public schools. Francis has held the office of university president longer than any other person in the nation, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bush for his dedication to education. He has advised every U.S. president on education since John F. Kennedy.

Spring Faculty Convocation focuses on successes, goalsThe Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., university president, updated faculty on new campus developments during the Spring Faculty Convocation on Jan. 4.

Wildes announced that Loyola will begin to institute a campus-wide recycling program this semester. In admissions, submitted undergraduate applications are up 36 percent since last year. Out-of-state applicants make up about 60 percent of the pool. Loyola is also working with other universities to expand its federal loan program. In financial news, alumni giving has increased more than 200 percent since last year.

Wildes promised a three percent increase in faculty and staff salary, and said Loyola is still hiring for various positions on campus: dean of the College of Social Sciences, vice president for finances and administration and vice president for enrollment. Wildes also mentioned that a faculty dining room will replace the senior commons every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also, all faculty and staff now have complimentary memberships to the Rec Plex. In renovations news, the Danna Center project should be completed by next summer. Some classrooms will be receiving new carpet and paint, and the renovations for the chemistry labs will continue to move forward.

– Katie Urbaszewski