For good football, $8 million and more we thank you, Tom Benson.

In trying to grow as a university, Loyola has implemented a 10-year strategic plan. Perhaps most paramount in this plan is the increasing of Jesuit values on campus.

Currently the Jesuit presence, which manifests itself in Mission and Ministry and the Loyola University Action Program, is fragmented across the campus. Offices and chapels are located in upwards of three different buildings. By funding the new Tom Benson Jesuit Center, you have made it possible for the Jesuit presence to unify and hopefully increase its efficacy.

Another benefit of moving the Jesuit presence into one building is that this frees up a large amount of space across the rest of the university. This space can be used as swing space to facilitate further development and progress.

You have always been a supporter of the Loyola community and we appreciate that. Your past donations, totaling $1.5 million, have not been forgotten. Thank you Mr. Benson.