Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans stands as a distinguished Jesuit institution, deeply interwoven with the vibrant tapestry of its host city. Its roots trace back to the early 18th century, when Jesuits first arrived among the pioneering settlers of New Orleans and Louisiana. This enduring presence laid the groundwork for a university known for its commitment to intellectual pursuit and service, embodying the rich historical and spiritual heritage of the Society of Jesus in the South.

The university officially began its journey in 1904 as Loyola College, established by the Society of Jesus on a section of the historic Foucher Plantation, which the Jesuits acquired in 1886. The founding tale highlights the dedication of a young Jesuit, Fr. Albert Biever, who was tasked with the ambitious mission of creating a university. What started with classes held in a residence behind Most Holy Name of Jesus Church quickly grew, with the cornerstone of its first permanent building laid in 1907 and the iconic Marquette Hall completed by 1910.

A pivotal moment arrived in 1911 with a significant reorganization of Jesuit schools in New Orleans. The College of the Immaculate Conception, an earlier Jesuit institution, transitioned to solely a secondary school (now Jesuit High School), allowing Loyola to fully embrace its collegiate mission. This strategic realignment culminated in Loyola being formally chartered as Loyola University on July 10, 1912, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of higher education in New Orleans and carrying forward a tradition of academic excellence guided by Jesuit values.