Press Releases Archives - Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities

The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities stands in solidarity with our sister Jesuit institution in Managua, the University of Central America (UCA). The recent actions of the Nicaraguan Government are both unjust and punitive: a blatant violation of academic freedom.

The repressive strategies of this regime are those of a government that has lost its legitimacy and rightfully fears the judgment of the Nicaraguan people and the international community. These actions are those of a government out of touch with its citizens, civil society, and religious institutions.

We extend our support to the Jesuits, the faculty, students and staff who have been falsely accused of violations of the law. With the Central American Province of the Society of Jesus, we call on this government to reverse its decisions and cease its repression of the University and those who are advocating for a public dialogue regarding the nation’s future.

La Asociación de Colegios y Universidades Jesuitas de Norteamérica se solidariza con nuestra institución hermana en Managua, la Universidad Jesuita de Centroamérica (UCA). Las recientes acciones del Gobierno de Nicaragua son injustas y punitiva, una flagrante violación de la libertad académica.

Las estrategias represivas de este régimen son las de un gobierno que ha perdido su legitimidad y teme, con razón, el juicio del pueblo nicaragüense. Estas acciones son las de un gobierno alejado de sus ciudadanos, de la sociedad civil y de las instituciones religiosas.

Extendemos nuestro apoyo a los Jesuitas, a la facultad, a los estudiantes y al personal que han sido falsamente acusados de falsas violaciones de la ley. Con la Provincia Centroamericana de la Compañía de Jesús, hacemos un llamado a este gobierno para que revoque sus decisiones y cese la represión contra la Universidad y contra quienes abogan por un diálogo público sobre el futuro de la nación.

Salvador D. Aceves, Ed.D.
President, Regis University

Sandra Cassady, Ph.D.
President, Rockhurst University

Xavier A. Cole, Ed.D.
President, Loyola University New Orleans

Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D.
President, Saint Peter’s University

John J. DeGioia, Ph.D.
President, Georgetown University

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.
President, University of San Francisco

Colleen M. Hanycz, Ph.D.
President, Xavier University

Rev. Sami Helewa, S.J.
President, Campion College (Regina, Canada: Associate Member)

Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, S.J.
President, Creighton University

Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J.
President, Boston College

Linda M. LeMura, Ph.D.
President, Le Moyne College

Michael R. Lovell, Ph.D.
President, Marquette University

Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J.
President, The University of Scranton

Cheryl A. McConnell, Ph.D.
President, Saint Joseph’s University

Thayne M. McCulloh, D.Phil.
President, Gonzaga University

Alan R. Miciak, Ph.D.
President, John Carroll University

Mark R. Nemec, Ph.D.
President, Fairfield University

Eduardo M. Peñalver, J.D.
President, Seattle University

Mirtha Alicia “Alice” Peralta
President, St. John’s College (Belize)

Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
President, Saint Louis University

Mark C. Reed, Ed.D.
President, Loyola University Chicago

Rev. Gordon Rixon, S.J.
President, Regis College (Toronto, Canada: Associate Member)

Vincent D. Rougeau, J.D.
President, College of the Holy Cross

Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D.
President, Loyola University Maryland

Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D.
President, Loyola Marymount University

Steve K. Stoute, J.D.
President, Canisius University

Julie Sullivan, Ph.D.
President, Santa Clara University

Donald B. Taylor, Ph.D.
President, University of Detroit Mercy

Tania Tetlow, J.D.
President, Fordham University

Mary H. Van Brunt, Ph.D.
President, Spring Hill College

L-R: MICHELE MURRAY (HOLY CROSS), PRESIDENT VINCENT D. ROUGEAU (HOLY CROSS), REV. TIMOTHY O’BRIEN, S.J. (HOLY CROSS), ALISON STOUTE (CANISIUS), PRESIDENT STEVE K. STOUTE (CANISIUS) (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS)

In June, the presidents of three Jesuit institutions in the United States joined Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), on a weeklong pilgrimage to Rome. The trip was designed to familiarize the presidents with key offices in the Vatican (and their leaders) and to visit some of the most significant sites where the Society of Jesus was founded and still serves to coordinate its world-wide network of educational, spiritual and social works and projects.

Fr. Garanzini said, “It is equally important for those of us with major responsibilities in the apostolic works to help the Church and the Society’s central governance understand the challenges and opportunities we face. It is always a two-way street. Good collaboration is built through good relationships. These visits help both partners grow in respect for one another and appreciation.”

Highlights of the trip (which began on June 12 and concluded on June 17) included a tour of the Church of the Gesù (the “Mother Church” of the Society of Jesus where St. Ignatius of Loyola is buried); meetings with members of the Congregation for Catholic Education, the Jesuit Curia, and Dicastery for Integral Human Development; and a visit to the Pontifical Gregorian University for meetings with faculty and resident Jesuits.

L-R: HEATHER LEWIS (SLU), MICHAEL LEWIS (SLU), REV. ARTURO SOSA, S.J., FRAN PESTELLO (SLU), PRESIDENT FRED PESTELLO (SLU) (PHOTO COURTESY OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY)

Saint Louis University’s (SLU) president, Dr. Fred Pestello, attended the pilgrimage with his wife, Dr. Fran Pestello, as well as SLU’s provost, Dr. Michael Lewis, and his wife, Dr. Heather Lewis. President Pestello said, “This was a spectacular trip. Provost Michael Lewis and I were pleased to join Fr. Garanzini and colleagues from Canisius and Holy Cross for productive conversations with leaders of Vatican dicasteries and offices. It is inspiring to see some of the ways that these dedicated individuals are—to borrow a phrase from the Universal Apostolic Preferences—contributing to a hope-filled future for the Church and the community of the faithful around the world. We had comfortable and free-flowing conversations based on mutual respect and shared purpose. I am proud of the manner in which AJCU and its member institutions are fostering conversations and building relationships between our universities and the Roman Curia.”

Steve K. Stoute, J.D., president of Canisius University, attended with his wife, Alison Stoute. President Stoute said, “The pilgrimage afforded the opportunity to reflect on our mission as a Catholic, Jesuit university, in the context of our centuries-old tradition, which is very much alive today. The time together with my colleagues, exploring how the Church and the Society of Jesus are responding to the signs of the times, has energized me and filled me with hope about our collective capacity to answer the call of our society.”

PRESIDENT VINCENT D. ROUGEAU WITH HOLY CROSS STUDENTS IN THE COLLEGE’S MAYMESTER PROGRAM IN ROME (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS)

The third president in attendance was Vincent D. Rougeau, J.D. of the College of the Holy Cross, who was joined by two colleagues: Michele Murray, Senior Vice President for Mission and Ministry, and Rev. Timothy O’Brien, S.J., Associate Vice President for Mission. President Rougeau said, “In June, I had an opportunity to travel to Rome with the presidents of AJCU, Canisius and Saint Louis. Our visits took us to a number of places in the Vatican that had particular resonance for Catholic higher education, including the Congregation for Catholic Education and the Pontifical Gregorian University. We met Rev. Carlo Casalone, S.J., who works on the difficult issues of abortion, contraception, and assisted suicide for the Pontifical Academy for Life, and on my final day in Rome, we visited for several hours at the Jesuit Curia, where we had an opportunity to meet with Jesuit Superior General Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J. and to hear a wonderful presentation by staff members from Jesuit Refugee Service.

“These are just some of the major highlights of our time and there is much I could discuss as I reflect on our visit. I did, however, have one overarching impression that continues to strike me: the Church is a global institution that is rapidly shifting its orientation toward Africa, Asia and Latin America. This means that many of the issues that are central for Catholics in North America and Europe are increasingly less salient (though still present) in the day-to-day work of many groups in Rome. Global concerns about social and economic justice, for instance, are driving conversations across a wide range of areas in which the Church is involved, from the climate crisis to migration issues, to conversations around democracy and human rights. This is a development for those of us in the U.S. to consider with some humility. It is also an exciting opportunity for Jesuit higher education. Our work of preparing young people with a sense of hope for the future should ensure that they are ready to be leaders in a time of global complexity, and to be persons for others who can serve a global Church.”

Contact: Deanna Howes Spiro, Vice President of Communications, AJCU
E-mail: dhowes@ajcunet.edu

Jesuit colleges and universities were founded to support the educational aspirations of immigrants, the poor, and those from diverse backgrounds. They have contributed toward the building of a more just and equitable civil society since the earliest days of our nation’s founding.

Given the recent decision of the United States Supreme Court on affirmative action, we will honor our mission, guided by Catholic Social teaching and its vision of the common good, to continue our commitment to expanding the recruitment of Pell-eligible, first generation, and underrepresented students to our institutions.

Contact: Deanna Howes Spiro, Vice President of Communications
Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities
E-mail: dhowes@ajcunet.edu

It’s been an exciting spring for the #JesuitEducated Class of 2023! We’ve compiled a photo gallery, links to ceremony recaps, and a series of videos from all of our schools’ ceremonies over the past six weeks; please watch them by clicking on the YouTube or Vimeo links below.

In addition, we salute the Class of 2023 at our international member, St. John’s College in Belize, and our associate members, Campion College at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan; Regis College at the University of Toronto; and Newman College in Melbourne!

Please send any questions or additional content to Deanna Howes Spiro, AJCU’s Vice President of Communications: dhowes@ajcunet.edu.

Commencement Photo Gallery

Regis University (Denver, CO)

Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL)

Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA)

Creighton University (Omaha, NE)

University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit, MI)

Fairfield University (Fairfield, CT)

College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, MA)

Loyola University New Orleans (New Orleans, LA)

Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI)

Saint Joseph’s University (Philadelphia, PA)

Commencement Recap Videos

BOSTON COLLEGE (CHESTNUT HILL, MA)

COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS (WORCESTER, MA)

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY (OMAHA, NE)

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY (BRONX & MANHATTAN, NY)

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY (WASHINGTON, D.C.)

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY (SPOKANE, WA)

JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY (UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OH)

LE MOYNE COLLEGE (SYRACUSE, NY)

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY (LOS ANGELES, CA)

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MARYLAND (BALTIMORE, MD)

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS (NEW ORLEANS, LA)

ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY (KANSAS CITY, MO)

SAINT JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY (PHILADELPHIA, PA)

SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY (SANTA CLARA, CA)

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY (SEATTLE, WA)

UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT MERCY (DETROIT, MI)

UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO (SAN FRANCISCO, CA)

XAVIER UNIVERSITY (CINCINNATI, OH)

Commencement Recaps, Recordings & “Seniors to Remember”

This year, several schools published profiles of “seniors to remember.” Click on the following school names to learn more: Boston College, College of the Holy Cross, Fordham University and Gonzaga University. Post-ceremony recaps, recordings and photo albums were published online by the following schools (click on names to learn more): Canisius University, College of the Holy Cross, Fairfield University, Georgetown University, Gonzaga University, Loyola Marymount University, Loyola University Chicago, Marquette University, Regis University, Rockhurst University, Saint Louis University, Saint Peter’s University, Santa Clara University, Spring Hill College, The University of Scranton, University of Detroit Mercy and Xavier University.

It’s that time of year again! The following is a list of speakers and dates for the 2023 AJCU commencement ceremonies at the nation’s Jesuit colleges and universities. Pictured above: Oksana Markarova (Boston College), Yamiche Léone Alcindor (Georgetown University), U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) (Loyola University Chicago), Viet Thanh Nguyen, Ph.D. (Seattle University) and General Michael X. Garrett ’83 (Xavier University). All photos courtesy of Jesuit institutions, and/or Wiki Commons.

Boston College: May 22 (Undergraduate, Graduate), May 26 (Law)
Undergraduate, Graduate: Oksana Markarova (Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States), Law: Judy Woodruff (veteran broadcast journalist)

Canisius University: May 20 (Undergraduate, Graduate)
Steve K. Stoute (president of Canisius University)

College of the Holy Cross: May 26
U.S. Senator Peter Welch ’69 (D-VT)

Creighton University: May 11 (School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, College of Nursing, School of Medicine), May 12 (Graduate School, School of Law, School of Dentistry), May 13 (Undergraduate)
Undergraduate: Sheila S. Boston (trial litigator and legal strategist)

Fairfield University: May 20 (Graduate), May 21 (Undergraduate)
Undergraduate: Marcela Orvañanos de Rovzar (founder of social and humanitarian organizations in Mexico and the U.S. dedicated to teaching financial literacy to Hispanic families), Graduate: Geoffrey Canada (president of the Harlem’s Children Zone)

Fordham University: May 20
Fordham University will award an honorary degree to singer-songwriter-composer Stevie Wonder during its ceremony.

Georgetown University: May 11 (Georgetown University in Qatar), May 18 (School of Nursing, McCourt School of Public Policy), May 19 (Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, School of Continuing Studies, McDonough School of Business [Graduate]), May 20 (College of Arts & Sciences, School of Health, McDonough School of Business [Undergraduate], Walsh School of Foreign Service), May 21 (School of Medicine, Georgetown Law)

Georgetown University in Qatar: Ayman Mohyeldin (MSNBC host of AYMAN), School of Nursing: Susan Orsega (Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Health and the U.S. Surgeon General), McCourt School of Public Policy: Frank H. McCourt, Jr., C’75 (Founder of Project Liberty and Executive Chairman of McCourt Global), Graduate School of Arts & Sciences: Brian Greene (Professor of Physics and Mathematics and Director of the Center for Theoretical Physics at Columbia University), School of Continuing Studies: Jason Kander, L’05 (President of National Expansion at Veterans Community Project and Founder of the Afghan Rescue Project), McDonough School of Business [Graduate]: Igor Smelyansky, MBA’05 (CEO of Ukrainian Postal Service), College of Arts & Sciences: Yamiche Léone Alcindor, C’09 (NBC News Washington Correspondent), School of Health: Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones (Leverhulme Visiting Professor in the Department of Global Health & Social Medicine at King’s College London), McDonough School of Business [Undergraduate]: Dan Helfrich, SFS’98, MBA’99 (Chair and CEO of Deloitte Consulting LLP), Walsh School of Foreign Service: Dasha Navalnaya (Daughter of Imprisoned Russian Opposition Leader Alexey Navalny), School of Medicine: Dr. Joan Reede (Dean for Diversity and Community Partnership at Harvard University), Georgetown Law: Savannah Guthrie, L’02 (Co-Anchor of NBC NEWS’ Today and NBC News’ Chief Legal Correspondent)

Gonzaga University: May 13 (Law, Graduate), May 14 (Undergraduate)
Undergraduate: Dr. Robert “Rob” McCann (CEO of Catholic Charities Eastern Washington), Graduate: Janice Ikeda (executive director of the non-profit grassroots organization Vibrant Hawai’i), Law: Hon. Salvador Mendoza, Jr. (first Latino U.S. District Court judge for the Eastern District of Washington)

John Carroll University: May 20 (Graduate), May 21 (Undergraduate)
Undergraduate: Michael R. Anderson, M.D. ’86 (Senior Advisor for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Graduate: Christopher M. Coburn ’79 (Chief Innovation Officer for Mass General Brigham)

Le Moyne College: May 19 (Graduate), May 21 (Undergraduate)
Undergraduate: Stephen Kuusisto (author, professor and disability rights activist), Graduate: Stephen J. Thomas, M.D. (infectious diseases physician and researcher at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse)

Loyola Marymount University: May 6 (Undergraduate), May 7 (Graduate), May 21 (Loyola Law School)
Undergraduate: Martin Sheen (veteran actor and social justice activist), Graduate: Ginni Rometty (former chair, president and CEO of IBM), Law: Hon. James E. Graves, Jr. (Judge of the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals)

Loyola University Chicago: May 9 (School of Education and School of Environmental Sustainability, Graduate School and Institute of Pastoral Studies), May 10 (Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health and School of Social Work), May 11 (Quinlan School of Business [Undergraduate, Graduate], School of Communication and School of Continuing and Professional Studies), May 12 (College of Arts and Sciences), May 13 (School of Law, Stritch School of Medicine)

School of Education and School of Environmental Sustainability: Mónica Ramírez, J.D., MPA, BA ’99 (Founder/President of Justice for Migrant Women; Co-founder of The Latinx House, Poderistas & Alianza Nacional De Campesinas), Graduate School and Institute of Pastoral Studies: Emilce Cuda, Ph.D., S.T.D. (Secretary, Pontifical Commission for Latin America), Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing: Donna Marie Wolowicki, CR, MBA, RN ’71, MSN ’75 (Provincial Superior, Chicago Based Sisters of the Resurrection), Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health and School of Social Work: Johnnie Thomas, Ed.D., MSW ’00 (Superintendent of Schools, Rich Township High School District 227), Quinlan School of Business [Undergraduate, Graduate]: Tom Hund, BBA ’76 (Former Executive Vice President/CFO, BNSF Railway Co.), School of Communication and School of Continuing and Professional Studies: Dom Merritt, BA ’10 (Chief People Officer, dscout), College of Arts and Sciences [Morning Ceremony]: Joseph A. Sheils, BA ’90 (Executive Vice President and President of Consumer and Digital Banking, Busey Bank), College of Arts and Sciences [Afternoon Ceremony]: Jeanne M. Wrenn, BA ’93, JD ’01 (Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County), College of Arts and Sciences [Evening Ceremony]: Plamen Petrov, Ph.D., MS ’92 (Chief Technology Officer, Hydrogen Health), School of Law: Vincent Rougeau, J.D. (President, College of the Holy Cross), Stritch School of Medicine: U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin (D-IL)

Loyola University Maryland: May 20
Chris Lowney (author, social entrepreneur, and international speaker)

Loyola University New Orleans: May 12 (College of Law), May 13 (Undergraduate, Graduate)
Undergraduate, Graduate: Jon Batiste (Grammy Award-winning musician), College of Law: Carl J. Barbier, J.D. ’70 (Senior U.S. District Court Judge)

Marquette University: May 20 (Undergraduate, Graduate School and Graduate School of Management)
Undergraduate: Marlee Matlin (Academy Award-winning actress), Graduate School and Graduate School of Management: John Gurda (noted writer and Milwaukee historian)

Regis University: April 29 (Graduate), April 30 (Undergraduate)
Undergraduate, Graduate: Rev. William O’Neill, S.J. (author and professor emeritus of social ethics at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University)

Rockhurst University: May 13
Undergraduate; Sarah Wilson (candidate for the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish), Graduate: Nathaniel Graham (candidate for the degree of Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders)

Saint Joseph’s University: May 18 (Doctoral Ceremony), May 20 (Undergraduate, Graduate)
Undergraduate: Marlene Sánchez Dooner ’83 (former executive vice president of Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises), Graduate: Bryan Carter (president and CEO of the Gesu School), Doctoral Ceremony: Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D. ’63 (president of Samaritan Health Initiatives)

Saint Louis University: May 20
John O’Leary, Cook ’99 (New York Times best-selling author and internationally recognized motivational speaker)

Saint Peter’s University: May 19
Michelle Miller (national correspondent for CBS News and co-host on CBS Saturday Morning)

Santa Clara University: June 17
Rev. Greg Boyle, S.J., STM ’86 (founder of Homeboy Industries)

Seattle University: June 12 (Undergraduate, Graduate)
Undergraduate: Doug Baldwin, Jr. (former Seattle Seahawks NFL football player), Graduate: Viet Thanh Nguyen, Ph.D. (author and professor at the University of Southern California)

Spring Hill College: May 6
Lonnie G. Johnson (former NASA engineer and award-winning inventor of the Super Soaker)

The University of Scranton: May 21 (Undergraduate, Graduate)
Undergraduate: James M. Murray II, Ph.D. ’90 (chief security officer for Snap, Inc., and former director of the U.S. Secret Service)

University of Detroit Mercy: May 12 (School of Dentistry, School of Law), May 13 (Undergraduate, Graduate)
Undergraduate, Graduate: JoAnn Chávez (senior vice president and chief legal officer for DTE Energy), School of Dentistry: Barbara Purifoy-Seldon ’70, ’73 (academic and community leader in dentistry), School of Law: Hon. Michelle Rick ’91 (Judge for 4th Judicial District in Michigan)

University of San Francisco: May 18 (School of Nursing and Health Professions), May 19 (College of Arts and Sciences [Undergraduate, Graduate], School of Education), May 20 (School of Management [Undergraduate, Graduate, Professional Bachelor’s], School of Law)

School of Nursing and Health Professions: Margaret Doherty-Simor, RN, MSN, BSN ’84 (USF Board Member and Treasurer of The Interventional Initiative), College of Arts and Sciences [Undergraduate Humanities & Science]: Most Reverend Borys Gudziak (Metropolitan for Ukrainian Catholics in the United States, Archbishop of Philadelphia), College of Arts and Sciences [Undergraduate Arts & Social Science]: Tom Killion (Artist, Printmaker, and Fine Book Printer), College of Arts and Sciences [Graduate]: Michele A. Roberts (Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association), School of Education: L. Frank Manriquez (Tongva, Ajachemem, Rarámuri Elder, Multimedia Artist, and Tribal Scholar), School of Management [Undergraduate]: Christine Fischer Whelan, MBA (USF Vice Chair Emerita, Board of Trustees), School of Management [Professional Bachelor’s and Graduate]: Weijian Shan, Ph.D. (Executive Chairman, PAG), School of Law: Hon. Lucy Haeran Koh (Judge for the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California)

Xavier University: May 13 (Undergraduate, Graduate)
Undergraduate: General Michael X. Garrett ’83 (retired U.S. Army four-star general; executive leadership advisor, public speaker, and military family advocate), Graduate: Neil Tilow ’74, ‘80 M.S. (President and CEO of Talbert House)

Contact: Deanna Howes Spiro, Vice President of Communications, AJCU
(202) 862-9893, dhowes@ajcunet.edu

It’s been an exciting year for Jesuit higher education! New presidents were inaugurated at eight Jesuit institutions across the country: Canisius University, Fordham University, Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University Maryland, Rockhurst University, Santa Clara University, Spring Hill College and the University of Detroit Mercy.

We invite you to read excerpts from the speeches they delivered during their installation ceremonies, and to watch highlights from inauguration week activities, now available on YouTube and other platforms. We pray for our new presidents and thank them for their leadership! (Please note: excerpts listed in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent ceremony on March 24, 2023.)

University of Detroit Mercy

“Under my leadership, Detroit Mercy is always going to be a student-centered university and a home for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. It’s going to be a place where first-generation students will always feel at home and that they can and they will succeed. Together at UDM, let’s build an environment where students from lower socio-economic standing can become the first members of their families to attend college. It’s our job to bring hope to the community that we live and that we serve, one student and one family at a time.” – President Donald B. Taylor, Ph.D.

Click here to learn more about President Taylor’s installation on campus at the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit on March 24, 2023. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.

Spring Hill College

“Spring Hill has always been at the forefront of change, especially as it aligns with our mission. As we look forward to the next 200 years, we see this as a time of renewal; a time for paths to success that align with our Jesuit values of faith, justice, learning and service: the cornerstone of our mission.” – President Mary H. Van Brunt, Ph.D.

Click here to learn more about President Van Brunt’s installation on campus at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL on March 17, 2023. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.

Rockhurst University

“We exist to make our city a better place. We are called to create a more just world through access to all our academic offerings, innovative programs and learning experiences, and transformative education. I am honored to work alongside my Rockhurst companions, and I am honored to serve as president at Rockhurst University.” – President Sandra Cassady, Ph.D.

Click here to learn more about President Cassady’s installation on campus at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO on November 11, 2022. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.

Loyola University Chicago

“What sticks with me is Loyolans’ warmth, their commitment to this University, an awareness of the challenges we face, and yet a sense of optimism about the work ahead. Whatever your role—bring your full self, your full capacity, your full heart and love to the project, your full presence to the people around you.” – President Mark C. Reed, Ed.D.

Click here to learn more about President Reed’s installation on campus at Loyola University Chicago in Chicago on November 3, 2022. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.

Canisius University

“We have lost our ability to have civil discourse in the halls of government and on our campuses with those who are different than we are, forgetting that in spite of our differences we are one human family. We will by our actions rise to meet this moment.” – President Steve K. Stoute, J.D.

Click here to learn more about President Stoute’s installation on campus at Canisius University in Buffalo, NY on October 22, 2022. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.

Fordham University

“Today I am asking you to hope. To have the courage to hope. Not because these are hopeful times; they are not. But because these are urgent times. At a moment of darkening clouds in the world, we gather on this bright, shining day to remember that Fordham has such power to make the world a better place. My dream for Fordham is that we use our resources—especially the brilliance and creativity of our people—to make even more of an impact, starting always in our own community here in the Bronx and expanding outward.” – President Tania Tetlow, J.D.

Click here to learn more about President Tetlow’s installation at the Rose Hill campus of Fordham University in Bronx, NY on October 14, 2022. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.

Loyola University Maryland

“This ceremony is a celebration. And this celebration is not about me—it’s about us. It’s about this incredible university we all believe in and love so passionately. It’s about each of you and the role you play individually and together while writing the next chapter in Loyola’s history. Today gives us the chance to reflect, a chance to dream, and a chance to look forward to all we can achieve together.” – President Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D.

Click here to learn more about President Sawyer’s installation on campus at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore on October 12, 2022. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.

Santa Clara University

“I see a future for Santa Clara where we are more inclusive and welcoming, and where we continue to increase and enhance our racial, cultural and socioeconomic diversity to better reflect the world we live in. I believe it’s imperative that we embrace our responsibility as a Jesuit, Catholic university to make a greater contribution to social mobility in our society.” – President Julie H. Sullivan, Ph.D.

Click here to learn more about President Sullivan’s installation on campus at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA on October 7, 2022. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.

We are excited to highlight the many art exhibits that will be on display at our schools this spring semester, and are grateful to the AJCU Art Museum Directors for sharing this information (and images) with us. Click on the links below to learn more!

(Please note: This list will be updated regularly throughout the spring. Please send any additional content to AJCU’s Vice President of Communications, Deanna Howes Spiro: dhowes@ajcunet.edu.)

Saint Peter’s University

College of the Holy Cross

Gonzaga University

Boston College: McMullen Museum of Art
Landscape of Memory

COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS: Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery
Bringing the Holy Land Home: The Crusades, Chertsey Abbey, and the Reconstruction of a Medieval Masterpiece

Fairfield University: Fairfield University Art Museum
Women’s Rights Are Human Rights: International Posters on Gender-Based Inequality, Violence and Discrimination
Norma Minkowitz: Body to Soul

Fordham University: Walsh Family Library
Confronting Hate: Antisemitism, Racism and the Resistance

Georgetown University: Maria & Alberto de la Cruz Art Gallery
Baseera Khan: Cloak and Dagger (de la Cruz Gallery)
Elizabeth M. Webb: Cameo Ground (Children of Paradise) (Spagnuolo Gallery)

Gonzaga University: Jundt Art Museum
Facing Fire: Art, Wildfire, and the End of Nature in the New West

Le Moyne College: Noreen Reale Falcone Library
Jorge Varas with Aurora Luque: “Poetry, Light and Drawing – Los limones absortos”

Loyola Marymount University: Laband Art Gallery
Here Comes the Sun: 7 Artists from Tierra del Sol Studios

Saint Louis University: Museum of Contemporary Religious Art
Vicente Telles and Brandon Maldonado: Cuentos Nuevos Mexicanos

Saint Peter’s University: Fine Arts Gallery
Environmental Exuberance

Santa Clara University: de Saisset Museum
con.Text: Portraits by Bryan Ida
California Stories from Thámien to Santa Clara Threshold (Edward M. Dowd Art and Art History Building)
Floating Kīpuka /Dreaming the Futures We Want to Grow (Edward M. Dowd Art and Art History Building)

University of San Francisco: Thacher Gallery
If I’d Known Then: The Art + Architecture Faculty Triennial

WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the fourth consecutive session, Jesuit-educated alumni comprise ten percent of Congress. Among the 535 members (and six non-voting delegates) of the 118th United States Congress, 54 graduated from Jesuit colleges and universities: 14 in the Senate and 40 in the House of Representatives.

Jesuit-educated members are well-represented in leadership positions in both the Senate and the House. In the Senate, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY, Georgetown) serves as Chair of the Senate Republican Conference, while Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL, Georgetown) serves as Democratic Whip and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV, Gonzaga) serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Outreach Committee. In the House, Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY, Georgetown) serves as Democratic Leader; he is the first African-American to hold the role. Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA, Georgetown) serves as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus.

Fifteen of the nation’s Jesuit colleges and universities are currently represented by alumni in the 118th U.S. Congress. Georgetown University has the most with a total of 26, followed by Boston College and Fordham University with five alumni each (note: Representative Rosa DeLauro is an alumna of Marymount College, which was later incorporated by Fordham University). The College of the Holy Cross has three alumni; Loyola University Chicago, Marquette University, Santa Clara University and the University of Detroit Mercy have two alumni represented; and Creighton University, Gonzaga University, Loyola Marymount University, Regis University, Saint Louis University, Saint Peter’s University and the University of San Francisco each have one alum.

In addition to the 54 alumni from Jesuit colleges and universities who are serving in the 118th U.S. Congress, there are several who are graduates of Jesuit high schools.

AJCU’s president, Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., said, “We are proud of the achievements of our alumni, but even more so of their commitment to public service. A Jesuit education is dedicated to serving the common good. We look forward to working with these alumni as they work across the aisle to address our nation’s challenges.”

See full list of Jesuit college and university alumni below; bold names indicate new members.

United States Senate (14)

Senator Lisa Murkowski
(R-AK) Appointed 2002, Elected 2004
B.A. Georgetown University (1980)

Senator Jon Ossoff
(D-GA) Elected 2021
B.S. Georgetown University (2009)

Senator Gary Peters
(D-MI) Elected 2014
M.B.A. University of Detroit Mercy (1984)

Senator Eric Schmitt
(R-MO) Elected 2022
J.D. Saint Louis University (2000)

Senator Dan Sullivan
(R-AK) Elected 2014
J.D.-M.S.F.S. Georgetown University (1993)

Senator Chris Van Hollen, Jr.
(D-MD) Elected 2016
J.D. Georgetown University (1990)

Senator Peter Welch
(D-VT) Elected 2022
B.A. College of the Holy Cross (1969)

Senator John Barrasso, M.D.
Republican Conference Chair
(R-WY) Appointed 2007, Elected 2008
B.S. Georgetown University (1974)
M.D. Georgetown University (1978)

Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.
(D-PA) Elected 2006
B.A. College of the Holy Cross (1982)

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto
Vice Chair of the Democratic Outreach Committee
(D-NV) Elected 2016
J.D. Gonzaga University (1990)

Senator Richard J. Durbin
Democratic Whip
(D-IL) Elected 1996
B.S.F.S. Georgetown University (1966)
J.D. Georgetown University (1969)

Senator Mazie Hirono
(D-HI) Elected 2012
J.D. Georgetown University (1978)

Senator Edward J. Markey
(D-MA) Elected 2013
B.A. Boston College (1968)
J.D. Boston College (1972)

Senator Robert Menendez
(D-NJ) Appointed & Elected 2006
B.A. Saint Peter’s University (1976)

United States House of Representatives (40)

Representative Zoe Lofgren
(D-CA-18) Elected 1994
J.D. Santa Clara University (1975)

Representative Stephen Lynch
(D-MA-8) Elected 2000
J.D. Boston College (1991)

Representative Gwen Moore
(D-WI-4) Elected 2004
B.A. Marquette University (1978)

Representative Kevin Mullin
(D-CA-15) Elected 2022
B.A. University of San Francisco (1992)

Representative Jerrold Nadler
(D-NY-12) Elected 1992
J.D. Fordham University (1978)

Representative Jimmy Panetta
(D-CA-19) Elected 2016
J.D. Santa Clara University (1996)

Representative William J. Pascrell, Jr.
(D-NJ-9) Elected 1996
B.A. Fordham University (1959)
M.A. Fordham University (1961)

Representative Greg Pence
(R-IN-6) Elected 2018
B.A. Loyola University Chicago (1979)
M.B.A. Loyola University Chicago (1983)

Representative August Pfluger
(R-TX-11) Elected 2020
M.A. Georgetown University (2019)

Delegate Stacey Plaskett
(D-VI-AL) Elected 2014
B.S.F.S. Georgetown University (1988)

Representative Michael Quigley
(D-IL-5) Elected 2009
J.D. Loyola University Chicago (1989)

Representative Pat Ryan
(D-NY-19) Elected 2022 (special election)
M.A. Georgetown University (2013)

Representative Robert C. Scott
(D-VA-3) Elected 1992
J.D. Boston College (1973)

Representative Mikie Sherrill
(D-NJ-11) Elected 2018
J.D. Georgetown University (2007)

Representative Adam Smith
(D-WA-9) Elected 1996
B.A. Fordham University (1987)

Representative Greg Stanton
(D-AZ-4) Elected 2018
B.A. Marquette University (1992)

Representative Bryan Steil
(R-WI-1) Elected 2018
B.S. Georgetown University (2003)

Representative Lori Trahan
(D-MA-3) Elected 2018
B.A. Georgetown University (1995)

Representative Mike Turner
(R-OH-10) Elected 2022 (special election)
D.L.S. Georgetown University (2022)

Representative Juan C. Vargas
(D-CA-52) Elected 2012
M.A. Fordham University (1987)

Representative Vern Buchanan
(R-FL-16) Elected 2006
M.B.A. University of Detroit Mercy (1986)

Representative Yadira Caraveo, M.D.
(D-CO-8) Elected 2022
B.S. Regis University (2003)

Representative David Cicilline
(D-RI-1) Elected 2010
J.D. Georgetown University (1986)

Representative Henry Cuellar
(D-TX-28) Elected 2004
B.S.F.S. Georgetown University (1978)

Representative Rosa L. DeLauro
(D-CT-3) Elected 1990
B.A. Marymount College, Tarrytown* (1964)

Representative Chris Deluzio
(D-PA-17) Elected 2022
J.D. Georgetown Law School (2013)

Representative Mark DeSaulnier
(D-CA-11) Elected 2014
B.A. College of the Holy Cross (1974)

Representative Debbie Dingell
(D-MI-6) Elected 2014
B.S.F.S. Georgetown University (1975)
M.A.L.S. Georgetown University (1998)

Representative Lois Frankel
(D-FL-21) Elected 2012
J.D. Georgetown University (1973)

Representative Mike Gallagher
(R-WI-8) Elected 2016
M.A. Georgetown University (2012 & 2013)
Ph.D. Georgetown University (2015)

Representative Mike Garcia
(R-CA-27) Elected 2020 (Special election)
M.A. Georgetown University (1998)

Representative Paul Gosar
(R-AZ-9) Elected 2010
B.S. Creighton University (1981)
D.D.S. Creighton University (1985)

Representative Steny H. Hoyer
(D-MD-5) Elected 1981
J.D. Georgetown University (1966)

Representative Jared Huffman
(D-CA-2) Elected 2012
J.D. Boston College (1990)

Representative Pramila Jayapal
(D-WA-7) Elected 2016
B.A. Georgetown University (1986)

Representative Hakeem Jeffries
House Democratic Caucus Chair
(D-NY-8) Elected 2012
M.P.P. Georgetown University (1994)

Representative William Keating
(D-MA-9) Elected 2010
B.A. Boston College (1974)
M.B.A. Boston College (1982)

Representative Kevin Kiley
(R-CA-3) Elected 2022
M.A. Loyola Marymount University (2009)

Representative Ann McLane Kuster
(D-NH-2) Elected 2012
J.D. Georgetown University (1984)

Representative Ted Lieu
Vice Chair, House Democratic Caucus
(D-CA-36) Elected 2014
J.D. Georgetown University (1994)

*Marymount College was later incorporated by Fordham University.

Contact: Deanna Howes Spiro, Vice President of Communications, AJCU
E-mail: dhowes@ajcunet.edu

We strive for accuracy in our bi-annual report on Jesuit college and university alumni in Congress but should any errors be found, please contact AJCU’s Vice President for Government Relations, Jenny Smulson (jsmulson@ajcunet.edu), and we will update this page immediately.

AJCU Statement on the University of Central America in Nicaragua

AJCU Presidents Make Pilgrimage to Rome

AJCU Statement on Affirmative Action

“Go Forth and Set the World on Fire”: Celebrate the #JesuitEducated Class of 2023

Commencement Photo Gallery

Commencement Recap Videos

Commencement Recaps, Recordings & “Seniors to Remember”

2023 AJCU Commencement Speakers

Highlights from 2022-23 AJCU Presidential Inaugurations