View From The Porch: A Tradition Of Student Success
President Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., reflects on connecting with students and expresses pride in their ability to learn, lead, and serve
President Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., and his wife, Courtney, M.S. ’93, enjoy hosting students at their home, Armiger House, for dinner throughout the school year.
Photo by Emma Sabino, '25
When I became president, Courtney and I were excited to be all in—living on campus, attending numerous events, and connecting more deeply with our Loyola community. We’re now in our fourth year and loving it more than ever.
One of our favorite traditions is hosting students for dinners in our dining room at Armiger House. We especially enjoy entertaining small groups of seniors, which we do throughout the academic year. Courtney and I have the best time getting to know them better and hearing about their Loyola experiences.
The students share about the faculty members who’ve challenged and guided them. They talk about diving into campus life through clubs, organizations, and sports. They describe incredible study abroad experiences. They name those who have supported them most along the way—and they speak with humility and gratitude.
At the end of every evening, after the dishes are cleared and the students have left, Courtney and I sit and marvel at our Greyhounds. Our evolving world certainly has its challenges, but our graduates are ready to take what they have learned and bring about transformational change.
That’s thanks to our dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators—as well as all the people who have given so much to make sure they benefit from an exceptional Jesuit, liberal arts education. I hope you know how grateful we are to you and to all those who are invested in positioning Loyola as a preeminent university for student success.
We are excited to share some fantastic stories in this issue of Loyola, including a feature speaking with alumni veterans who have served and sacrificed so selflessly. This issue also reflects on some of the traditions that have been established at Loyola over the years. Traditions offer ways for our students to connect more deeply, have some fun, grow in school spirit, and create those college memories to last a lifetime.
As we move toward our 175th anniversary, we can be proud that one of our greatest traditions is educating students who go on to learn, lead, and serve. That will never change.