Famous Last Words: University in name, but everything still feels the same
Jerry Fagerberg
Issue date: 9/1/09 Section: Opinion
Students, faculty, alumni and unaffiliated college newspaper aficionados, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you all to Loyola University Maryland. Yes, it's true, as of Aug. 19, 2009, the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) officially recognizes our humble Jesuit institution as a university. Sort of makes you want to party, huh? Well, good news, the Loyola community will officially celebrate this change on Sept. 25 and 26 in a ceremony promising a convocation followed by a delightful tandem of desserts and fireworks.
I'm excited too.
This transition has been widely accepted by the community, as it represents an ascension in status from lowly "college" to the nationally-recognized prestige of "university." This migration will not only increase the value of a Loyola degree (by virtue of our higher academic standing), but also present an opportunity for greater growth. With the two largest freshman classes on record coming in consecutive years, and campus-wide renovations to accommodate them, Loyola has been prepping itself for expansion, and, with the distinction of being a university, we are able to pursue it. The name change is simply the next step in our continued progress.
While all this may be true, there is still a persisting insecurity that has traditionalists cocking their heads to ask, "What?"
Feeling as though they will lose their connection with their alma mater, alumni have not been shy about voicing their disagreement with Loyola University. When the administration first considered changing the name from Loyola College, they were met with resistance from a large number of community members (mainly alumni) who feared the change would do harm to the reputation Loyola College had built as a small, private, Jesuit school. They argued that our prestige was being the only Loyola College in the Princeton Review while there were three Loyola Universities scattered across the academic plain. Perhaps some of the dissent also stemmed from the stubborn desire to preserve the status quo, but either way the name change ultimately went through, leaving a rift in the Loyola community.
I'm excited too.
This transition has been widely accepted by the community, as it represents an ascension in status from lowly "college" to the nationally-recognized prestige of "university." This migration will not only increase the value of a Loyola degree (by virtue of our higher academic standing), but also present an opportunity for greater growth. With the two largest freshman classes on record coming in consecutive years, and campus-wide renovations to accommodate them, Loyola has been prepping itself for expansion, and, with the distinction of being a university, we are able to pursue it. The name change is simply the next step in our continued progress.
While all this may be true, there is still a persisting insecurity that has traditionalists cocking their heads to ask, "What?"
Feeling as though they will lose their connection with their alma mater, alumni have not been shy about voicing their disagreement with Loyola University. When the administration first considered changing the name from Loyola College, they were met with resistance from a large number of community members (mainly alumni) who feared the change would do harm to the reputation Loyola College had built as a small, private, Jesuit school. They argued that our prestige was being the only Loyola College in the Princeton Review while there were three Loyola Universities scattered across the academic plain. Perhaps some of the dissent also stemmed from the stubborn desire to preserve the status quo, but either way the name change ultimately went through, leaving a rift in the Loyola community.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
Greg Miller
posted 9/01/09 @ 7:12 AM EST
So how long will it take to get "College" out of your masthead: "The Student Newspaper of Loyola...."
Carin
posted 9/01/09 @ 10:22 AM EST
hear hear! A well written article - great job :) I definitely agree. Loyola is still Loyola, whether we are a college or a university or whatever. Here's to ushering in the new!
Ali33
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