School of Social Work
Frederic Siedenburg, S.J.
Credit: Loyola University Chicago Archives & Special Collections
In 1914, the Rev. Frederic Siedenburg, S.J., opened a School of Social Work - the first school of its kind established at a Roman Catholic institution of higher learning in the U.S.
A pioneer in the field of social services, Father Siedenburg had a deep interest in race relations, government assistance to the poor and fair labor practices.
An innovator, this scholarly Jesuit opened educational opportunities to employed persons and to women at a time when higher education was often considered the province only of the affluent, or those studying for professions such as medicine or law.
The School of Social Work offered a 2-year course leading to a bachelor of philosophy degree; it provided men and women working in social work as well as those interested in becoming social workers the opportunity to obtain a university degree.
Father Siedenburg could not have forseen, when he began the school, that it would eventually prepare thousands of men and women for careers in social welfare.
His efforts in launching the school also resulted in two other 'firsts' for the university. Classes were offered after working hours and this schedule introduced the concept of part-time study at Loyola. Shortly after, an evening division was created which was the forerunner of Loyola's present University College.
Father Siedenburg's school aslo resulted in the introduction of co-education at Loyola. Three young women became the first of their sex to obtain a Loyola degree in June, 1915.