James F. Maguire, S.J.
Very Rev. James F. Maguire, SJ, 20th president of Loyola University, circa 1960s
Credit: Loyola University Chicago Archives & Special Collections
In 1955, the Very Rev. James F. Maguire, S.J., became the 20th president of Loyola University. He brought with him a proven reputation as an administrator having served six years as president of West Baden (Ind.) College and another six years as head of Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio.
A native of Chicago, he was educated at St. Ignatius High School and at St. Louis University where he obtained his undergraduate, graduate and theological degrees while studying for the Jesuit priesthood.
Now in his 15th year as president of Loyola, Father Maguire has served the longest tenure in that post. His accomplishments have earned him honorary degrees from Xavier University in Cincinnati and DePaul University of Chicago.
He was the first midwesterner to receive the National Order of Merit from the government of Ecuador and he was also honored by the government of France. In 1968 and again in 1969, he was named "Chicagoan of the Year" by the Chicago Junior Association of Commerce and Industry for his contributions to medicine, science and education.
Father Maguire's years have been marked by substantial academic accomplishments and extensive physical growth.
One of Father Maguire's major contributions to the growth of the university has been his ability to interest people in the cause of independent, higher education. He has obtained leading citizens from the business, professional and civic worlds of metropolitan Chicago to give of their talents and time to the development of Loyola.
Fr. Maguire, SJ, speaks to students, circa 1960s
Credit: Loyola University Chicago Archives & Special Collections
Among the important groups developed was the Board of Lay Trustees, which was established in 1930 as the Administrative Council. The board is composed of distinguished men and women who counsel the president on financial matters, planning and development and public relations.
Another key organization is the Buisnessmen for Loyola University (BMLU) which, since its founding in 1955, has secured 5 1/2 million dollars for the university's great teaching program; other major groups include the Citizen's Board, the Women's Board, the Executive Committee of the Annual Award Dinner, the Parents Associates of Loyola, the President's Alumni Council, and the Medical Center Council.
Each year, over 4,500 alumni, parents and friends of Loyola generously donate their time and talents on behalf of the university's various programs, forming one of the largest volunteer groups in the nation working for the benefit of independent, higher education.