History of Loyola | Loyola Academy

The History of Loyola Academy

 

1906-1908: Sketch for Loyola Academy (present-day Dumbach Hall) by architect James J. Egan. Credit: Loyola Archives & Special Collections.

Loyola Academy Founded

Loyola Academy opens its doors on September 20, 1909, welcoming 88 young men to Dumbach Hall on the campus of Loyola University Chicago in Rogers Park. Founded by the Society of Jesus, the Academy begins its mission to form men of faith, leadership, and service.

1909
First Graduating Class

The Academy celebrates its first graduating class, beginning a tradition of preparing students for lives of leadership and service.

1911
Torch Club Founded

Founded by Mr. Ray Mooney and Rev. Kay Mooney, SJ, Torch Club is established to promote school spirit and service to Loyola Academy. Nearly a century later, members continue to lead by example through their dedication, volunteerism, and commitment to the school community.

1935
Breaking Ground for the Future

Following a surge in enrollment after World War II that increased the student body to more than 800 young men, Loyola Academy breaks ground on July 8, 1956, for a new campus in Wilmette. The project marks a bold investment in the future of Jesuit education and paves the way for Loyola's continued growth.

1956
Move to Wilmette

After nearly five decades in Rogers Park, on September 17, 1957, Loyola Academy opens its new campus in Wilmette, welcoming 900 young men from 87 parishes across the Chicagoland area. The move marks a significant step in the Jesuit mission to expand access to Catholic, college preparatory education.

1957
A New Stadium

Rev. Michael I. English, SJ, Loyola Academy's second president, dedicates the Lennie Sachs Athletic Fields, honoring the beloved coach and advancing the Academy's commitment to developing student-athletes in mind, body, and spirit.

1959
A Tradition Begins

Following a devastating Ash Wednesday fire in 1969 that destroyed the school library, Loyola Academy launches the first Ramble auction. Created to help rebuild the library and provide tuition assistance, Ramble grows into one of the Academy's most cherished traditions.

1970
Board of Trustees Established

Loyola Academy establishes its first Board of Trustees, becoming the first Jesuit high school in the United States to adopt a legal governance model that partners Jesuits with lay leaders. This pioneering step sets a precedent for Jesuit schools across the Midwest Province and the nation. John Dowdle ‘41 served as the inaugural board chair.

1971
Becomes Coeducational

Loyola Academy affiliates with Saint Louise de Marillac High School and welcomes young women, becoming a co-educational institution while remaining firmly rooted in its Jesuit, Catholic mission.

1994
Loyola Goes Online

Loyola Academy launches its first website, providing parents, students, alumni, and prospective families with a new way to access information and connect with the school. The initiative reflects Loyola's early commitment to innovation and the emerging opportunities of the digital age.
Glenview Campus Opens

Loyola Academy opens the Theodore G. Munz, SJ, Campus, named in honor of Loyola's seventh president. Located in Glenview, the 60-acre site features athletic facilities and a preserved natural area that includes wetlands, prairie, and a stretch of the Chicago River. The campus supports student-athletes and serves as a living laboratory for environmental science education.

2003
Celebrating 100 Years

Loyola Academy marks its Centennial, celebrating a century of Jesuit education and reaffirming its commitment to forming leaders dedicated to faith, scholarship, and service.

2009-2010
Ignatian Service Learning Launches

Loyola Academy expands its commitment to faith in action with the introduction of Ignatian Service Learning. Integrating academic study with direct service, reflection, and engagement with community partners, the program challenges students to deepen their understanding of justice, solidarity, and their responsibility to serve others.

2014
Campus Transformation

As part of A Strategic Vision for Loyola Academy and the Second Century Campaign, the Academy celebrates the completion of the John D. Norcross '54 Aquatic Center, the Mary and L. Robert '62 Pasquesi Piazza, and the Rev. Peter W. Breslin, SJ, STEAM Lab—significant investments in student learning, wellness, and community.

2019
Performing Arts Center Opens

The McGrath Family Performing Arts Center opens, transforming the northeast corner of campus with a state-of-the-art theater. The facility marks a new era for Loyola, affirming the Academy’s commitment to the arts as a vital dimension of Jesuit education and the formation of the whole person.

2022
Celebrating the 300th Kairos Retreat

Loyola Academy celebrates its 300th Kairos retreat, marking a significant milestone in one of the Academy's most transformative spiritual experiences. Rooted in the Ignatian tradition, Kairos has helped generations of Ramblers grow in faith, self-awareness, leadership, and their relationships with God and others.

2025
Athletics Performance Center Opens

The Athletics Performance Center opens, providing student-athletes with modern training facilities designed to support wellness, strength, performance, and the formation of the whole person.

2025