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Celebrating the 67th Annual President's Dinner

On Friday, November 8, members of the Loyola Academy community came together to celebrate the 67th annual President's Dinner: Excellence in Education. Approximately 340 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends gathered in the Loyola Academy East Gym to honor several members of our community for their service and commitment to the Loyola Academy mission.
Betty Parkinson was presented with the Rev. Daniel A. Lord, SJ, Award, established in 1963 to honor those who have provided distinguished service in the cause of youth. The award is named for Rev. Daniel A. Lord, SJ (1888–1955), who exemplified how one individual can make a significant difference in the lives of young people. Fr. Lord believed in young people and the power of ideas and communication. He worked tirelessly with the youth of his day, continually inspired by their vigor and idealism.

Notably, this year's dinner marked the first time in 10 years that the President's Medal has been awarded to a member of the Loyola community. The President's Medal honors individuals for their exceptional service to the wider community, contributions to the school, and dedication to our board of trustees. This year's honorees—John T. Hickey Jr. '70, James P. Hickey '75, and Roger P. Hickey '79—were recognized for their years of service to the school. Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, was joined on stage by his predecessors, Rev. Theodore Munz, SJ, and Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, to present the award.

New this year was the Young Alumni Award, which honors an outstanding graduate under the age of 40 who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to living out the values of a person for others. Loyola Academy President Tim Devine '88 introduced this year’s honoree, Saly Sebastian '06, recognizing her dedicated service to the community. As former president of the President’s Leadership Council (now known as the Young Alumni Council), Sebastian exemplified Loyola’s mission, demonstrating a profound commitment to uplifting fellow Ramblers and fostering a strong, supportive alumni network.

In addition, two outstanding faculty and staff members were honored:
2024 Educator of the Year: Mr. Tyler S. Vradenburg 
2024 Staff Excellence Award: Mr. Les Seitzinger '88
 
Our gratitude to the numerous underwriters and sponsors whose generous support made this night possible:
Anonymous, Katie Hacket Baisley '01 and Jamie Baisley '92, Bon Anno, Bertog Landscaping and Snow Removal, Christ the King, Kate Cavataio Ericson, Danielle Ferrini Desherow LdM '93 and Beau Desherow '93, Elizabeth Parkinson, Elizabeth and Jimmy Samartzis '94, Kate and Mark Reed, Bruce Ponsaran '99/BCU, Bow and Mark '70 McGuire, Sue and Dan Koulianos, Roseann and Terry LeFevour, Melinda and Christopher Lister, Loyola University, Stacey and Mark Lyman '77, Suzy and Tom Lyman '76, Jane and Jim '79 Lyman, Michael McNulty '49, MPS Law, the Naidech Family, Nancy Paridy and Stephen Naughton, Nancy and Marc Poggioli, Laura and John Podjasek, Perry Family Charitable Foundation, Quest, Karen and Joseph '82 Roddy, Karen and Doug Schellenberg, Kathy and John Schreiber '64, Lisa and Jim Seymour, Suzanne and Bill Sullivan '72, Saly Sebastian '06, Tasha and Chris Vallace, Two Eagles Distillery, Kim and Jim Walsh '79, Wintrust, and O'Hara Sports.

It's not too late to donate to the President's Dinner! Please consider making a gift.
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