A Tribute to Our Presidents
AJCU Thanks Eight Outgoing Leaders of Jesuit Schools
This year, the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) is bidding a bittersweet farewell to eight presidents who have retired from or concluded their terms at our member institutions during the 2021-22 academic year. All of these men and women have led our institutions with wisdom, faith and strength, inspiring countless colleagues, students, alumni and friends along the way.
We have compiled a series of tributes from colleagues who shared their favorite memories and well-wishes for our presidents. In addition to the excerpts below, click here to view the videos and photos on the AJCU website. Please note: Full written tributes are available to view as a PowerPoint, which was presented during the AJCU Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, June 21: click here to download it online.
On behalf of our president, Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., we thank all of our presidents and pray for their next chapters in life!
John J. Hurley, J.D., Canisius College (2010)
“All of the work John undertook as president took tremendous courage, intelligence, faith, and heart. I cannot imagine anyone but John to have led us through the last twelve years. He’s made an indelible impression on Canisius and me personally. I wish him and his family every happiness in the next leg of the journey. I can’t wait to see what he does next!” - Erica Sammarco, Secretary, Board of Trustees
Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., Fordham University (2003)
“While many will remember Joe for his extraordinary wisdom, wit, and inspirational leadership, those who know him best will value above all his endearing other-centeredness, always making others the focus, never calling attention to himself or his considerable achievements as our president over these past nineteen years.” - Rev. John Cecero, S.J., Vice President for Mission Integration and Ministry
Dr. Jo Ann Rooney, Loyola University Chicago (2016)
“I learned from Dr. Rooney that ‘executive presence’ infused with Jesuit values is not as much about projecting authority as it is about being present with and for others … Her selfless leadership facilitated a host of achievements, built relationships, erased academic and operational silos, and connected all of us more deeply in the work of education, research and service.” - Christian Anderson, Director of Executive Strategic Communications
Tania Tetlow, J.D., Loyola University New Orleans (2018)
Video by Chris Wiseman, Ph.D. (‘88), Vice President of University Advancement
Rev. John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J., Regis University (2012)
“He has acted as a constant agent of change at Regis, where I experienced his tireless efforts in empowering those at the margins, encouraging and enabling them to become active participants in our community. These deeds exemplify the love defined by St. Ignatius and the character of Fr. John Fitzgibbons, S.J.” - Salvador Aceves, Senior Vice President and CFO
Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., Rockhurst University (2006)
“As I have progressed through my time in school, I have gotten to see another side of Fr. Curran: as a professor. In his Catholic Social Teaching course, I was enlightened to what it truly means to live for and with others in the pursuit of justice for all. He led by example and showed true dedication to living like Jesus would, all while taking on the tremendous duty of being the president of a university during a pandemic.’ - Drew Hedrick, Rockhurst University ‘23
Dr. Mark C. Reed, Saint Joseph’s University (2015)
"I will be forever thankful to Dr. Reed for hiring me as the first female Director of Athletics in the Atlantic 10 Conference. During the four years we have worked together, Dr. Reed has taught me a great deal about leadership; challenged me in ways that made me better; and supported me unconditionally during tough times." - Jill Bodensteiner, Director of Athletics
Dr. Antoine M. Garibaldi, University of Detroit Mercy (2011)
Video by Rev. Gilbert Sunghera, S.J., Jesuit Community Superior
Please note: AJCU Higher Ed News will not be published next week, in light of the 4th of July holiday weekend. We will return with our next issue on Friday, July 8. Have a wonderful and safe holiday!
AJCU Higher Ed News is a weekly e-newsletter that features the latest news and information from Jesuit colleges and universities. To submit a story or subscribe, please send an e-mail to Deanna Howes Spiro (dhowes@ajcunet.edu).
