When I began my presidency in 2015, I could feel something special in the air—something vibrant. I had spent decades working in Jesuit higher education, but LMU had a unique spark, a particular gravitational pull powered by imagination, intellect, and a sense of purpose.
That spark is alive. It has even grown brighter—illuminated by the passion of our students, the brilliance of our faculty, and the extraordinary dedication of our staff and leadership. Over these past 10 years, I have been privileged to work in step with a community that is relentless in its pursuit of justice, of creativity, and of academic excellence.
As I reflect on this span of my life and prepare for a next one, I return to one core truth: Education is an act of love, hope, and profound trust in the future. That belief has guided my presidency, especially during moments when the world challenged our values and tested our resilience. In each of these moments, including during the current one, this community has risen time and again.
Together, we made LMU more visible, dynamic, and inclusive. We launched 40 new academic programs, reached historic milestones in enrollment and fundraising, reimagined how we tell our story, and expanded access for those too-long excluded from higher education. We strengthened the value of an LMU degree, ensuring that it was always grounded in purpose.
But, more than any measure or metric, the culture we built fills me with pride: one rooted in mission, animated by curiosity, and powered by people. I believe leadership is about assembling and empowering others—and one of my proudest contributions is the exceptional executive team we’ve put in place. They are collaborators in creation, and I am confident that their dedication and vision will continue guiding LMU forward in times of change.
To our students, who I call the Solidarity Generation: You are the center of my vocation, the reason I’ve dedicated my life to higher education. Your courage, clarity, and compassion have inspired me daily. You are not waiting for change—you are living it. I hope I have served you well. I know I have learned from you.
To our faculty and staff, you are the heart of LMU. Your commitment to students, scholarship, and mission has remained a powerful mainstay—even when the world presented obstacles to and questions of our purpose. Thank you for your brilliance, your resilience, and your grace.
To my partner in life and in this journey, Carol, you’ve brought wisdom, warmth, and joy to this community and to me. LMU is better because of you.
And to President-Elect Thomas Poon, I am confident in LMU’s future with you at the helm. Your vision, integrity, and love for this university have been and remain evident in all you do. I know LMU will flourish under your leadership.
This moment brings not an ending, but a continuation. If there’s one thing I hope I have left behind, it’s this: a university that believes in itself—with pride, with courage, and with joy. Let us keep telling our story boldly and always be in-this-moment conscious of why we do this work, continuing to ignite minds, widen hearts, and light the way for those yet to come.
Thank you for trusting me with this chapter, for lifting me up, and for allowing me to serve. I carry you with me—with pride, with gratitude, and with love.
Go Lions!
