The parents of John Loo, J.D. ’76, emigrated from Canton, China, in 1926 and were among the first Chinese immigrants to settle in Toledo, Ohio. They worked hard throughout the Depression era until they were able to open their own restaurant. Growing up as the second youngest of 10 children, John quickly learned the value of shared resources.
“When my parents arrived in the U.S., my father made a living washing dishes and working as a janitor,” Loo reflected. “When they established their own business, my mother would spend the day looking after our family, and then she would work the night shift at the restaurant. My parents’ English was limited and so were their opportunities, but they were determined to succeed so that their children would have the chance to attend college. And we did — all 10 of us.”
Loo and his brothers studied engineering at the University of Toledo, working long hours in the labs just as their parents had done in restaurant kitchens. After later earning an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, he set his sights on becoming a lawyer. When LMU Loyola Law School (LLS) offered him a three-year full scholarship, his decision was clear. He went on to specialize in corporate and business law, and established a successful partnership.
Half a century after graduating from LLS and now enjoying his retirement, Loo has the resources to ensure that others are granted the same opportunity to work hard and thrive. The $1.1 million John Loo Endowed Scholarship combines a $1 million bequest with $100,000 for current scholarships — a legacy which is significant and generous that will have an immediate impact.
“The scholarship is intended for first-generation students — those who like their parents did not grow up expecting to attend college,” said Loo. “These students have to make their own way, and scholarships can make all the difference.”
Loo remembers how liberating it felt to be part of a diverse cohort at LLS. Founded as a part-time evening program to enable busy workers to pursue an alternative career in the law, the student body represented the community being served. Today, LLS upholds that reputation. Twenty-five percent of the 2025 incoming class was first-generation.
A $5,000 scholarship will be awarded each year during Loo’s lifetime; he looks forward to meeting the recipients in person and learning about their own ambitions to make an impact. When fulfilled, his bequest will provide approximately $50,000 in scholarship support for one student annually. As the first LLS scholarship endowed at more than $1 million that prioritizes first-generation students, this is a historic investment that will ease the financial pressures for students who have overcome the odds to pursue a law degree.
In addition to setting a precedent for supporting students who are typically underrepresented, the gift also demonstrates the possibilities for blending different philanthropic approaches; a high-yield bequest to leave a legacy, and an immediate cash gift that showcases the power of the present moment when it comes to positive impact. It also gives Loo a chance to meet the recipients.
“This gift is all about helping students get started, just as my LLS scholarship enabled me to do, eventually allowing me to develop my own practice and be in a position to give back,” said Loo. “I want to give first-generation students the confidence to work hard with the hope that they’re going to be able to accomplish their goals. The example of my parents showed me that it was possible. We all have that potential within us.”
To learn more about supporting LMU Loyola Law School, contact Matt Wheeler, director of development, at [email protected] or 310.338.6554. You can also directly support the John Loo Endowed Scholarship at LMU Loyola Law School.