Message from the President
Dear LMU Community,
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of John R. Popiden, associate dean of Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts and associate professor of theological studies. Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Jan, and his sons, John Jr. and James. John died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009. He was 60 years old.
John’s detailed knowledge of BCLA and generosity with his time and information made him a valued colleague and he mentored many across our campus. His leadership in student services, enrollment management and strategic planning – qualities that are not often spotlighted – made him an effective administrator. His direct and selfless manner inspired confidence in those who worked with him.
Cathy Machado, senior coordinator of academic affairs, said, “John published numerous scholarly articles on moral theology, just war theory and American war morality, including “From Crusade to Just War: Christian Influences on American War and American Morality,” “The American Way of War: From Crusade to Just War,” and “Moral Considerations and the Bombing of Iraq and Kuwait: On Discrimination and Proportionality.”
He was a devoted Catholic and worked for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, he was involved in his community as an AYSO referee and administrator, and he was an aficionado of board-based war games, winning several national championships.
John earned his B.A. at Rice University and his master’s degree and doctorate in theology from the University of Notre Dame. He joined the LMU faculty in 1977 in the Department of Theological Studies. He became associate dean of Bellarmine College in 2001.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to Loyola Marymount University for the John R. Popiden Memorial Fund, c/o Alma Vorst, 1 LMU Drive, Suite 2800, Los Angeles, CA 90045-2659.
Please keep his family in your hearts and prayers during this time of loss, and give thanks for his contributions to BCLA and the university.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Lawton, S.J.
President
