Loyola University basking in its 100th anniversary

    Loyola University New Orleans will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its chartering as a university with special events, lectures and concerts that will run from April 2012 through May 2013.
    The Centennial Lecture Series will begin April 10 at 7 p.m. in Nunemaker Auditorium with “Leading the Way: Loyola and the Desegregation of New Orleans,” with presentations by former New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu, Xavier University of Louisiana president Dr. Norman Francis, Edgar “Dooky” Chase III and Jesuit Father R. Bentley Anderson.
    A Graphic Design Senior Exhibit and Gallery Opening, followed by a reception, will be held April 12 at 5 p.m. at the Collins C. Diboll Gallery. A Centennial Concert will be held April 12 at 8 p.m. at the Howlin’ Wolf.
    The Centennial Lecture Series will continue April 12 at 7 p.m. in Nunemaker with “Jesuit Education in Latin America: A Social Commitment Perspective.”
    The Centennial Kickoff and Alumni Weekend will be held April 13-15. An alumni reception will be April 13 at 5 p.m. in the Monroe Library, which will include a book signing by Dr. Bernard Cook for “Founded on Faith: A History of Loyola University New Orleans.”
    The Loyola Theatre One-Act Festival will begin at 7 p.m. in the Lower Depths Theater of the Communications/Music Complex, and there will be alumni reunion dinners at 7 p.m. for the classes of 1952, 1962, 1972, 1982, 1987, 1992 and 2002. Registration is required for these events.
    The Founder’s Day Celebration will be held April 14. Campus tours will be at 1 and 2 p.m., starting at the library, and Cook will speak on his book at 2 p.m. in the library. At 3 p.m., the one-act festival will continue in the Lower Depths Theatre, and there will be a concert by the Loyola Concert Band in Roussel Hall, featuring the premiere of the “Centennial Fanfare” by Col. John Bourgeois.
    Jesuit Father Kevin Wildes, president of Loyola, will be among the celebrants of a Centennial Celebratory Mass at 5 p.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Church, followed by a picnic on the Marquette Hall front lawn.
    The weekend will continue April 15 at 10 a.m. with an alumni jazz brunch in the Danna Center (registration required), a 3 p.m. performance by the Loyola Chorale, Chamber Singers and NOVA Chorale in Roussel, and a 5 p.m. concert at St. Louis Cathedral featuring the St. Louis Cathedral Choir, Loyola Chamber Singers and NOVA Chorale.
    Other upcoming events include an art reception April 23 at 5 p.m. at Diboll; a film screening April 23 at 7:30 p.m. of “Louisiana My Love” in Nunemaker; a concert, “The Priests,” April 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Roussel; commencement ceremonies May 12 and alumni college weekend June 22-24 on the main campus.
    The latest information on all the centennial events is available at loyno.edu/centennialevents.