Loyola has been a Jesuit university from its very foundation. The Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) founded Loyola University in 1912. In its founding Loyola became a part of a long tradition of Jesuit Education.

Loyola's rich history dates back to 1540, when Saint Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society of Jesus, whose members are called Jesuits. From the beginning, Jesuits have held that scholarly excellence plays an integral role in helping men and women achieve moral excellence. For more than 450 years, excellence in education has been an essential focus of the Jesuits. It was with this focus that the Jesuits first arrived among the earliest settlers in New Orleans and Louisiana, eventually establishing what would become Loyola University and continuing the Jesuit tradition of creating centers of education.

The university thus has a colorful and distinguished history marked by the zeal and scholarship of the Jesuit fathers and the valued advice and support of leading citizens of New Orleans. Hundreds of the city’s top leaders received their education from the Jesuits at Loyola University, or its predecessor, the College of the Immaculate Conception. Teachers, scientists, attorneys, pharmacists, musicians, and business executives call Loyola their alma mater.

Flowing out of the Ignatian charism are a number of convictions, values, and actions that shape the distinctive spirit that infuses all sectors of a Jesuit University. Characteristics of this Ignatian world vision which impact Jesuit Education are:

• An affirmation of the goodness of the world. This has led to a basic liberal arts curriculum, including studies in philosophy, theology, history, literature, language arts, fine arts, music, mathematics, the natural and social sciences. These studies provide a foundation, context, and support for each student’s degree program.
• To know and love the world is to know and love the God creating it.
• That by finding God in all things, we realize we are partners with God in the ongoing creation of the world.
• That God’s love is more powerful than human weakness and evil.
• That true freedom includes freedom from sin, ignorance, prejudice, limited horizons, and distorted values and desires.
• That a person can discern what is better to do, distinct from one’s own present activities and inclinations (which may, in fact, be good) by listening to God in the Scriptures, in tradition, in the believing community, in the circumstances of one’s life, in reason and imagination, and in the deep desires of the heart.
• That all are asked what more they can do in serving God and others.
• That with Jesus Christ as model, everyone is called to compassionate action.
• That a personal concern for and respect for each person in the university community is evident in all its programs, practices, and services
• That there is a special dedication to the growth of the whole person
• An emphasis on developing critical reflection and critical thinking within a conceptual framework and value system which is not inimical to basic Christian and humanitarian values.
• The formation of a learning community among students, faculty and staff marked by personal interaction, mutual concern and mutual respect
• The development of an attitude to be of service to others and a habit of reflection on the experience of this service
• An awareness of their social environment, the world around them, and the needs of that world