Magis Moment: June 2026

 A Message from the Vice President of University Advancement 

In this season of reflection, our Loyola community pauses to mourn the passing of Reverend James C. Carter, S.J., Ph.D., Loyola's longest-serving president and one of the most transformative leaders in our university's history. Father Carter celebrated 81 years as a Jesuit in 2026 and leaves behind a legacy rooted in faith, academic excellence, and service to others. 

Father Carter dedicated his life to Loyola, not only as a leader, but as a wise and loving presence for those of us who learned and worked here over the decades. Fr. Carter always took time to share his insight and inform us of the history we are built upon. I am so grateful to him for the hours we spent working with alumni, bettering the university. I am also personally grateful for the service and spirituality he shared with me and countless others. He was a man with and for others.

Even after transitioning into a ministry of prayer in recent years, Father Carter remained a powerful example of humility, devotion, and steadfast faith. His lifelong dedication reminds us that the pursuit of magis is not measured solely in accomplishments, but in the quiet and enduring ways we serve our communities and accompany others throughout their lives. 

As we remember Father Carter, may we honor his legacy by recommitting ourselves to the values he championed so faithfully: intellectual curiosity, compassionate leadership, and a deep commitment to justice and service. May his example continue to inspire us for many years to come. 

I hope you will join us in celebrating his life on July 31, the Feast of St. Ignatius, at Holy Name. If you'd like to make a gift in Fr. Carter's memory, you can support the Rev. Carter, S.J. Endowment for Ignatian and Jesuit Mission Development of Lay Faculty and Staff here.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Hotard '04, M.B.A. '10
Vice President of University Advancement