Remarks by Loyola President Jo Ann Rooney, JD, LLM, EdD, at the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Induction Ceremony
April 23, 2017
Thank you, Father Katsouros. And, good afternoon. I am delighted to join you at today’s event inducting 28 Arrupe College students as the newest members of Phi Theta Kappa international honor society.
It is very fitting that this afternoon’s event is taking place during Loyola’s Weekend of Excellence, an annual event which celebrates the excellence and achievements of all our students. The ideals of Phi Theta Kappa mirror Loyola’s commitment to excellence, the pursuit of knowledge, and service to our world. Many of you have overcome significant challenges—even obstacles—in your pursuit of an associate’s degree at Arrupe College. Yet, you have distinguished yourselves as tenacious and talented scholars and exemplary members of our Loyola community. Nothing will stand in your way. I commend you for all that you have achieved thus far and for your induction as a member of Phi Theta Kappa. As members of this esteemed honor society, I encourage you to continue to be inspired by the education you are receiving—challenge yourself in ways you never dreamed possible. Your education empowers you to live lives of service to each other and to our world, and to become, in the words of Father Pedro Arrupe, “persons for others.” We are excited for you, we are proud of you, and we are confident that you will not only fill the shoes of your classmates in Arrupe College graduating later this summer, but that you will go on to accomplish extraordinary things.
Can I please invite the administrators, faculty, and staff of Arrupe College—and all who are here today—to join me in giving a round of applause to these extraordinary students?
Thank you. And to our honorees, congratulations again!