Loras Featured on National Eye on America Television Segment - Eye on America featured Loras College in a five-minute segment as part of the show’s series, Hidden Gems of Higher Learning, Spirituality, and Education for the 21st Century.

The show, hosted by Loras alumnus Greg Gumbel (’67), highlighted four members of the Loras community: President James E. Collins (’84), the Rev. Douglas Wathier, S.T.D., associate professor of religious studies and coordinator of the Catholic Thinkers and Leaders Program, as well as students Nathaniel Gee (’09) (Aurora, Ill.) and Lauren Squires (’08) (Germantown, Tenn.).

Eye on America is an innovative television series that educates viewers on a variety of current topics, trends and issues. The show, which airs during the day on well-known news networks throughout the country, consists of various five-minute segments brought together by a common theme. It covers a broad spectrum of subjects which allow viewers to gain insight on opportunities for their families, business, lifestyle and financial future.

Loras Recognized for Exemplary Fundraising - Loras College was selected by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) to receive a WealthEngine award for overall improvement in educational fundraising. Only six colleges in the country received this distinction.

The award, which is a component of CASE’s Circle of Excellence program, recognizes superior fundraising programs nationally. Loras was chosen to receive the award based on a three-year analysis of fundraising data, which had been submitted through the Council for Aid to Education’s annual Voluntary Support of Education survey.

President Collins Offered Unprecedented Contract - In recognition of his exemplary performance, Loras College President James E. Collins accepted a six-year contract offered by the Board of Regents.

“This contract represents the Board’s strong vote of confidence in President Collins,” said Thomas J. Tauke, chairman of the Board of Regents. “Loras is on the move and we have taken this unprecedented step to assure that President Collins will be leading the College as we implement a new, ambitious strategic plan.”

Under Collins’ leadership, Loras has garnered significant national recognition and launched several unique and pioneering initiatives.

In response to the six-year contract, Collins stated, “I am grateful to Chairman Tauke and the Board of Regents for their confidence in and support of me. I am blessed and privileged to be among a talented group of faculty and staff committed to serving and educating students for an ever changing world by delivering a quality Catholic, liberal arts experience. Much has been accomplished, but I am energized by the exciting plans we are about to unfold and the additional benefits they will deliver.”

Provost Appointed to Institutional Actions Council - Cheryl Jacobsen, Ph.D., provost and academic dean for Loras College, was appointed to the Institutional Actions Council for the Higher Learning Commission where she will serve a four-year term.

The 26-member Institutional Actions Council is made up of 20 peer-reviewers who are recognized for their knowledge, experience and understanding of the accreditation process. The Council reviews recommendations and related materials that pertain to the affiliation status of institutions.

The Higher Learning Commission, which is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, oversees the accreditation of degree-granting colleges and universities in 19 Midwestern and South-Central states.

Loras Faculty and Students Conducting Research in Ireland - This summer marked the first joint research project between faculty and students at Loras College and the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT), in Dublin, Ireland.

Throughout their two-week visit the five students and two faculty members studied the current issues of immigration in Ireland and the United States, specifically focusing on the cultural, economic and social impacts. The Loras group researched the immigration boom in Ireland through a series of interviews, lectures, readings and site visits in Dublin.

Next summer Loras will partner with IADT and several other colleges in Ireland to offer an international conference in Dublin on the theme of Catholicism and public culture.