Loyola Blakefield
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2025.05.20_LB_Campus+Classroom-124 (2)
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175th Anniversary
175th Anniversary Logo
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Celebrating 175 Years
The 175th anniversary of Loyola Blakefield is far more than a milestone—it is a moment for our entire community to come together in celebration, reflection, and renewed purpose.
Celebrating 175 Years
More than a Milestone, A Moment to Come Together in Celebration, Reflection, and Renewed Purpose
Rooted in a story that spans nearly two centuries, this anniversary invites us to honor where we have come from while looking ahead with confidence to where we are going.
Throughout the 2026–27 school year, the celebration will be woven into the rhythm of Loyola life, creating opportunities for students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends to commemorate this historic occasion in meaningful ways. Rather than a single event, the anniversary will unfold as a yearlong experience, touching every corner of the Loyola community. From cherished traditions and annual gatherings to special anniversary programs, liturgies, exhibits, and community events, the year will offer countless occasions to reflect on our shared history and celebrate the mission that continues to define Loyola Blakefield.
At the heart of the celebration will be the stories that have shaped Loyola's identity. Through archival treasures, digital features, campus exhibits, and personal reflections, we will revisit the people, places, and defining moments that have left an indelible mark on our school. These stories remind us that Loyola's history is not simply a collection of dates and events, but a living legacy carried forward by generations of students, educators, alumni, and benefactors.
Among those stories is a memorable reflection from Rev. Ferdinand C. Wheeler, S.J., describing his first visit to the property that would eventually become the Blakefield campus:
“I was amazed—to myself I said—this is it. It was about 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. that as I stood there on Monday, June 15th—a light rain had fallen—it was cloudy—that I said to myself—if it is so beautiful on a cloudy June afternoon, what will it be on a day of glorious sunshine.”
More than a century later, Fr. Wheeler's words still resonate. His sense of wonder is one that generations of students, faculty, alumni, and visitors have experienced while walking the same grounds. It speaks to something enduring about Loyola—a place where beauty, purpose, and community come together in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
These moments of remembrance and celebration will culminate in September 2027 as the community marks the anniversary of Loyola's founding. Loyola's history traces back to Sept. 15, 1852, when Rev. John Early, S.J.—an Irish-born educator and former president of Georgetown University—founded Loyola College in Baltimore. The institution would become the ninth-oldest Jesuit college in the United States and the first American institution of higher learning named in honor of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
As Loyola Blakefield celebrates 175 years, we do so with gratitude for those who came before us and with confidence in those who will carry the mission forward. This anniversary is an opportunity to remember our history, celebrate our community, and recommit ourselves to the values that have guided Loyola since 1852.
The story of Loyola Blakefield is still being written. The 175th anniversary invites all of us to be part of its next chapter.
Throughout the 2026–27 school year, the celebration will be woven into the rhythm of Loyola life, creating opportunities for students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends to commemorate this historic occasion in meaningful ways. Rather than a single event, the anniversary will unfold as a yearlong experience, touching every corner of the Loyola community. From cherished traditions and annual gatherings to special anniversary programs, liturgies, exhibits, and community events, the year will offer countless occasions to reflect on our shared history and celebrate the mission that continues to define Loyola Blakefield.
At the heart of the celebration will be the stories that have shaped Loyola's identity. Through archival treasures, digital features, campus exhibits, and personal reflections, we will revisit the people, places, and defining moments that have left an indelible mark on our school. These stories remind us that Loyola's history is not simply a collection of dates and events, but a living legacy carried forward by generations of students, educators, alumni, and benefactors.
Among those stories is a memorable reflection from Rev. Ferdinand C. Wheeler, S.J., describing his first visit to the property that would eventually become the Blakefield campus:
“I was amazed—to myself I said—this is it. It was about 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. that as I stood there on Monday, June 15th—a light rain had fallen—it was cloudy—that I said to myself—if it is so beautiful on a cloudy June afternoon, what will it be on a day of glorious sunshine.”
More than a century later, Fr. Wheeler's words still resonate. His sense of wonder is one that generations of students, faculty, alumni, and visitors have experienced while walking the same grounds. It speaks to something enduring about Loyola—a place where beauty, purpose, and community come together in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
These moments of remembrance and celebration will culminate in September 2027 as the community marks the anniversary of Loyola's founding. Loyola's history traces back to Sept. 15, 1852, when Rev. John Early, S.J.—an Irish-born educator and former president of Georgetown University—founded Loyola College in Baltimore. The institution would become the ninth-oldest Jesuit college in the United States and the first American institution of higher learning named in honor of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
As Loyola Blakefield celebrates 175 years, we do so with gratitude for those who came before us and with confidence in those who will carry the mission forward. This anniversary is an opportunity to remember our history, celebrate our community, and recommit ourselves to the values that have guided Loyola since 1852.
The story of Loyola Blakefield is still being written. The 175th anniversary invites all of us to be part of its next chapter.
Rev. Ferdinand C. Wheeler, S.J.
“I was amazed—to myself I said—this is it. It was about 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. that as I stood there on Monday, June 15th—a light rain had fallen—it was cloudy—that I said to myself—if it is so beautiful on a cloudy June afternoon, what will it be on a day of glorious sunshine.”
