Brendan O'Kane Named Director of Ignatian Mission & Identity
Brendan O’Kane has been named Loyola Blakefield’s Director of Ignatian Mission & Identity and the newest member of the school’s leadership team. His appointment comes as a result of a national search that yielded several highly-qualified candidates. He follows Ben Horgan who is stepping down this summer and taking on the role of Formation Director for the U.S. network of Xaverian Brother’s Schools.
In his new role, O’Kane will be primarily responsible for articulating and perpetuating the vision and philosophy of Jesuit Education for the adult members of the Loyola Blakefield community. Additionally, he will lead the staff responsible for shaping all aspects of the spiritual formation and service experience for all students. This includes Loyola’s robust retreat offerings, service initiatives, liturgical and prayer life, as well as the Office of Diversity & Inclusion. His appointment is effective August 1, 2018. “I am thrilled to serve as Director of Ignatian Mission and Identity,” said O’Kane. “Co-laboring with our faculty, staff, parents, guardians, coaches, alumni, and board members will be yet another blessing as we work together to grow as companions on our shared spiritual journeys,” said O’Kane. “It brings me great joy to serve as a member of the Pastoral Ministries team, a group of creative and compassionate individuals who care deeply and work tirelessly to animate our mission. It is an exciting time here at Loyola and I am grateful to play my part as we develop men who are compassionate, faithful, thoughtful and bold - inspired to live for the greater glory of God.”
O’Kane has served as Director of Campus Ministry since 2013. Prior to that, he worked at St. Ignatius Loyola Academy in a variety of roles, including Director of Ignatian Mission and Identity and Campus Ministry. He also has experience as a teacher and coach. “God has blessed me in many ways during my time at Loyola Blakefield, said O’Kane. “My tenure as Director of Campus Ministry afforded me the opportunity to witness students grow closer to God, become more comfortable with who they are, and develop a deeper sense of affirmation in their importance to this community. Because our faith formation opportunities are dependent on student and adult leadership, I've benefitted from working with and learning from all adult members of our community. They are brilliant, caring, and dedicated to our mission.”
“During his time at Loyola, Brendan has transformed the student experience by delivering programming that not only brings Ignatian spirituality to life, but does so in ways that our boys can apply it to their daily lives,” said President Anthony Day. “He has established himself as an enthusiastic ambassador of our mission and a spiritual leader on campus. I’m excited to welcome him to our leadership team and eager to witness the many ways he will extend his contributions to the greater community by continuing to ensure that our mission remains at the heart of all that we do.”
O’Kane is a past recipient of the Marcus Ryu ’91 Employee Recognition Award (2016), which honors faculty and staff members who have demonstrated accomplishments beyond the regular scope and assigned duties as employees and who have most improved the classroom or campus experience to further Loyola’s success. He was also the 2017 recipient of the Dennis B. Woolford Cura Personalis Award, which recognizes a student or faculty member who best represents care for the individual person. He is currently completing the Jesuit School’s Network Seminars in Ignatian Leadership.
O’Kane earned a Master of Theological Studies, Master of Education in Educational Leadership, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Loyola University Maryland, where he also served as captain of the Division I Men’s Cross Country team. An avid runner, he currently resides in Remington and competes in regional and national events.
