Reverend Patrick J. Cahalan, S.J., emeritus chancellor of Loyola Marymount University and former president of Loyola High School of Los Angeles, died Feb. 14 at the age of 86.
Fr. Cahalan served at Loyola University from 1967-1969 as assistant dean of students. In 1969, he was named president and rector of Loyola High School. He served as executive vice president of the school from 1975-1981, and then president and treasurer until 1996. Fr. Cahalan led campus development and organized a forward-thinking program of expansion that reimagined the school’s campus.
In his nearly 30 years at Loyola, Fr. Cahalan transformed the school into a formidable institution. He introduced the Interchange auction program in 1973, which continues to be the school’s largest annual fundraiser. All proceeds go to financial aid for students.
In 2002, the Loyola High School Alumni Association of Los Angeles instituted the Cahalan Award as a testament of Fr. Cahalan’s enduring contributions. The award is given annually to an outstanding alumni who embodies the spirit of the magis.
In 1997, Fr. Cahalan was named associate chancellor of LMU, and appointed chancellor in 2002. At LMU, Fr. Cahalan fostered a culture of philanthropy. In 1999, he established the Chancellor Scholarships, which provide financial aid to students from middle-income families who have attended Jesuit prep schools, with the help of William H. Hannon. From 2002-2005, he spearheaded the “Building on the Past/Building for the Future” campaign, which launched a period of growth for LMU.
