Cahalan, Patrick J. (Father)

February 14, 2020 — Fr. Patrick J. Cahalan, SJ, emeritus chancellor of Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and long-time president of Loyola High School of Los Angeles, entered into God’s peace today at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center, Los Gatos, California. He was 86 years old.

Fr. Cahalan’s bold vision was formed by his devotion to education and his deep faith. Historian, educator, administrator, and above all, Jesuit priest, Fr. Cahalan left an indelible impact on generations of high school and university students and their families. His landmark work as chancellor propelled LMU’s and Loyola High’s academic and physical growth.

From 1967 to 1969, Fr. Cahalan was assistant dean of students of Loyola University of Los Angeles. In 1969 he was named president and rector of Loyola High School of Los Angeles. From 1975 to 1981, he served as executive vice president of Loyola High School; and from 1981 to 1996, as president and treasurer of Loyola High School, he led the campus’ development. During this period, he concentrated on keeping Loyola financially solvent, organizing a forward-thinking program of expansion, as well as reimagining the campus plan and augmenting its footprint.

His extraordinary work, spanning nearly three decades, tremendously enhanced the quality of Loyola’s educational program. St. Ignatius said, “For those who love, nothing is too difficult, especially when it is done for the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Fr. Cahalan exemplified this message with his tireless and successful quest to transform Loyola into a formidable 20th century institution. In 1973, Fr. Cahalan brought the Interchange auction program to Loyola, which continues to be the high school’s largest annual social event and the most important school fundraiser of the year, with all proceeds going to financial aid for students. While president, he also created the school’s first Development Council, and established the endowment.

A testament to Fr. Cahalan’s enduring contributions from his 27-year tenure is that the Loyola High School Alumni Association of Los Angeles instituted the Cahalan Award in 2002, presented annually to outstanding alumni who embody the spirit of the magis. Fr. Cahalan received the Medallion of Merit, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Los Angeles; the President’s Award, the Medal of Saint Ignatius, the Cahalan Award and one that was especially dear to his heart, an honorary diploma from Loyola High School; and Santa Claran of the Year, Santa Clara University Alumni Association, Los Angeles Chapter.

In 1997, Fr. Cahalan was named associate chancellor of Loyola Marymount University and in 2002 he was appointed chancellor. While at LMU, he fostered a culture of philanthropy. His fundraising prowess included establishing the Chancellor Scholarships to provide financial assistance to students from middle-income families who have attended Jesuit prep schools prior to coming to LMU. The program began in April 1999 when Fr. Cahalan approached William H. Hannon for financial support to establish the scholarship.

Renowned for his Los Angeles connections, in 2002-05 Fr. Cahalan, in his role as chancellor, spearheaded the “Building on the Past/Building for the Future” campaign, which helped launch the university into a period of robust growth.

He served on the boards of trustees of Loyola High School of Los Angeles, Santa Clara University and the California Province of the Society of Jesus; he also served on the boards of directors of the Jesuit Secondary Education Association and the Karl Kirchgessner Foundation. Fr. Cahalan was a member of the advisory board of the Century Council and the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, and he was a member of the Investment Committee of the California Province of the Society of Jesus.

Upon graduating from Bellarmine College Prep in San Jose, California, he entered the Society of Jesus in August 1952. He earned his B.A. from Gonzaga University in 1958. He was ordained in 1965, in San Francisco, California, then earned his M.A. in theology from Santa Clara University in 1966 and his M.A. in history in 1968 from Loyola University, at which time he was enrolled in Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit Honor Society.

Services

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, March 7, 2020
11:00am
Sacred Heart Chapel
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
Reception to follow in Sculpture Garden at LMU.

BURIAL
Monday, March 9, 2020
10:00am
Santa Clara Mission Cemetery
Santa Clara, CA