Dr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Loftus to receive Shield of Saint Xavier

SXU’s highest honor to be awarded at President’s Scholarship Ball

Chicago (Feb. 8, 2011) Dr. Gerald F. and Mrs. Mary Clare ‘65 Loftus will receive the Shield of Saint Xavier at the 26th Annual Saint Xavier University President’s Scholarship ball on Sat., March 26 at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave. The Shield is awarded annually to individuals nominated by the University community and chosen by its Board of Trustees.

“The Shield of Saint Xavier is our University’s highest honor, awarded to recognize outstanding people for their enduring support of Saint Xavier’s mission of academic excellence and social concern,” said President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. "In light of their extraordinary generosity and dedication to so many facets of our University, we are pleased to honor Dr. and Mrs. Loftus with this University honor."

Gerald Loftus previously served as medical staff president at Mercy Hospital and the Chicago White Sox team physician. He has been a member and officer of the Mercy Foundation, and has headed and served on numerous hospital committees. He also founded Midland Orthopedic Associates, which still practices at Mercy Hospital.

Mary Clare Loftus served as a University trustee from 1996 to 2007. She served on the Presidential Search Committee in 2009, chaired the Scholarship Ball Committee in 1999, and supported the SXU Golf Classic as a committee member throughout its 14-year history. She recently served on the committee that planned the School of Nursing's 75th Anniversary celebration.

Dr. and Mrs. Loftus have been among Saint Xavier’s most generous lifetime donors and supporters. The Loftus Room in Rubloff Hall was named in recognition of their generous support. The Loftus’ made a donation to the chapel campaign in 1999 and named the Chapel Cross for their friend Sister Gwendolyn Durkin, R.S.M.

Saint Xavier Board of Trustee member Michael Forde and his parents Jane Forde ’65 and Kevin Forde are event co-chairs.

The President’s Scholarship Ball has raised millions of dollars for the President’s Scholarship Program, which provides financial support to Saint Xavier’s most deserving students. The gala event is open to the public. For more information or reservations, please contact (773) 298-3748 or visit the President's Scholarship Ball Web site.

Media interested in attending the Ball should contact Jay Foot at (773) 298-3937 or foot@sxu.edu.

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Jay Foot, Executive Director of Media Relations
O: (773) 298-3937
C: (773) 617-3632
foot@sxu.edu