Dear LMU Community,
Guided by Catholic social teaching and animated by our three sponsoring religious communities, LMU is called to uphold the dignity of every person and to serve faith and promote justice in all that we do. These values are not theoretical; they shape how we respond to the world around us, especially in times of uncertainty and pain.
In recent days, widespread immigration enforcement actions across Los Angeles have reminded us how deeply events in our city can affect members of our community. For many, these are not just news stories or headlines but lived realities. I have seen and heard the fear of losing one’s family, the anguish of facing an unknown future, and the heartbreak of children who no longer feel safe at school.
We are a community grounded in compassion, mutual care, and the unwavering belief that every person is worthy of dignity and love. In times of hardship, we do not turn away; we walk with one another. LMU resources are available to our community members, including Campus Ministry, Human Resources, and Student Psychological Services, offering care and a listening presence. I’d also like to take this moment to express gratitude to the Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic at LMU Loyola Law School for their steadfast leadership in these difficult times.
As Pope Leo XIV encouraged the faithful on Pentecost Sunday, “Let us invoke the Spirit of love and peace, that he may open borders, break down walls, dispel hatred and help us to live as children of our one Father who is in heaven.” Renewing and fortifying our sense of cura apostolica, the Ignatian care for our collective work, we recommit ourselves to being a university where faith, justice, and human dignity are values we speak of and principles we live by.
I am grateful to Archbishop José Gómez, Greg Boyle, S.J., and the other faith and spiritual leaders and organizations who are gathering the community of Los Angeles in solidarity and prayer. With additional demonstrations planned across the region this weekend, we pray for a peaceful and safe expression of voices, and may our yearning for justice be matched by a collective commitment to compassion and nonviolence.
Together, we will continue to be the light the world needs.
With care and hope,
Tom
Thomas Poon, Ph.D.
President and Professor of Chemistry