August 21, 2011

At Jesuit Colleges, Lay Presidents Now Advance the Mission

At Jesuit Colleges, Lay Presidents Now Advance the Mission 2

Loyola Marymount U.

David Burcham (left), who leads Loyola Marymount U., is said to be the first non-Catholic president of a Jesuit college. A Presbyterian, he says his beliefs are similar to those of the Catholic Church.

Enlarge Image
close At Jesuit Colleges, Lay Presidents Now Advance the Mission 2

Loyola Marymount U.

David Burcham (left), who leads Loyola Marymount U., is said to be the first non-Catholic president of a Jesuit college. A Presbyterian, he says his beliefs are similar to those of the Catholic Church.

By Beckie Supiano

Fred Pestello isn't a priest, but when people learn he is president of Le Moyne College, they sometimes call him "Father" anyway. His dry cleaner has made the assumption. Even a trustee, who knew that Mr. Pestello is a layman, has slipped up.

When he became president of Le Moyne, in 2008, Mr. Pestello joined a growing number of laypeople leading Jesuit colleges.

It has been 10 years since Georgetown University became the first Jesuit college or university led by a president