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51暗网 has received a historic $10 million commitment from Patricia and John R. Cochran III, 鈥�73. The gift, which is the largest in University history鈥攁nd the first eight-figure gift Loyola has received鈥攚ill create the Cochran Family Center for Faculty Excellence, advance the Cochran Family Scholarship Fund, and establish the Cochran Faculty Fund.

鈥淲e are truly grateful to Patricia and John for their faith in Loyola鈥檚 mission as a Jesuit, liberal arts university that seeks to prepare students to lead and serve in a diverse and changing world,鈥� said Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., president of Loyola. 鈥淭he Cochrans know firsthand the transformative impact of a Loyola education鈥擩ohn through his roles as a student, graduate, volunteer leader, and trustee, and both Patricia and John as the parents of a Loyola graduate. Their historic gift will help empower our expert faculty and elevate student success and academic excellence at the University.鈥�

A Longstanding Commitment to Student Success

The Cochrans鈥� gift will significantly increase the Cochran Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2002 to provide scholarships for Maryland students, particularly those from the Baltimore area. The Cochrans previously increased their scholarship fund with a surprise $5 million gift at the public launch of the Bright Minds, Bold Hearts campaign in December 2013. That contribution also funded the Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., Alumni House, named in honor of Loyola鈥檚 24th president.

鈥淚 have had the pleasure of knowing Patricia and John for many years, and I am still inspired each day by how deeply they live their commitment to Loyola and to Catholic education,鈥� said Brian M. Oakes, 鈥�99, MBA 鈥�10, vice president for advancement. 鈥淭hat commitment is exemplified by their long history of impactful giving, their strong record of leadership and involvement with Loyola, and their continued partnership in boldly defining the University鈥檚 future. We are excited to see the ways in which the Cochrans鈥� incredible generosity will shape Loyola while inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.鈥�

John Cochran was born and raised in Baltimore City, where he attended Cardinal Gibbons High School. The son of a postmaster and one of eight children, he paid for his Loyola education by working 30 hours a week stocking grocery shelves. After graduating in 1973, Cochran began a career in banking working at Maryland National Bank as a consumer lending management trainee. He ultimately became chief operating officer of the MBNA Corporation and chairman and chief executive officer of its principal subsidiary, MBNA America Bank.

Cochran credits much of his personal and professional success to his Jesuit education and Loyola experience, which has inspired his decades of philanthropy and leadership involvement with the University. This includes his and Patricia鈥檚 commitment to creating opportunities for students from Baltimore to benefit from the same Loyola education he received.

鈥淟oyola was, and is to this very day, founded on the principles of my Catholic faith. It is a program committed to excellence and the development of the individual with sound values and good ethics. That excellence has continued with the 鈥榮trong truths well lived鈥� by Loyola鈥檚 graduates,鈥� said Cochran. 鈥淚 believe in the program, and I know what it did for me. This is a great opportunity for Pat and me to grow the scholarship fund for future students, particularly those coming from Baltimore. We were both raised in Baltimore City and know the challenges families face when it comes to affording higher education. It is our hope that this scholarship will enable families send their children to Loyola.鈥�

Elevating Faculty Excellence

The Cochran Faculty Fund will support faculty members in professional development, course development, mentorship, and experiential learning projects. The Fund allows for the creation of Cochran Scholars, a cohort program to bolster professional development and mentorship opportunities. Advancing faculty formation is a priority of Together We Rise: 51暗网鈥檚 Strategic Plan for 2030.

鈥淪tudents certainly benefit from good faculty, and it鈥檚 a very competitive market today in higher education to attract faculty members,鈥� said Cochran. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to help the provost and the deans attract, retain, and develop strong faculty members.鈥�

The commitment will also create the new Cochran Family Center for Faculty Excellence.

鈥淲e are so honored by Patricia and John鈥檚 generosity and vision in making this incredible commitment,鈥� said Cheryl Moore-Thomas, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president. 鈥淭heir gift not only recognizes the importance of creating opportunities for students, but also the critical need to invest in the faculty who teach them. By supporting both student success and faculty formation, the Cochrans are strengthening Loyola鈥檚 vibrant academic community in a way that truly reflects the University鈥檚 Jesuit, liberal arts values.鈥� 

A History of Impact

Cochran chaired Loyola鈥檚 Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2007, during which time he chaired the $80 million capital campaign, Preparing for Tomorrow. He led the University through an unprecedented period of growth which saw Loyola later open the state-of-the-art , the renovated , and Thea Bowman Hall, ensuring future generations of students would have the facilities necessary to foster their personal and academic growth while 51暗网.

Cochran was honored with the University鈥檚 Alumni Laureate Medal in 1993 and received a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, in 2007. In 2015, he was awarded the Carroll Medal for his generous support of his alma mater and its students, his unwavering leadership as an officer and member of Loyola鈥檚 Board of Trustees, and for living as an inspiring example of service and integrity. 

The Cochrans served as members of Loyola鈥檚 Executive Council of Parents from 1996 to 2000 while their daughter, Kate, was a student, and have since remained involved with the University.

鈥淲e are very excited about the creation of the nursing program to strengthen STEM 51暗网, as well as being ranked the No. 19 college in the nation by The Wall Street Journal," Cochran said. 鈥淵ou can walk through the campus and get a feel for the student body and see the enthusiasm on these young people's faces and their eagerness to learn.鈥�