The Stuff of Legends
In competitive sports, a standard of performance is whether a great player makes those around her or him better. President Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D., has accomplished much in his 10-year term, some of which only he could do. This review of his tenure, which is hardly comprehensive, is evidence of his accomplishments, and of how LMU life has become better for and by those around him. —The Editor
Raising Visibility
With President Snyder’s leadership, LMU’s public visibility has been steadily on the rise regionally and nationally. For eight consecutive years, the university achieved more than a ten-fold increase in annual impressions across media channels. LMU ascended to a nationally ranked, Top 50 private university in the U.S., a Top-6 private institution in California, and to the Top 5 among U.S. Jesuit universities and colleges. In 2018, LMU opened its third campus and creative hub in Playa Vista for graduate and professional education. The university is now positioned as a convener of world thought leaders after welcoming numerous heads of state, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, and Global Conversations partner Henry Louis Gates Jr., host of the PBS program “Finding Your Roots.”
In December 2019, LMU hosted the sixth Democratic Party Presidential Primary Debate.The 2021 SoFi Stadium “Megamencement,” the Commencement Exercises for the classes of 2020 and 2021, was the largest event in university history. The “gem” that is LMU no longer is hidden.
Academic Excellence
During President Snyder’s term, LMU has made significant strides in academic performance and capabilities that have boosted the university’s academic reputation. In 2019, LMU was reclassified to an R2 doctoral institution. LMU has created or expanded 40 academic programs and now offers 150 degrees, programs, certificates, and credentials. The full-time faculty has increased by 22%, and funding for faculty research and development has increased by 120%. In 2024, LMU launched the Doctor of Business Administration degree. In 2018, LMU was awarded a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Some 98% of LMU Loyola Law School graduates in the class of 2024 secured benchmark legal jobs. The law school had an 87% bar passage rate among first-time takers. LLS has more Top 100 Super Lawyers than any other California institution (more than Stanford, UCLA, and USC combined).
Strategic Planning
LMU’s Strategic Plan, 2021–26, reflects the university’s ambitious objectives, inspired by President Snyder’s commitments to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion; innovation and adaptability; and extending our reach beyond the Bluff.
Fundraising
In 2024, LMU surpassed all previous fundraising records with $73 million, compared to $41 million in 2015. LMU now offers 1,590 endowed and annual scholarships, a 32% increase over the past decade.
Capital Campaign
The Campaign for LMU has raised nearly $420 million toward its campaign goal of $750 million.
Financial Stability
LMU’s endowment has grown more than 60% to $788 million, while Moody’s Investor Service upgraded and affirmed LMU’s A2 credit rating.
Student Support and Success
LMU has increased scholarships and aid by 71%, awarding more than $163 million to support students and families. Undergraduate applications, setting records, have soared by 77% since 2015, while acceptance rates have decreased from 54% to as low as 40%. First-year students continue to show excellent academic promise: In 2024, the first-year class entered with a 4.0 average weighted GPA. Transfer enrollment rose by 21%, supported by a robust Pathway Program serving underrepresented, first-generation college students.
Diversity
Consistent with the university’s mission, the university has embraced DEI initiatives through its strategic plan and efforts, demonstrated by the creation of the Mbongi Spot and programs that reinforce LMU as a welcoming community. Students of color make up 52% of the student body, while Pell-eligible students have increased by 50%. For the first time in its history, LMU has exceeded enrollment thresholds for minority-serving institutional status (25% Hispanic and 10% Asian and Pacific Islander). Full-time faculty ethnic diversity has increased by 26%.
Campus Improvements
Student life and academics have benefitted dramatically as LMU opened or renovated Palm North and Palm residence halls, the Howard B. Fitzpatrick SFTV Pavilion, the Drollinger Family Stage, Strub Theatre, and many smart classrooms, labs, and other academic spaces. In April 2024, ground was broken for the Gersten Renovation Project, which will especially benefit LMU student-athletes.
Athletic Success
LMU teams have registered high levels of performance, with a runner-up finish in the 2025 NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament and an NCAA Elite Eight appearance for men’s soccer in 2023. In the past three years alone, 13 LMU teams have won conference championships and/or participated in NCAA tournaments. LMU’s student-athlete graduation success rate is 95%, among the highest in the nation.
Distinguished Guests
LMU has welcomed world leaders to campus, including President Bill Clinton, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations, former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand.