Dubai To Host Loyola College's International Alumni Day In 2024 For Centenary Celebrations

The Loyola Alumni UAE Chapter will host the Loyola International Alumni Day on 16 August 2024 (Friday) in Dubai. This event is expected to attract Loyolites from around the globe and will act as a precursor to the grand centenary celebrations of Loyola College, Chennai, in 2025.

Established in 1925 by French Jesuit priest Francis Bertram and other notable European Jesuits, Loyola College aimed to provide transformative education. Starting with just 75 students in three undergraduate courses, it has grown into a prestigious institution known for academic excellence and innovation.

A key feature of the event will be the launch of a centenary book titled Loyola: 100 Years of Shaping Futures. Authored by Dr. Surender Singh Kandhari from the 1964-67 batch and mentor of the Loyola Alumni UAE Chapter, this commemorative publication chronicles the college's rich history and includes memories from prominent alumni.

The event will underscore the importance of the centenary year for Loyola College. H.E. Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, will be the Chief Guest. Other notable attendees include Rev. Dr. L. Jebamalai Irudayaraj S.J., Provincial & Chairman of Loyola College Society; Rev. Dr. Thomas A., S.J., Provincial of Madurai Province; Rev. Dr. J. Antony Robinson S.J., Rector & Vice Chairman of Loyola College Society; Rev. Dr. B. Jeyaraj S.J., Secretary & Correspondent of Loyola College; Rev. Dr. A. Louis Arockiaraj S.J., Principal of Loyola College; and Rev. Dr. A. Louie Albert S.J.

"The launch of the book gives a special context to the Loyola International Alumni Day 2024," said Rev. Dr. A Louis Arockiaraj S.J., Principal of Loyola College. "It is a reaffirmation of the fondness with which alumni worldwide hold the college in their hearts."

Affiliated with the University of Madras, the college gained autonomy in 1978, allowing it to design its own curriculum and adopt progressive teaching methods. Today, the college offers 19 undergraduate and postgraduate courses and serves over 12,000 students through specialised institutes.

Over the years, Loyola College has produced many distinguished alumni. These include former President of India R. Venkataraman, tennis player Vijay Amritraj, Chess Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand, and actors Vijay, Vikram, and Mahesh Babu.

In 2016, Loyola College initiated efforts to reconnect with its alumni by forming its first international chapter in the UAE in 2017. Currently, there are 21 chapters in India and 35 worldwide, including locations such as Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Sweden, the UAE, and the United States. The global network of registered members now stands at 64,000 strong.

On this occasion, Balamurugan J., Secretary of Loyola Alumni Association (LAA), and K Md Masiullah, Convener of Loyola Alumni International, issued a joint statement: "The Loyola International Alumni Day 2024 is a unique opportunity to serve as a timely reminder to our vast diaspora that the college is on the threshold of a significant milestone with its centenary year approaching."

The statement continued: "It is a rare and momentous occasion that deserves a befitting celebration of the institution's ideals and principles."

The event aims not only to celebrate past achievements but also to strengthen connections among alumni globally as they look forward to future milestones together.