Jesuit Heritage

Fr. Arnold J. Damen, S.J. Statue

Fr. Arnold J. Damen, S.J.: Immigrant Pioneer, Pastor, and President

Loyola University Chicago’s Origins: Immigrants Educating Immigrants

Fr. Arnold J. Damen, S.J. founded St. Ignatius College, the origin of Loyola University Chicago. In 1837, Damen emigrated from his native Netherlands to the United States. In 1857, he arrived in Chicago and founded Holy Family Parish. The Jesuit parish’s several schools expanded quickly and, administered and staffed by numerous nuns of the R.S.C.J. and B.V.M. religious orders, educated many immigrant
families. In 1870, Damen opened St. Ignatius College, newly built next to Holy Family Parish church, and served as its first president from 1870-72. In 1909, the college was rechartered as Loyola University.

Engraving of Holy Family Church and St. Ignatius College (1871-72). Artist: William Baker. Credit: Loyola Archives & Special Collections.

Photo of first Jesuits at St. Ignatius College, Chicago, IL. The group includes four presidents: Frs. Arnold J. Damen, S.J. (seated, second from left), Thomas O’Neil, S.J., Joseph G. Zealand, S.J., and Edward A. Higgins, S.J. Credit: Loyola Archives & Special Collections.

St. Ignatius College senior students in a production of Euripides’ Greek tragedy “Ion” (1897). Joseph Michael Cudahy, son of Catherine and Michael F., is second from left. Credit: Loyola Archives & Special Collections.

Black and white portrait of Fr. Arnold J. Damen, S.J. (1815-1890).

Portrait of Fr. Arnold J. Damen, S.J. (1815-1890). Date and photographer unknown. Credit: Loyola Archives & Special Collections.