Speeches & Letters
The Path Forward
September 12, 2025
"In response to Board Chair Paul Viviano’s announcement regarding LMU invoking a religious exemption from the National Labor Relations Board, and following guidance from the Board of Trustees earlier today, I am writing about our path forward together. If you haven’t already, please read his message for the decision’s context, rationale, and scope. As your president, my commitment is to bring our community together in collaboration, grounded in respect and dignity for the essential contributions of our non-tenure-track and visiting faculty, and for all those who serve our students."
Safeguarding LMU's Future: A Message from Board Chair Paul Viviano
September 12, 2025
"Today, the LMU Board of Trustees shares essential guidance concerning the university’s relationship with labor unions representing its employees. Over the past year, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) certified unions representing some non-tenure-track and visiting faculty at LMU, and the university subsequently entered into collective bargaining in good faith. After extensive analysis of the union’s proposals, the Board of Trustees has unanimously adopted an important decision, summarized below..."
Strengthening Our Leadership Team
August 26, 2025
"As we embark on a new academic year together, I remain committed to shaping an organization that is mission-aligned, student-centered, and supportive of our teacher-scholar model, while also ensuring that our values of equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice are fully embedded in the life of the university. Through ongoing listening and discernment, I have heard our community’s call for greater integration, agility, and collaboration."
Listening, Discerning, and Leading with Purpose
August 26, 2025
"Welcome to the start of a vibrant new academic year. Whether you’re arriving on campus for the first time or returning home to LMU, I’m grateful we are together. I’m especially delighted to welcome the newest members of our Lion family—each of you brings your unique gifts, talents, and dreams. LMU is a place where intellect meets imagination, faith inspires action, and every voice matters. I am confident you will find your home."
Thank You, EVP and COO Rae!
July 14, 2025
"With deep gratitude and admiration, I share that Rosemarie Rae, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will conclude her tenure at LMU on September 30, 2025. Since joining LMU in 2023, EVP Rae has been a steadfast steward of our mission, a thoughtful leader of our university’s administrative and operational areas, and a trusted advisor to me and our broader community."
Supporting the Promise of Education: A Call to Action
June 20, 2025
"At Loyola Marymount University, our Catholic mission, rooted in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions, calls us to uphold the dignity of every person, foster access to education, and advance the common good. This mission guides us as we respond to developments that could significantly impact both the undergraduate and graduate students we serve."
Compasión y Comunidad
June 11, 2025
"Guiados por la doctrina social católica y animados por nuestras tres comunidades religiosas patrocinadoras, en LMU estamos llamados a defender la dignidad de cada persona, servir a la fé y promover la justicia en todo lo que hacemos. Estos valores no son teóricos; son principios que guían nuestra manera de responder al mundo que nos rodea, especialmente en tiempos de incertidumbre y dolor."
Compassion and Community
June 11, 2025
"Guided by Catholic social teaching and animated by our three sponsoring religious communities, LMU is called to uphold the dignity of every person and to serve faith and promote justice in all that we do. These values are not theoretical; they shape how we respond to the world around us, especially in times of uncertainty and pain."
A New Chapter Begins
June 2, 2025
"Today, I proudly begin my service as Loyola Marymount University’s 17th president, energized by profound gratitude, deep humility, and a hopeful spirit."
Announcing LMU's 17th President
April 8, 2025
“I am pleased to announce that the Loyola Marymount university Board of Trustees has unanimously elected Thomas Poon, Ph.D., as the university’s 17th president, effective June 1, 2025.”
With Gratitude and Hope
April 8, 2025
“I am honored and humbled by the trust the LMU Board of Trustees has placed in me as I prepare to serve as the university’s 17th president.”