Past LMU Presidents
Loyola Marymount University’s legacy of excellence has been shaped by the visionary leadership of its presidents. From our founding through today, each president has played a vital role in advancing LMU’s mission to foster academic distinction, whole-person education, and service to faith and justice. This page honors the individuals who have guided the university through times of growth, challenge, and transformation—each leaving a lasting impact on our community, our values, and our place in the world.
- Timothy Law Snyder (2015-2025)
- David W. Burcham (2010-2015)
- Robert B. Lawton, S.J. (1999-2010)
- Thomas P. O'Malley, S.J. (1991-1999)
- James N. Loughran, S.J. (1984-1991)
- Donald P. Merrifield, S.J. (1969-1984)
- Charles S. Casassa, S.J. (1949-1969)
- Edward J. Whelan, S.J. (1942-1949)
- Charles A. McQuillan, S.J. (1937-1942)
- Hugh M. Duce, S.J. (1932-1937)
- Zacheus J. Maher, S.J. (1930-1932)
- Joseph A. Sullivan, S.J. (1926-1930)
- Henry Welsh, S.J. (1918-1926)
- Frederick Rupert, S.J. (1915-1918)
- William J. Deeney, S.J. (1914-1915)
- Richard A. Gleason, S.J. (1911-1914)
Honoring the Presidents of Marymount College
Before the 1973 merger that created today's Loyola Marymount University, Marymount College was a pioneering Catholic institution led by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (R.S.H.M.). Founded in 1933, Marymount College contributed significantly to LMU’s foundation and mission, with a profound commitment to educational access for women, as well as creativity and the arts.
We also recognize the vital role of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange (C.S.J.), whose dedication to service and education continues to enrich the LMU community. Together with the R.S.H.M. and the Society of Jesus, the C.S.J.s form the university's three sponsoring religious orders, whose values and charisms remain central to our identity.
We honor the visionary leadership of the Marymount College presidents, who laid the groundwork for generations of academic and spiritual growth.
Presidents of Marymount College
M. Ignatius Kearney, R.S.H.M.
President and Superior, Marymount College (1933–1938)
M. Gertrude Cain, R.S.H.M.
President and Superior, Marymount College (1938–1944; 1947–1954; 1956–1959)
M. St. Clare McCormick, R.S.H.M.
President and Superior, Marymount College (1944–1946)
M. Aquinas Brown, R.S.H.M.
President and Superior, Marymount College (1955–1956)
M. du Sacre Coeur Smith, R.S.H.M.
President, Marymount College Palos Verdes (1960–1964)
M. Raymunde McKay, R.S.H.M.
President, Marymount College Palos Verdes (1964–1968)
President, Marymount College at Loyola (1968–1973)
To learn more about the unification of our institutions and the history of the merger, visit 50th Anniversary of the Loyola Marymount Merger.