#United States #Los Angeles #Leadership Development #Loyola Marymount #Jesuit Refugee Service

Partnership for a Purpose: LMU and JRS Join Forces

Loyola Marymount University (LMU) has embarked on an impactful collaboration with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), taking on the role of Lead Academic Partner. This union is aimed at co-creating a robust framework for leadership and management development tailored specifically for JRS leaders who navigate the complexities of refugee and displacement scenarios.

The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing human dignity, grounded in Jesuit values such as accompaniment, discernment, and service. Through the multi-year leadership development initiative, LMU will contribute its academic expertise, facilitating the design and delivery of specialized courses that intertwine Ignatian leadership principles with essential management skills.

The Significance of Ignatian Values in Leadership

In the wake of global humanitarian crises, effective leadership can make a significant difference. This partnership intends not just to educate but to nurture compassionate leaders capable of addressing the intricate realities faced by refugees. LMU’s College of Business Administration (CBA) and the Center for Ignatian Spirituality (CIS) will collaborate to create a curriculum that integrates reflection, discernment, and actionable management strategies.

Dr. Dayle M. Smith, dean of the CBA, shared, "Our partnership with JRS is perfectly aligned with our mission – to mold leaders who are committed to serving vulnerable communities and addressing global challenges with insight and compassion." This statement reflects the essence of Jesuit education, which seeks to foster ethical leaders ready to confront real-world issues head-on.

A Comprehensive Approach to Leadership Development

The program aims to blend various learning methods, combining online education with on-the-ground, in-person training. Participants will include a range of JRS leaders, from regional directors to emerging talents within the organization. This diverse cohort will engage in a curriculum that covers topics in humanitarian management while enhancing their understanding of Ignatian leadership.

Brother Michael Schöpf, S.J., the international director of JRS, expressed gratitude towards LMU’s involvement, stating, “As JRS expands, the complexity of leadership only increases. We are fortunate to partner with LMU, which brings a rich blend of Ignatian formation and practical leadership training.” This practical focus is essential for leaders grappling with the day-to-day challenges inherent in humanitarian work.

Looking Towards the Future

Initiated in June 2026, the partnership will continue through December 2028, with the premiere cohort kickstarting in early 2027. The initial phase will concentrate on designing a leadership formation experience that equips participants with the skills needed to address the evolving challenges of forced displacement. The program promises an immersive experience, including a week of intensive training in a location where JRS operates directly.

About Loyola Marymount University

LMU’s College of Business Administration has a long-established reputation for honing leaders with moral courage and a strong sense of social responsibility. The educational experience at LMU, especially through its CBA, is enriched by various real-world engagement opportunities. By collaborating with JRS, LMU aims to solidify its impact on global humanitarian efforts through education and leadership development.

About Jesuit Refugee Service

Founded in 1980, the Jesuit Refugee Service focuses on accompanying, serving, and advocating for the needs of refugees and displaced individuals across the globe. With active initiatives in over 57 countries, JRS’s mission resonates with the collective aim of this partnership – to empower and uplift communities facing immense challenges.

Through shared values and combined efforts, LMU and JRS are set to pave the way for transformative leadership in humanitarian contexts, fostering a generation of leaders equipped with the wisdom, ethics, and practical skills necessary to effect positive change in the world.