Dear Alumni/ae,

I am very happy to write these few lines to you keeping in view the directions our Alumni Association has to take in the coming years.

Loyola College aims at the training of young men and women of quality to be leaders in all walks of life and to serve their fellowmen and women in justice, truth and love. Loyola Alumni Association collaborates towards this great venture effectively preparing the students to become socially conscious men and women. In order to continue this collaboration in a more creative and effective manner, we have to put our minds and hearts together for a meaningful involvement in the realization of the vision of our Alma Mater through our active participation in her activities. Two important prerequisites besides several of them to make our contribution towards actualisation of this goal are strengthening of membership and inauguration of new chapters of Loyola Alumni Association.

Loyola Alumni Association is one of the most active wings of the College. The total membership of the Association is 13,380 as on 31st July 2006. Nearly 1,455 fresh graduates have become members of Alumni Association in the last academic year alone. I wish that all members of the Alumni Association involve themselves in the membership drive by persuading their then- roommates and classmates to enroll themselves to become members in Alumni Association. Besides this, Loyola Alumni Association also aims at facilitating and promoting wider participation in the alumni activities by starting new chapters in Salem, Bangalore, Coimbatore, and wherever possible. Your enthusiasm speaks volumes for your attachment to your Alma Mater. Certainly I am very hopeful that with your cooperation we could take our Alma Mater to greater heights.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank Rev. Frs. Rector, Secretary and Principal for guiding us during the last academic year. Mr. B. H. Kothari, our President, has set new benchmarks for his successors through his effective leadership and active participation. May the blessings of the Lord be with them in the years to come.

Looking forward to your cooperation.

With warm regards,

Fr. Danis Ponniah, SJ

Dear Alumni/ae,

It gives me great pleasure to meet you again through the bulletin. Since the publication of the first bulletin, the college has witnessed a surge in the participation of its alumni in various activities and the Associations’ ventures have proved to be highly successful. The last AGM & Alumni Day was proof of the commitment of its Alumni/ae to the Loyola family. The Association has cooperated commendably with the project to renovate the Loyola church; the last effort being the successful organization of the fund- raising hypnosis show by Mr. Martin Taylor. I sincerely hope for such goodwill as the college goes forward with some of its new plans like the establishment of a separate building for the School of Commerce and Economics. I wish the Alumni/ae the very best in all their endeavours- like the starting of new chapters and pray that the blessings of the Lord may always go with you.

Rev. Dr. B. Jeyaraj, S.J.

Dear Alumni/ae,

It is indeed a great privilege and pleasure to meet you all in the Alumni Bulletin. This year is very special and unique as we celebrate FIVE Jubilee Celebrations, a time to thank God and to rejuvenate our heart and soul in the service of humanity.

I would like to inform you about some of the activities in the past academic year and share with you our plans for the future:

* LOYOLA CAREER EXPO – 2005 was organized on 25th November 2005 in collaboration with Loyola Alumni Association on “Relevance of Arts & Science Colleges to Indian Industry”.
* KOVALAM COMMUNITY COLLEGE at Kovalam was founded on 28th November 2005, in collaboration with TATA Relief Committee.
* The College launched RESOURCE CENTRE FOR THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED on 16th January 2006, to help the physically challenged students, a total of 79, in collaboration with Vidya Vrikshah, Chennai.
* To involve and sensitive the students to the quality measures undertaken by the College, QUALITY CIRCLE was formed with two volunteers from each class.
* To commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Dept. of Social Work, THE CENTRE FOR WOMEN STUDIES AND DEVELOPMENT was inaugurated on 9th March 2006.
*The School of Physical Science was inaugurated on 12th June 2006 and the major donor was Ms. Renuka Iswariah who donated 50 lakhs in honour of her grand father, Soma Sundara Rao, an Alumnus of our College in the early 1930.

May God bless you in this Jubilee year.

Rev. Fr A. Albert Muthumalai, SJ

I am delighted to meet you once again through the Alumni Bulletin. From the time we met last, many changes have taken place in the area of infrastructure. The long – awaited Physical Sciences Block which houses Physics, Statistics and Mathematics Departments has been completed. The `old’ J.D. Hall in the Administrative Block has a new look of a Board Meeting Room with a capacity of 35 seats. The Bertram Hall corridors are protected with weld-mesh and a good acoustics system is provided. The Mangalore – tiled roof utility Block which housed NCC, NSS, etc was demolished and a new Block with RCC roof is put up. We have also opened a Health Centre (Clinic) in utility Block with a Duty Doctor and a Staff Nurse from 10 am to 3 pm every day. The College gains more space by creating a mezzanine floor. The Bank building is coming up very fast close to the Administrative Block. The Post Office will be shifted to this building. The first floor of the building will be designed as the College Guest House. The College has applied to the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) for permission to start a B.Ed. College in Loyola Campus. On the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the new Basketball ground was blessed along with Gym in the Pavilion. One more seminar hall is furnished in the Life Science Block (MRF Hall) for the purpose of Seminars and Guest Lectures. The College is considering the possibilities of a massive rainwater harvesting system in the campus. The management is serious about enhancing the infrastructural facilities in the college to match to the needs of the present day.

Rev. Fr. F. Andrew, SJ

Loyola Alumni Association is one of the active wings of the College. The total membership of the Association was 13,380 as on 31st July 2006. Nearly 1,455 fresh graduates have become members of Alumni Association in the academic year (2005-2006) alone.

Financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 1,60,000/- was given to the poor and deserving students for payment of their semester fees, hostel mess fees and semester examination fees.

Alumni Association collaborated with Student Service Centre for organising Industry-institution interaction programme called ‘Loyola Career Expo – 2005’ on November 25, 2005.

Monthly Meetings were organised regularly. The Alumni General Body Meeting & Alumni Day was celebrated on December 9, 2005. More than 170 members turned up for the event braving heavy rains.

Alumni Association, through the Online Alumni Directory, gives information about the activities of the College and invites the members for various meetings.

Loyola Alumni Directory (2002-2005) was distributed among the new graduates on January 28, 2006, the day of the Convocation. This was a new venture, which proved to be very helpful to the fresh graduates.

Loyola Alumni Association is very happy to announce that a new logo has been designed. It will soon find its place in its letterhead.

Alumni Association is involved in raising funds for Renovation of the College Church.

Our Future Plans
· To put up a permanent board near the college map at the entrance to the college, which would feature the logo of the alumni association and bearing a caption to draw the attention of our non-registered alumni/ae and to urge them to become permanent members of Loyola Alumni Association.
· To distribute Alumni pin featuring the new logo among the members and to urge them to wear so that members can identify one another wherever they are.
· To revive and strengthen the existing Alumni Chapters such as those of Tuticorin and Delhi and to inaugurate new chapters at Salem, Thanjore, Erode, Coimbatore and Bangalore.
· To devise ways and means of strengthening membership.

· Rev. Fr. Joseph Royappan, S.J., Treasurer, Loyola College.
· Dr. Antony Selvanathan, Dean of Arts
· Rev. Dr. M. Albert William, S.J., President, Games Department
· Dr. A. Clement King, H.O.D. Computer Science
· Dr. A. Joseph Jayapaul, H.O.D., Economics
· Dr. (Ms) Indra Rajasingh, H.O.D., Mathematics
· Rev. Fr. Das R. Jesu Michael, S.J., H.O.D., Social Work

• Dr. M. Mary John joined to serve the College in 1970 and became the head of the department
  of Mathematics in 2003- ‘04. He served the College for 36 years. He worked with a deep
  sense of generosity and compassion to the under privileged. He is a known social worker and
  completed a PG course in NGO Management from the London School of Economics. We
  appreciate his dedication to the growth of students and the College. Many in the College and
  beyond will remember his exemplary service.
• Prof. R. H. D’Silva joined the department of English in 1970 and served the College for
  35 years. His loyalty to the College, clarity in knowledge of subjects and his sense of duty was
  remarkable. We thank him for his devoted service at Loyola and wish him a very happy and
  long retired life.
• Dr. S. Alphonse joined the department of Commerce in 1993. He obtained his Doctoral Degree
  during the superannuation period. He put in 13 years of service at Loyola. Dr. Alphonse was a
  scholar who was admired by his students. We thank him for his services to the college and
  wish him a rewarding and joyous retired life.
• Mr. M. Irudayasamy, Assistant in the College office retired after 33 years of meritorious
  service. He performed his duties meticulously as the scholarship clerk to the appreciation of students,
  staff and the management. We thank him for his dedicated services at Loyola and wish him a
  peace filled retired life.
• Mr. S. Mariadoss, Junior Assistant retired after 35 years of fruitful service. He served
  efficiently in admission, convocation and University matters. We thank him for his long services
  and wish him a happy retired life.

· Dr. Oscar C. Niligi, was nominated as MLA (Anglo Indian). We congratulate and wish him all the best.

The academic year 2005- 2006 was an eventful year for the Student Service Centre, under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Principal A. Albert Muthumalai, S.J.,with the new Director Prof. T. Eugine.

The centre, in collaboration with TAHDCO and MAFOI Academy organised a career orientation program for all the final year SC/ ST students on July 6, 2005 with resource persons Mr. Ashokan Pitchai (Head, MAFOI Academy) and Ms. Subashini (Consultant, MAFOI Academy). The registration for the program was free of cost.

Another training program, ‘Empower For Employment’ was conducted for all the second year UG students. Resource persons from TIME Academy and Mr. Ranjit Baba from the Singapore National University trained students on soft skills.

A high- tech communication and leadership summer camp for 100 students, selected from among the final year students who were not placed during the Campus Direct Recruitment was organised in collaboration with Sutherland Global Services Pvt. Ltd. No fee was charged from the participants.

For the first time in the history of the college, a one- day Industry- Institute Interaction and Career Expo was organised in collaboration with the Loyola Alumni Association on November 25, 2005. The theme was ‘Relevance Of Arts and Science Colleges to India Industries.’ All the departments of the college and representatives from thirty different industries participated.

On the advice and initiative of Rev. Fr. Principal and based on the policy note of the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development, the Student Service Centre, collaborating with Vidya Vriksha, a Chennai- based NGO, launched a resource centre for the Differently- Abled students on January 16, 2006. This was followed by a two- day workshop on ‘Jaws Software Applications’, conducted by the US- based NGO, Ann Foundation for the visually- challenged students.

More than three hundred students from Aided, Self- Supporting and Evening College got part- time jobs in commercial banks, insurance companies, department stores, theatre complexes and various companies during 2005- 2006.

Campus Direct Recruitment began on September 23, 2005 and more than twenty- five companies visited our campus. 295 students got placements.

All final year students who were not placed during the academic year were encouraged to register themselves with the centre so that their details could be made available to prospective recruiters.

Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies (University of Madras), in collaboration with a Delhi policy group assisted by the European Union chose three postgraduate students for their various programs and YAT school of management, Chennai, choose four postgraduate students for a leadership and training program at their training centre.

Loyola College STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTION for the academic year 2006- ‘07was held on 17-06-2006, under the guidance of Dr. S. John William (Chairman, Election Commission) and the members of the election commission comprising Dr. P. Sagayaraj (Dean of Students), Dr. J. M. V. Kalaiarasi (Dean of Women Students), Prof. G. Ramamurthy, Dr. S. Samikkannu, Dr. A. Devaraj, Dr. K. J. Raman, Prof. A. Xavier Mahimairaj, Prof. S. Antony Kaspar Rajesh and Prof. P. Mariadoss. The following students were elected as the office bearers:

The Inauguration of the Students’ Union was held on 18th July 2006. Rev. Dr. B. Jeyaraj, S.J., Rector, blessed the occasion, Rev. Fr. A. Albert Muthumalai, S.J., Principal, delivered the welcome address and Rev. Fr. F. Andrew, S.J., Secretary, Rev. Dr. Alphonse Manickam, S.J., Vice-Principal (SSC), felicitated the newly elected office bearers. Smt. Lethika Saran, I.P.S., Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai, administered the oath and delivered the chief guest’s address. She highlighted the importance of student leadership in the present scenario. The Students’ Union in its maiden venture collaborated with the alumni association of our college to raise funds for our College Church renovation. A world- renowned hypnotist Mr. Martin Taylor conducted a mega show to help this cause. The efforts taken by the members of students’ Union were very much appreciated by the media and the public. The Students’ Union has donated 2 Audio tape recorders for the visually challenged students, to felicitate their learning process. This presentation was made during the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The Students’ Union is making all arrangements to conduct the Cultural Extravaganza, OVATIONS 2006, taking the views / suggestions of the newly elected academic council.

Retired Prof. Loftus Simon passed away on 14th January 2006. He had a meritorious service in the Department of Chemistry for 37 years and served as Dean of Students and Controller of Examinations.

Retired Lab. Asst. Mr. I. Irudayam, passed away on 5th January 2006 after prolonged illness.

Mr. K. Meenakshisundaram, an active Executive Committee Member of Loyola Alumni Association passed away on 9th March 2006 after prolonged illness. He was an active member of the Alumni Association of Loyola College. He was a student of the B.Com. (Hons.) batch of 1957-60. He was the Secretary of the Loyola College Students Union during his third year in College.

He was a popular orator in Tamil right from his school days, quoting Thirukural, Bharatiyar and Bharathidasan with flair and ease. He joined Bank of India as a Probationary Officer in 1961 and has held various positions in the Bank in Mumbai, Tiruchi, Chennai, Bangalore, Goa and Calcutta. His stint in Tiruchirapalli was particularly memorable, since he worked there continuously for 11 years, first as an Officer, Accountant and then Manager. He was instrumental in opening more than 15 branches in Tiruchi District. A number of staff and officers recruited, trained and groomed by him, having risen up the ranks remember him with lasting gratitude and affection. During the last few years after his retirement he engaged himself actively as Honorary Treasurer with the Guild of Service.

He is also remembered and respected by friends, relatives and family members for the love and personal care he bestowed on his wife, who was suffering from multiple ailments, right through the last 15 years of her life. A son, a practicing Chartered Accountant, two daughters and grandchildren survive Mr. Meenakshisundaram. He passed away at a relatively young age of 67 years, leaving a big void in the lives of his close relatives and friends.

• The public were informed about the project and their contributions sought through write- up’s in the aforesaid publications.
• Brochures detailing the history of the church and the necessity of renovation were distributed among the Well-wishers, Benefactors, Alumni/ae, Students and Staff.
• Letters seeking contributions were dispatched to Well wishers, benefactors, staff, Alumni/ae.
• In http://www.loyolacollege.edu the photo gallery of the church is displayed and information about the
  Church renovation, Brochure, Appeal letters, From the Press, Acknowledgement for the contributors is
  also put up.
• The Staff has agreed to a monthly deduction in their salary for the cause.
• The Contribution of Rs. 5 lakhs towards the project will be acknowledged as patrons.
• Alumni/ ae and well- wishers are frequently e-mailed about the progress.
• A meeting of the prominent businessmen of the city was organised by The Hindu and the President of the Association, Mr. B.H. Kothari on May 13, 2006 to discuss the project.
• A stage hypnosis show by Mr. Martin Taylor held on July 21, 2006 in aid of the project.
• Special thanks to cooperation from various media houses like The Hindu, The New Indian Express, Dina Malar and India Today.
  
  Rev. Fr. A. Albert Muthumalai, S.J.
  Convenor, Church Renovation Committee & Principal, Loyola College

Loyola’s Unique Place of Worship
For the past seven decades and more the stately temple of Christ, to which hundreds of thousands of students and scholars, priests and preachers, visitors and walkers, have been thronging has stood the test of time. In the Sanctum Sanctorum of this sacred place of worship, prayers have been offered a million times to the welfare of the nation and its people. Thousands of men and women, young and old, and people of all faiths, have offered their prayers for themselves and others whom they love. The Church of Christ, the King, has been an inalienable part of those who have anything to do with Loyola College.

Architecture and History
The magnificent and the awe-inspiring Church that stands majestically in the premises of Loyola College was designed in the traditional Gothic style with an eye catching spire of 175 feet visible from far away. For well over 70 years, the Church of Loyola has been a witness to the triumphant moments of the famed institution. The well-trodden path from the entrance gate of the College leads to the silent Chapel of God that embodies the very soul of the campus. The Church was inaugurated on 6th March 1931 by His Grace Mederlet, the then Archbishop of Madras. Mr. S.A. Gnanaprakasam Pillai was the architect. The entire Church was built by bricks and plastered with lime mortar. Over the past seven decades or so, the interior of the Church has been well maintained by successive generations of Jesuits. However, time has taken its toll on this marvelous edifice with a major deterioration at the roof level, where the decorative pieces have been seriously damaged and have started falling off during the past two decades. In this platinum jubilee year of the inauguration of the Church, it has been decided to renovate it. The Church is really of a majestic design and a monumental architecture that is worth preserving for the benefit of posterity.

Detailed Study of the Damage
Prof. M.S. Mathews of IIT Madras and Dr. C. Natarajan of NIT, Trichy were requested by the Loyola College management to investigate the extent of the damage and to suggest suitable remedial measures for the restoration of the Church. In response to this, these experts conducted a detailed investigation and submitted a report that called for extensive measures to restore the Church to its original look. The estimated costs worked out by the experts for the renovation of the Church are as follows

Estimated Cost of Renovation

The Restoration Committee Solicit Your Generosity
The cost of renovation of this beautiful and magnificent Church, being in excess of Rs. One crore is beyond the slender resources of the college management. To help the management in securing funds for this noble cause and carrying out the work, a committee of Jesuit Fathers, Professors and well wishers have been constituted. As an initial step, the committee calls upon the Alumni of Loyola College and LIBA, well wishers, Business Associates and the Philanthropic minded people to contribute generously to renovate this wonderful abode of God. We seek your munificence to help the renovation committee by making a generous contribution.

The contribution is exempted from Income Tax under Sec. 80G. Drafts or Cheques should be made in favour of “Principal, Loyola College, Chennai” and sent to: Rev. Fr. Albert Muthumalai, S.J., Principal, Loyola College, Chennai - 600 034.