Donald Merrifield
SJ | |
|---|---|
 Merrifield in 1970 | |
| 11th President of Loyola Marymount University | |
| In office 1969–1984 | |
| Preceded by | Charles S. Cassasa |
| Succeeded by | James N. Loughran |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 14, 1928 Jesuit, physicist |
Donald Paul Merrifield
Biography
Early life
Merrifield was born in Los Angeles on November 14, 1928.[1] He graduated from Inglewood High School. He received his bachelor's degree in physics from California Institute of Technology in 1950.[1] He went on to obtain a master's degree in physics from University of Notre Dame in 1951 and his doctorate in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) in 1962.[1]
Career
Donald Merrifield entered the
He taught physics at the University of San Francisco, Santa Clara University[3] and Loyola University of Los Angeles before becoming president of Loyola in 1969. He also worked as a consultant at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California from 1962 until 1969.[1][2]
Loyola Marymount University
Merrifield was appointed as the 11th President of the Loyola University of Los Angeles in 1969. Instead of elaborate inauguration celebrations, he asked that celebrations be kept simple so extra funds could be spent on minority
When Loyola University and nearby Marymount College merged and assumed the name
The thirteen buildings constructed during Merrifield's tenure as president include the Von der Ahe Communication Arts Building, the George Page Baseball Stadium, Doolan Hall, Gersten Pavilion, Burns Fine Art Center, the Laband Art Gallery, the Leavey Faculty Center and the Loyola Apartments.[2]
Merrifield also oversaw the expansion of
He also emphasized increased minority enrollment in the university's admissions process through
He worked closely with the brothers of the
Merrifield stepped down as president of Loyola Marymount in 1984 and was succeeded by James N. Loughran, S.J. However, he remained at the university as its chancellor until 2002.[1][4]
Later life
Merrifield was assigned to the Jesuit community in
Merrifield provided breakfast for dozens of homeless at Ala Moana Beach Park twice a week, using his own money.[4] The breakfasts gradually became known as "Fr. Don's Kitchen," inspiring Honolulu area parishes, namely St. Pius X and Sacred Heart, to offer breakfasts to approximately 360 homeless people at parks around the city.[4]
Last years
He moved to an
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Thursby, Keith (2010-03-03). "Donald P. Merrifield dies at 81; former president of Loyola Marymount". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Former LMU President Donald Merrifield, S.J. Dies at 81". Loyola Marymount University. Archived from the original on 2011-07-19. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
- ^ a b "Past Loyola Marymount head Father Donald Merrifield fed Ala Moana Park's homeless". Hawaii Catholic Herald. 2010-03-04. Archived from the original on 2010-10-07. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
- ^ Honolulu Advertiser. 2010-03-09. Archived from the originalon 2010-12-14. Retrieved 2010-03-10.