Loyola’s Vice President of Student Affairs M.L. “Cissy” Petty, Ph.D., was honored by the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators with the Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Service at its annual conference in Orlando, Fla., March 16. The award, established in 1997, is conferred on individuals who have truly distinguished themselves by the breadth and depth of service they have given to the association or for the significant influence they have had on JASPA's direction, programs and services.

Petty was elected as JASPA’s president in 2011 and has been serving in that role since March 2012. According to her award nominators, JASPA has made significant strides over the past two years under Petty’s leadership in reforming its planning processes, developing strategic goals for the organization and expanding the organization’s professional leadership base.

“This work was entirely inspired by Cissy’s dedication and vision and would not have been accomplished without her. Cissy is indeed an example of all that is right with student affairs leadership,” according to her nominators.

JASPA was founded in 1954 as part of the AJCU, and its members represent the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. and affiliate members from other institutions. The primary purpose of the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators is to discuss, identify, and promote principles and practices applicable in the area of student affairs in Jesuit colleges and universities.