Please forward your letters to Loyola's president

Those who are inspired to write letters, please forward them to the president of Loyola University:

Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.
Office of the President
Loyola University Chicago
820 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

email: mgaranz@luc.edu

You could also send a copy of your letter to Michael Brosko and Jennifer Clark at the address posted in a previous entry below.

Please make sure your letter has a POSITIVE tone and that you include a SPECIFIC REQUEST in your own words that Loyola can carry out.

Here's an example of a request:

"We have learned from Loyola University staff that development of the property that currently houses the Sophia garden has been postponed due to the current economic crisis. In light of this situation, we request that Loyola conducts the demolition of 1201-1225 W. Loyola
Avenue in a way that minimizes harm to the existing garden, and that the community is invited to provide input on and suggestions for future development of the W Loyola Avenue property."

Some more suggestions for your letters from Mary Black of the Kovler Center:

Keep positive! Loyola has allowed use of their land for last 10 years for which we are thankful.
This has allowed growth not only of garden for Waldorf, but of larger Rogers Park Community. We would like to continue to develop garden with community involvement and with support of Loyola.

Share specific ideas for potential collaborations consistent with Loyola's mission.
We welcome opportunity to build on future collaborations with Loyola -- partnerships that could advance existing curriculum, values and mission of Loyola.
Examples:
Environmental Sciences
Community Service and Ministry
Promotion of Urban Agriculture
Food Security
Encouragement of BioDiversity
Community Building/Sharing
Highlight what would be mutually beneficial for Loyola to contribute to the neighborhood and vice versa.
This is opportuntity for Loyola to promote unique programming in urban campus setting.

Accentuate strength and interest in community. Offer examples from your perspective/experiences.
There is a strong groundswell of neighborhood support to maintain and further develop space.
Support from e.g.Loyola student groups, families with children, primary and secondary education students and their parents, teachers, immigrant and refugee community members, gardeners, local business owners, local politicians, artists and countless community members who enjoy the respite and biodiversity the garden offers,not otherwise available.

Note that other avenues are being explored concurrent with request for maintaining Sofia Garden space. Numerous alternatives have been explored for local land and/or nove spaces, (e.g, rooftops)
There is a paucity of available local space. It would be a grave loss if Sofia space is left fallow.

Michael Brosko, Associate Director of Capital Planning
Jennifer Clark, Director of Community Relations
Loyola University Chicago
820 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611