Brendan Okane

Background

About Brendan Okane

While I was an undergraduate student at Loyola College I studied Sociology and developed an interest in researching a variety of societal issues such as poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, and depression. Ultimately it was an internship at St. Ignatius Loyola Academy during my senior year that sparked my interest in education.I graduated in 2007 and went on to earn a Master's in Educational Leadership while serving as an AmeriCorps volunteer at St. Ignatius Loyola Academy. In addition to teaching and being the seventh-grade team leader, I served as the campus minister, director of Ignatian identity, and cross country and lacrosse coach. The years teaching, working in ministry, and studying higher education inspired me to be more involved in administrative roles and to be open to exploring opportunities to lead. I left St. Ignatius Loyola Academy after my sixth year and joined the Loyola Blakefield community to serve as the director of campus ministry.In 2015 I earned a Master's in Theological Studies from Loyola University and continue to be an active participant and leader in professional and spiritual development opportunities. Most recently these include courses in diversity, equity, and inclusion, restorative justice, and spiritual direction. My approach focuses on embodying the Jesuit mission through the imitation of Christ, attention to the Gospel, and animating a vision informed by our foundational documents. I focus on meeting people where they are and developing trust in our shared journey with God. An essential piece of this work is collaboration with students, faculty, staff, administration, parents/guardians, trustees, and alumni. When empowered, students and adults are challenged to lead and share their gifts with the community and the world. I currently serve in the role of director of Ignatian mission and identity and am primarily responsible for articulating and perpetuating the vision and philosophy of Jesuit education for the adult members of the Loyola Blakefield community.Additionally, I serve on the president's leadership team and lead the staff responsible for shaping all aspects of the spiritual formation for the community. This includes Loyola’s robust retreat offerings, service and justice initiatives, liturgical and prayer life, as well as the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.