St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), Founder of the Society of Jesus (popularly known as the Jesuits), wanted to do the best for the least. He and his companions, though all post-graduates from the Paris University in the middle of the 16th century, did not initially think of founding educational institutions when the Society of Jesus was founded in 1540. In the beginning of the Jesuit history, education was one of their activities in helping out the needy but soon they realized that education was the key to empower the marginalized. From then on, education became their primary mission and they started founding educational institutions in Europe. The Jesuits are the architects of European education through their Ratio Studiorum(1599), which gives the outline and logic of European educational system.Over the centuries, members of the Society of Jesus have excelled in imparting relevant and meaningful education wherever needed.

        Jesuits have been pioneers and pathfinders in the field of education especially in pedagogy and relevance of education. They promoted liberal arts and science leading to holistic formation of the person as global leaders with social responsibilities. The first university college in India, St Joseph’s College (Trichy), was founded in 1844. Loyola College (Chennai) was founded in 1925. It has been established, owned and administered by the Loyola College Society (LCS). LCS is registered under the Society of Registration Act 1975 Act XXI of 1860, vide S.No 228/1973, and has its office in Loyola Campus, Nungambakkam, Chennai.

        Loyola Campus in Chennai has been the fountain of academic institutions: The innovative spirit of the Jesuits for global education propelled them to expand their service in education: In 1979 Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA) came into existence; and in 2007 Loyola College of Education was founded. After serving for more than a century and a half in the educational field of arts and science, the Jesuits felt the need for opening up new vistas in technical education. Aiming at the global education, that would be accessible to the marginalized and at the same time that would ensure academic excellence and professional innovation and relevance, the Jesuits evolved the concept of an engineering college in Loyola Campus.