CHICAGO, October 29, 2020— Loyola Press has been named one of Chicago’s 2020 Top Workplaces by the Chicago Tribune for a second year in a row, placing third in a field of 72 organizations in the small business category. The Jesuit publisher was selected for this prestigious award based on employee response to workplace culture, including connection, alignment, and execution. Loyola Press also received a special award in the Values Category, with the distinction that “This company operates by strong values.”

“Being recognized as one of Chicago’s top workplaces for a second year is exciting for everyone at the Press, and finishing in the Top 3 during what is arguably one of the toughest years in business is especially gratifying,” said Joellyn Cicciarelli, President and Publisher of Loyola Press. “Our culture is a result of our employees: wonderful individuals who seek to lead others to live faith-filled lives through collaboration, motivation and compassion for all regardless of background and life experience. Our success in recent major initiatives, including launching what we believe is the first-ever all-Catholic video game, Wanderlight, would not have been possible without our talented staff.”

In mid-March, Loyola Press swiftly moved to a work-from-home format to preserve employee health, safety, and well-being due to the coronavirus. A change in environment didn’t slow the Press. By March 30, the publisher had developed a free, digital Coronavirus Response Lesson for educators aimed at reducing disease spread based on CDC guidelines. The lesson, an extension of Loyola Press’s child safety and family life curriculum Growing with GOD, was accessed over 15,000 times in just 48 hours. In addition, Loyola Press distributed over 72,000 digital textbook licenses in less than 4 weeks, responding to the needs of customers, regardless if schools and parishes were currently using Loyola Press resources. “Our team practices servant leadership every day,” said Cicciarelli, “They enthusiastically respond to urgent needs while continuing their day-to-day work. Our staff is remarkable.”

Founded in 1912 by Father William P. Lyons, SJ, Loyola Press has served more than 40 million children and adults as they seek to grow academically, personally and spiritually through digital and print offerings. Inspired by the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the company develops faith formation programs, highly regarded English Language Arts and Latin programs, and trade books in the spirituality category, including New York Times Bestsellers (Dear Pope Francis and The Gift of Peace.)

The Top Workplace awards were released in the Top Workplace issue of the Chicago Tribune on October 30, 2020. This year marks the 11th year that the Chicago Tribune has honored Chicagoland top workplaces.

For media inquiries or more information about Loyola Press, please contact Mandy Lemos at lemos@loyolapress.com.Visit our shop to learn more about the award-winning books.