Loyola receives Knott Foundation grant to expand outdoor Wi-Fi
“Loyola University Maryland is grateful for this grant from the Marion I. and Henry J. Knott Foundation and will utilize it for the benefit and safety of our students and community,” said Randall Saba, chief information officer. “We are eager to augment learning beyond our walls and foster the opportunity for active personal engagement and collaboration.”
The grant will help fund access to outdoor Wi-Fi in parts of Loyola’s main campus serving students and the nearby community. The enhanced outdoor Wi-Fi service will create additional locations for learning and offer students and faculty more outdoor campus spaces for classes, socializing and meals.
Outdoor internet access supports students without data plans on their devices, expanding the on-campus areas where students can access the internet and work. Wi-Fi access also gives Loyola’s public safety officers the ability to use critical operations systems in the field.
Local community organizations that partner with Loyola University Maryland and local residents may also benefit from increased access to outdoor Wi-Fi. This includes the Loyola-hosted Govans Farmers Market, which operates on Wednesday afternoons at 5104 York Road June through September.
Loyola University Maryland’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement aligns with the Knott Foundation’s mission to strengthen communities in Maryland.
“We’re excited to partner with Loyola University on this project to expand digital access both on campus and in the surrounding community,” said Kelly Medinger, executive director of the Knott Foundation. “With so many activities moving outdoors, we understand how important and timely it is to connect to people in this way. We’re pleased that the Knott Foundation could step in and help with such a worthy endeavor.”