A Warm Welcome: Rambler Parents Kick Off the School Year Together

4/08/2026

Event Photo Gallery 

As the late-summer sun lingered over Loyola Academy, the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center (PAC) Quad came alive with the sounds of conversation, laughter, and new introductions. On Thursday, Sept. 3, hundreds of Rambler parents and guardians gathered for the annual Parent Welcome Mixer, raising a glass to the start of a new school year and the community that makes Loyola feel like home. 

Hosted by the Rambler Parent Organization (RPO), the evening offered the perfect opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new friends, and welcome families beginning their own Rambler journey—including the parents and guardians of the Class of 2030. 

Following a blessing from Loyola President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, guests mingled throughout the PAC and the quad, enjoying light bites and beverages while catching up with longtime friends and getting to know fellow Rambler parents. For families new to Loyola, the evening offered an easy first step into a community filled with opportunities to connect, contribute, and become part of something bigger. Principal Steve Tortorello brought excitement when he announced the winners of our Class of 2030 Parent Raffle. Our three lucky Rambler parents took home tickets to our upcoming fall Performing Arts performances and new LA swag! 

At the heart of the evening was a simple idea: community grows when people make time for one another. Event chairs Christine Sliwicki P '29 and Jo Anne Tagliamonte LdM '87, P '27, '29 helped create an evening that was as welcoming as it was spirited. Their leadership, along with the generosity of the event's sponsors, helped set the stage for a new year of friendship, fellowship, and involvement. 

As the evening drew to a close, one thing was clear: the new school year is about more than the first day of classes. It’s about the people who show up, open their doors, and make room for one another. 

For parents and guardians, the RPO provides countless ways to find their place within the Loyola community, from volunteering and supporting school traditions to attending events that bring families together. Each connection made, conversation shared, and hour volunteered strengthens the community surrounding Loyola's students.

The Parent Welcome Mixer is one of the RPO's signature opportunities to bring Rambler families together—not just at the beginning of a school year, but throughout the many moments that make the Loyola experience special. Visit the Rambler Parent Organization webpage to explore upcoming events and discover ways to get involved.