News Archives

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On Thursday, November 7, Loyola Academy hosted over 650 prospective students and their families at its annual Open House event. Hundreds of eighth grade students, along with dozens of seventh, sixth and even fifth graders, were in attendance. Each family was given a personal tour of Loyola's campus and had the opportunity to meet Loyola Academy students, faculty, staff and administrators. Coaches from Loyola Academy athletics, representatives from Campus Ministry and all cocurricular programs presented to prospective families to convey that a Jesuit education is a gift that transforms lives.

Continue reading for an exclusive preview of Rambler football week 11!

Friday, October 18, marked the second annual Cultural World Cup, a soccer competition between Loyola’s cultural clubs. Approximately 70 students participated from the African-American Youth Group (AAYG), Asian Youth Group (AYG), Hispanic Youth Group (HYG) and the Polish Club. The event brought students together to develop camaraderie between different clubs and build opportunities for partnership and collaboration.

A project conceived more than a decade ago, Loyola’s John D. Norcross ’54 Aquatic Center completed its first full season of competition after the Ramblers hosted three-time defending State Champion Rosary on October 22, 2019 in a Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference dual meet that included varsity and JV swimmers and divers from both programs.

Continue reading for an exclusive preview of Rambler football week 10!

Amid rising concerns about the dangers and health risks of vaping, Loyola Academy sought the expertise of current parent, alumnus and pulmonologist Dr. Phil Sheridan '78, who delivered a very important and timely presentation to students on October 30.

Fall is a special time at Loyola Academy, and our alumni relations team looks forward to welcoming back classes of alumni Ramblers every year. This October, we celebrated with the Classes of 1959, 1962, 1979, 1989, 1994 and 1999. Each reunion had an excellent turnout and was a wonderful reminder of the strength of our Rambler pride and deep connection to Loyola. 

Congratulations to boys' varsity soccer players Mario Hrvojevic '21 (defender), Nick Roscoe '20 (midfielder) and Tommy Zipprich '21 (forward) who have been named All Conference for the Chicago Catholic League (CCL) Blue Division. 

Every year, Dumbach Scholars and Honors Studio Art students collaborate to design pumpkins for auction that are displayed in Loyola’s Ignatian Lobby the week before Halloween. Bids started at $10 and rose in $2 increments. The best part? All proceeds from the auction benefit Loyola Academy Missions.  

After capturing the regional championship, the girls' cross country team is heading to sectionals! The team was led by regional champion Ellie Grammas '23, Hayes Flanagan '21 (5th), Sarah Jay '21 (6th) and Meghan O'Donoghue '22 (10th).  

The sophomore football team completed an undefeated season with a 13–12 victory over Marist on Saturday, October 26! The team is now preparing for the IHSA state playoffs.

Continue reading for an exclusive preview of Rambler football week 9!

The girls' sailing team took 17th place in the Girls' US National Championships over the weekend! Twenty-five teams competed from across the United States. Congratulations to Grace Beard '21, Eleanor Brady '22, Alexandra "Lexi" Chigas '22, Fiona Naughton '22 and Angelena Simon '20.

Congratulations to the girls' golf team for the third place finish at the IHSA 2A State Championship on Saturday, October 19! The great team effort was led by Grace Kryscio '20 with a 154 and Bailey Bitabo '23 with 157. Other highlights include a 160 for Mary Boesen '20 and 165 for Cate O'Brien '20. Kendall Beil '22 and Caroline Magner '21 competed with scores of 180. 

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Congratulations to the girls' golf team for securing a spot in next weekend's state championship competition! The team took second place in the IHSA AA golf sectional, led by senior Grace Kryscio. 

The girls' varsity tennis team captured the GCAC tournament over the weekend! 

The girls' varsity golf team won the IHSA Class AA regional championship with a team score of 306! 

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Members of the Class of 1969 gathered to celebrate their 50th Rambler Reunion over a fun-filled weekend on September 13 and 14. Special in many ways, the Class of 1969 is recognized for exceeding $2M in cumulative lifetime giving.

Continue reading for an exclusive preview of Rambler football week 3!

It was a wonderful day on the links at the North Shore Country Club in Glenview as alumni, parents and friends of Loyola Academy gathered for the 25th annual Ramblers Golf Outing on September 9.

On Wednesday, September 11, Loyola Academy mothers and guardians gathered for an energizing morning of socializing, prayer and reflection.

On Sunday, September 8, more than 450 grandparents and Loyola Academy students celebrated Mass in the Chapel with Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, which included lovely music performed by students from the choir program.

Congratulations to girls' lacrosse senior Annabelle Burke for being named to the US U17 team! US Lacrosse has named a total of 88 players to its inaugural USA Select teams. Twenty-two players were named to the four teams, representing boys and girls at the U15 and U17 levels. 

Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, recently announced the appointment of Robert "Beau" Desherow '93 as Loyola’s new vice president for admissions and enrollment.

This fall, Saly M. Sebastian ’06, longtime executive board member of the President’s Leadership Council (PLC), will take the lead as the group's chair, succeeding Rory Kenny ’06 who deftly held the position since 2013.

Sunday, August 11, was a special day for Loyola Academy as nearly 600 members of the Loyola community celebrated the grand opening of our new John D. Norcross ’54 Aquatic Center and our new Piazza. Parents, alumni, students and friends gathered to witness this transformational moment and usher in a new chapter in the history of Loyola.

On Tuesday, August 6, young alumni gathered to learn tips and techniques to help them stand out among their peers when applying to coveted internships or to their first full-time jobs. Leading the discussion was Kay Wigton McBrearty, current parent, career coach and founder of Waterville Partners, who provided the group with tools to navigate the early stages of their careers.

Loyola Academy summer service and immersion trips provide real-life, community-based learning experiences for students in the United States and abroad. Through the pillars of service, community, reflection and simplicity, these programs are meant to be a catalyst for students to work for greater justice in the world.

On this summer’s Classics Tour, thirty one rising juniors and seniors studying Greek or Latin spent three weeks travelling across Greece and Italy. Students encountered firsthand the historic sites, art and culture they have studied in their Greek and Latin classes and had the opportunity to explore some of the most astounding places in the world.

A number of young alumni are spending their summer breaks at Lake and Laramie as they work in various capacities at the Loyola Academy Day Camp serving as instructors, lifeguards, and camp counselors. Their time and service spent with summer campers is a wonderful reminder that once you’re a Rambler, you’re always a Rambler! 

This summer, twenty-two Ramblers spent eight days journeying around Costa Rica to immerse themselves in the country’s natural landscape, culture and beauty. Students had the opportunity to visit a variety of unique locations such as the Arenal Volcano National Park, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest, the Braulio Carrillo National Park and Aerial Tram and even the Hot Springs.

On Wednesday, June 19, just under 100 Rambler alumni gathered at LUXBAR in the Gold Coast for the program “Early Advice - Tackling Career Ambitions as a Young Professional” hosted by Loyola’s President’s Leadership Council (PLC). Attendees heard from fellow Loyola alumni who have succeeded in their respective fields, earning the distinction of 40 Under 40 from various publications. They shared their advice on balancing friends, family and social obligations as young professionals.

This month, the 2019 LA Tank competition winners and student leadership team ventured to New York City on June 13–14 for a whirlwind 36-hour power internship and meetings with members of Loyola’s alumni network on the east coast.

On Saturday, June 15, alumni from the Class of 2009 reunited for their 10-year reunion at Cortland’s Garage in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. New stories and experiences were shared with old friends as the atmosphere was filled with smiles, laughter and many great memories.

In May, Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, and Vice President for Alumni and Network Engagement Marty Jennings '98 visited Rambler alumni who are now studying at, or recently graduated from, Santa Clara, a Jesuit university in Silicon Valley. The trip provided an opportunity for members of Loyola's senior leadership to stay connected with California-based young alumni and gauge the region's interest in hosting future President's Leadership Council (PLC) events.

On Wednesday, June 12, more than 100 Loyola Academy Golden Graduate Parents, who had children at the Academy in the 70s, 80s and 90s, and golden Rambler alumni, who have already celebrated their 50-year reunion, came together for an evening of community and camaraderie at the inaugural Golden Mass and Dinner.

Members of the Class of 1954 gathered on the evening of June 12 to celebrate their 65th Loyola Academy reunion. Together with classmates, family and friends, 1954 alumni—some traveling from California, Tennessee and Kentucky—celebrated Mass at the beautiful Madonna della Strada Chapel on Loyola University’s lake shore campus and then enjoyed dinner and drinks.

On Thursday, May 30, young alumni gathered for a professional networking fireside chat with executives at Grainger’s headquarters in Lake Forest. The evening’s theme centered on taking risks and advancing one’s career.

On Saturday, June 8, the Class of 2014 reunited for a fun-filled 5-year reunion. As old friends gathered at Haymarket Pub and Brewery in the West Loop, laughter and fond memories filled the air.

On Saturday, May 25, Loyola Academy celebrated its 109th Commencement Exercises at Northwestern University’s Welsh-Ryan Arena. With family and friends present, 493 members of the senior class gathered one last time as classmates and departed as Loyola alumni.

On Friday, May 24, Loyola Academy honored the retirement of four outstanding faculty & staff members with Mass in the Loyola Chapel and a continental breakfast in the Loyola lounge.

On Wednesday, May 22, The boys' varsity volleyball team defeated Glenbrook South 30-28, 25-22 to win their second regional championship in a row and 8th regional championship in the last eleven years.  

Loyola Academy’s Honors Architecture 2 students won recognition in the Advanced Architecture division of the Newhouse Architecture Contest held on Saturday, May 18, at the Illinois Center. The Newhouse Architecture Contest is sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Center.

On Sunday, May 19, senior Ramblers and their families gathered to celebrate the Baccalaureate Mass, held each spring to honor the graduating class. In his Homily, Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, encouraged the Class of 2019 to "remember that all moments are key moments and that life itself is grace."

View this video to see what the Women in STEM club has been up to this year and be sure to view the electronics recycling app they developed for the Earth Day Fair.

On Wednesday, May 15, Loyola Academy Vice President of Athletics and Fitness Genevieve Atwood honored ten Rambler student-athletes at the spring National Letter of Intent Signing Day Ceremony.

On Tuesday, May 7, a handful of Rambler alumni took the initiative to help feed the hungry in Chicago with Catholic Charities. Volunteers served meals tableside and conversed with guests at Catholic Charities’ headquarters on LaSalle St.

The girls' lacrosse team became GCAC Champions, defeating St. Ignatius 16–4, on Saturday, May 11.

After the IHSA State Sectional meet on Friday, May 9, the girls’ track and field team has a number of state qualifying athletes! 100M dash: Addison Bendery '19; 4x400: Elizabeth Quackenbush '21, Arianna Awdisho '19, Addison Bendery '19, Anne Santangelo '19; 4x200: Addison Bendery '19, Arianna Awdisho '19, Anne Santangelo '19, Nora Lyons '21; 4x800: Elizabeth Quackenbush '21, Avery Kaye' 20, Jenna Rekoske '20, Sarah Jay '21.

On Monday, May 13, Junior Student Council partnered with Rolf’s Salon in Wilmette to host a “Wigs for Kids” hair donation program at Loyola. The event provides hair replacement and support for children who have lost their hair to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, burns and/or other medical issues. The wigs are donated free of charge to children in need.

The JV girls' soccer team defeated Fenwick 4–2 to capture the GCAC championship on Saturday, May 11! Goals were scored by Kendall Beil '22 (2), Annie Caretta '22, and Brooke Semple '22.

The boys’ varsity tennis team won the Chicago Catholic League championship last week to make it the 29th win for Tom Fitzgerald as head coach!

Congratulations to the freshman and sophomore track and field team, which took first place out of twelve teams in the Chicago Catholic League Championship! Individual champions were Spencer Werner in the 800m and 3200m runs and Chalen Jack '21 in the 110m hurdles.

On Saturday, May 4, over 525 members from the Rambler community gathered for the 50th Ramble, We are Golden, to raise a record $1,400,000 for the Loyola Academy Tuition Assistance Program.

The Loyola Crew team hosted the annual Judge Dunne Regatta this past weekend in Skokie with great results! The men's varsity 8 boats placed 3rd and 6th; the women's varsity 8 came in 2nd; the women's varsity 4 placed 1st; the men's varsity 4 boats placed 1st and 4th.

On Saturday, May 4, the girls' track and field team captured the 2019 GCAC Championship! Senior Addison Bendery won the 100 m dash, anchored the winning 4x100 relay team and finished 2nd in the 200 m dash. Nora Lyons '21 set a personal record in the long jump with her 2nd place finish. She also PR-ed and took 2nd place in the high jump as well. 

it was a great weekend for Loyola Academy Rambler Wrestling at the University of Illinois Armory.  Placing 2nd in the State Girls Freestyle Competition, Zoe Crecos ‘21 qualifies to represent Illinois at the USA Wrestling National Championship in Fargo, ND.  

Congratulations to the Loyola Academy Crew Team as Ramblers competed in the Lake Dillon Sprints this past weekend in Zanesville, Ohio

Loyola Academy’s annual Solidarity Project (April 1–17) kicked off with a comprehensive Workshop Day on Monday, April 1. Sophomores, juniors and seniors had the opportunity to hear from two keynote speakers and choose three sessions from nearly fifty workshops that addressed this year’s theme: Capturing the Power of Technology.

In March, Loyola Academy’s Counseling Department hosted a series of Career Days for junior students with dozens of guest speakers representing a diversity of professions including law, finance, technology, real estate, business, medicine and more. Each speaker provided a unique perspective and a valuable learning opportunity for juniors as they begin to consider their future paths.

Loyola Gold senior Eamon O'Brien was named the JJ O'Connor 2019 High School Player of the Year by the Amateur Hockey Association Illinois (AHAI). He was honored during Loyola Gold's state title game vs. New Trier Green at the United Center on Friday, March 22.   

In February, Chicago-based artist and activist Tonika Lewis Johnson visited Loyola Academy to discuss the evolution and impact of her art on the Chicago community. Her most recent work, the Folded Map Project, connects residents who live at corresponding addresses on Chicago’s North and South Sides with one another and explores the social, racial and institutional conditions that segregate the city. Students from the Ignatian Service Learning Program’s Sociology, Justice Seminar and Studio 2: Art and Social Change classes were in attendance.

On Monday, March 25, Loyola Academy's College Counseling Department hosted its annual College Fair. With over 175 colleges and universities in attendance, it is one of the largest private high school fairs in the state of Illinois.

“I had a very niche dream from a young age and threw myself at it,” says Andrew M. Gombac ’16. Gombac is studying transportation design at College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan. His passion for the field has landed him in Guangzhou, China, where he is currently living and working as an exterior design intern. “I hope this serves a testament that dreams can become a reality.”

Loyola won the Chicago Catholic League (CCL) indoor team title on March 17 at the University of Chicago. The varsity team won its 5th title in the past six years while the frosh/soph team won the team title for the first time since 2014. Individual varsity titles were won by seniors Eli Miller (800m), Jack Loveland (400m) and freshman Spencer Werner (1600m). Sophomore Spencer Dzyacky led Loyola with 14 points (runner-up in the 3200m and third in the 1600m). Frosh-soph titles were won by Michael Solmos (3200m), Seichi Shinozacki (800m) and Cameron Matejka (1600m).  

The girls’ track and field team are GCAC Indoor Champs! Senior Addison Bendery won the 400m in 61.03 and sophomore Lizzie Quackenbush took the 800m in 2:23.92.

Rambler parents braving the cold were rewarded with an inspiring evening of spiritual reflections followed by warm fellowship at An Evening with Father McGrath on Thursday, February 28. 

Zoe Crecos ’21 placed 3rd in the 2019 IWCOA Illinois State Wrestling Championship. Her win is up from 2018 when she placed 4th in state.  

Before James Hennessey ’97 and Marc Zahr ’97 cofounded Oak Street Real Estate Capital, LLC, a private equity real estate firm, which closed its fourth capital fund at a sum of $1.25 billion last year, they were classmates at Loyola Academy. Now comanaging partners—Hennessey is CFO and Zahr CEO—the longtime friends were recently named to Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40.

With a 58–35 victory over Trinity, the girls’ basketball team clinched the regional championship—their third in as many years—on Thursday, February 14! Senior Celia Satter led Loyola with 14 points. Junior Addison Ebeling had 11. Sophomore Summer Parker-Hall had 8.

Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, announced today that Genevieve Baisley Atwood has been named Loyola’s new vice president of athletics and fitness.

Ms. Atwood has served as Loyola’s interim athletic director since August 2018. In her new role as vice president of athletics and fitness, she will be responsible for the development, management, coordination and supervision of competitive athletic programming for all sports teams. Additionally, she will oversee the development and implementation of a new strategic plan for Loyola athletics and fitness.

On Wednesday, January 23, alumna Nicole C. Woitowich, PhD, ’04 spoke to Loyola’s Women in STEM Club during lunch periods. A biologist and biochemist who is now associate director of the Women’s Health Research Institute at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Woitowich is an advocate and champion for women in STEM and medicine.

This season, the girls' bowling team has shown that it's not how you start, it's how you finish! 

Congratulations to Loyola's Ramblerettes dance team for their 11th place finish at Nationals for their Jazz dance!

Loyola's Cheer team took fourth place at the Niles West Sectional with a score of 81.90, qualifying them for an appearance in the state finals!

New on the cocurricular menu is Loyola Academy's Women in STEM Club, which has taken off since its launch this fall. Moderated by Computer Science and Math Teacher Mrs. Anita Debarlaben, the club offers opportunities for young women at Loyola to explore STEM fields and careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

"Offering a Women in STEM Club fosters a community of women who support one another as we pursue those fields," says senior Courtney Carreira, who founded the club. "Hopefully, Women in STEM will enable girls to encourage one another and create a support network for women in STEM fields." An active member of the choir board, Clavius leadership board, the National Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society and the Scholastic Bowl Team, Carreira plans to pursue a major in physics next year.