News Archives

Members of the Loyola Academy community gathered in the art gallery of the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center on March 5 to celebrate the opening of a new exhibition featuring the work of faculty member Colleen Aufderheide LdM '85.

On Monday, March 30, Loyola Academy gathered in the Chapel to celebrate a meaningful milestone in the lives of 18 faculty members who have been granted tenure. Rooted in our Jesuit mission, the conferral of tenure recognizes not only professional excellence, but also a sustained commitment to forming women and men for others through education, care, and witness.

On Saturday, March 21, nearly 500 members of the Loyola Academy community gathered in the West Gym to celebrate Ramble 2026: Called To Do More. Loyola parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends came together in a powerful expression of generosity in support of the Tuition Assistance Program, opening doors of opportunity for students across our community.

On Wednesday, March 18, Loyola Academy welcomed Chicago-based artist LaRob K. Rafael for a visit that left a lasting impression on students.

Rafael spoke during a rehearsal with Loyola’s Honors Chamber Singers, which was also open to other choir students with a free period. As the ensemble rehearses music rooted in the tradition of African American Spirituals, students benefited from Rafael’s deep expertise in the genre, gaining both historical context and artistic insight into its rich tradition. The choir will bring this repertoire to Nashville, Tennessee, in April to compete in the Heritage WorldStrides Choir Competition.

On Thursday, February 26, approximately 300 Loyola Academy French students gathered in the Chapel to celebrate Mass in French, offering a meaningful opportunity to experience the Catholic Church as a truly universal community. Rooted in Loyola’s Jesuit mission of forming the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—this celebration invited students to encounter their faith in a new linguistic and cultural context while deepening their understanding of the global Church.

The varsity boys' track and field team delivered a strong performance at the Chicago Catholic League Indoor Championships, earning a third-place finish—just 10 points shy of first place.

On Tuesday, March 17, over 81 Loyola Academy students stepped into roles of civic leadership, serving as election judges at polling locations across Chicago and suburban Cook County during the primary elections. An additional six students participated in the electoral process by volunteering with political campaigns, ensuring that all students in Loyola’s political science classes engaged directly in this hands-on civic experience.

With deep gratitude and sorrow, Loyola Academy mourns the passing of Br. James Small, SJ, whose remarkable life of faith, creativity, and service has left an indelible mark on generations of Ramblers.

On Monday, March 16, Loyola Academy welcomed more than 1,000 students and families to campus for its annual College Fair, hosted by the College Counseling Department. This year’s event brought together representatives from approximately 155 colleges and universities across the United States and around the world, providing Ramblers with an opportunity to begin or deepen their college exploration in conversation with admission professionals.

On Saturday, March 7, Loyola Academy welcomed dozens of young women from schools across Chicagoland for the Young Women of Color (YWOC) Symposium, a leadership conference designed to foster connection, conversation, and community among students in grades 6–12 who self-identify as young women of color.

Loyola Academy's Upper Level (advanced Latin) Certamen team captured first place at the IHSA Northern Regional competition on March 10, earning the title of Northern Regional Champions and securing a spot in the IHSA State Finals on Wednesday, April 29 at Lyons Township High School.

Congratulations to the Loyola Academy Girls' Varsity Basketball team on its second-place finish at the IHSA 4A State Championship!

On March 3, students in Loyola Academy's AP Spanish Literature class visited the Newberry Library to explore rare historical texts connected to the Spanish conquest and the Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica. Guided by library expert Ms. Analu Lopez, students examined manuscripts, maps, and documents from the 1500s–1700s related to the Aztec and Nahuatl peoples and the arrival of Hernán Cortés.

Loyola Academy's Fine Arts Department and Physical Education Department recently welcomed the dynamic artists of the South Chicago Dance Theatre for a special in-school field trip that immersed students in performance, creativity, and conversation.

On Saturday, March 7, members of the Loyola Academy Orchestra competed in the 2026 IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest, delivering an outstanding performance that earned the school second place in the state in the Class AA Strings (Solo/Ensemble) division.

Sixty Loyola Academy students traveled to Rosemont this past weekend to compete at the Illinois State DECA Career Development Conference, joining more than 2,000 students from 70 high schools across the state for three days of competition, collaboration, and professional development.

The yellow brick road led to the Leemputte Family Theatre on February 28 and March 1 as Special Gifts Theatre and Loyola Academy presented an inspiring production of The Wizard of Oz Jr. in the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center.

Loyola Academy's Winter Orchestra Concert filled the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center with an evening of vibrant music on March 5, as students from the Beginning Strings, Symphony Orchestra, and Honors Orchestra shared their talents with the Loyola community. Under the direction of Orchestra Director Patrick Rustandi, the program offered a rich and varied repertoire that reflected the growth and dedication of Loyola’s young musicians.

On February 6, students in Mark McGuire’s '06 ISL Civic Leadership & Advocacy course welcomed alumnus and graduate parent Chris Canning '81, P '15, '17 for a thoughtful conversation on public service, leadership, and the responsibility to care for one’s community. Mr. Canning previously served as the Village President of Wilmette and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Suburban Bus Division of the RTA (Pace Bus).

On Friday, February 27, Loyola Academy welcomed students, families, and members of the Rambler community to the Performing Arts Center for this year’s International Night (I-Night), an annual celebration highlighting the many cultures and traditions represented within the Loyola community. The evening brought together students from Loyola’s heritage clubs for a vibrant program of music, dance, and cultural expression that reflected the global perspectives present on campus.

Throughout February, Loyola Academy recognized Black History Month through a variety of displays and activities that highlighted the history, culture, and contributions of Black communities.

The Loyola Academy Boys' Basketball team captured the IHSA 4A Regional Championship with a 57–44 victory over Lincoln Park, continuing their postseason momentum.

The Loyola Academy Boys' Swimming & Diving team delivered an outstanding performance at the IHSA State Championship, earning a 10th-place finish among the state’s top programs.

The Loyola Academy Girls' Basketball team continues its remarkable postseason run, capturing the IHSA 4A Supersectional title with a decisive 56–34 victory over St. Charles East.

The Boys Swimming & Diving Team earned an impressive third-place finish at the IHSA Sectional Championship on February 21, qualifying multiple athletes for the IHSA State Championship.

Over Presidents' Day Weekend 2026, sophomore, junior, and senior Dumbach Scholars traveled to New York City for an immersive academic and cultural experience that brought their classroom studies to life. Accompanied by faculty chaperones Colleen Aufderheide LdM '85, Lesley Shifrin, and David Van Howe '02, students explored the city through the lens of art history, architecture, faith, and performance.

The Varsity Girls Basketball Team continued its dominant run, capturing the IHSA 4A Regional Championship on February 19 with a decisive 68–45 victory over Taft. The title marks the program's ninth consecutive regional championship — a testament to sustained excellence and competitive grit.

For the 30th year, Loyola Academy joined schools from across the Archdiocese of Chicago for the 48th annual African American Heritage Prayer Service at Holy Name Cathedral. Held during Black History Month, this year's celebration embraced the theme, One Family in Christ: Called to Welcome and Serve.

The Wrestling team delivered an outstanding performance at the IHSA 3A State Championship on February 21, highlighted by two individual state titles and a season filled with achievement.

The Loyola Academy Ramblerettes competed February 14–16 at the 50th Anniversary of the NDA High School Nationals, delivering one of the strongest performances in program history while exemplifying the mission that shapes Rambler life.

On the national stage, the Ramblerettes advanced to Semi-Finals in Large Varsity Game Day, placed 12th in Large Varsity Pom Finals, and achieved a historic 5th place finish in Medium Varsity Jazz—the highest jazz placement in program history. Their dynamic jazz routine also earned the NDA Unleashed Award, a distinction voted on by judges and presented to a team for a uniquely entertaining and standout performance within its division.

On Wednesday, February 18, the Loyola Academy community gathered for a schoolwide Ash Wednesday Mass, marking the beginning of the Lenten season with prayer, reflection, and a renewed call to conversion.

On Thursday, February 12, members of the LA Bar Association (LA Bar) gathered in the Michigan Room at the University Club of Chicago for the group's Annual Luncheon, welcoming special guest Illinois Supreme Court Justice Sanjay T. Tailor and honoring two distinguished members of the Loyola Academy legal community.

Loyola Academy's Bowman First Generation Leaders gathered on Thursday, February 12, for the inaugural Bowman Quo Vadis, an afternoon designed to inspire reflection, mentorship, and meaningful conversation about life beyond high school. Hosted in the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center, the program invited Rambler juniors and seniors to consider a question rooted in Jesuit tradition: Quo Vadis? — "Where are you going?"

Loyola Academy’s Chinese language students are joyfully preparing to celebrate Lunar New Year on February 17, welcoming the Year of the Horse with creativity, community, and cultural discovery.

The Boys Wrestling Team captured its first IHSA Regional Championship in nearly three decades, crowning six individual champions and advancing eight finalists.

Loyola Academy's Orchesis Dance Company took the stage in the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center on Friday, February 6, and Saturday, February 7, for its third annual concert, showcasing an evening of student creativity, leadership, and performance.

On Friday, February 6, the newest members of the Loyola community gathered beneath the West Gym’s “Big Top” for an unforgettable start to their Rambler journey. The Class of 2030 Celebration Carnival welcomed incoming students and their families to Loyola Academy for an evening filled with laughter, connection, and school spirit.

Freshman Aislinn Biedenbender ’29 (In picture: center, fourth from left) continues an impressive debut season, qualifying for the IHSA State Sectional after a ninth-place finish at Regionals.

Loyola Academy hosted the MCAC Swimming and Diving Championship weekend, highlighted by a conference title from the freshman/sophomore team.

The Loyola Academy girls' bowling team delivered a strong performance at the GCAC Bowling Championship, earning an impressive third-place finish among a competitive field.

The Loyola Academy wrestling team made program history, capturing the IHSA 3A Regional Championship — the Ramblers' first regional title in three decades. The milestone victory reflects the team's dedication, resilience, and strong performances across the lineup.

Cowboy boots, denim, and plenty of smiles filled the Hilton Orrington in Evanston on Friday, January 30, as Ramblers gathered for D4: Dinner Dance for Daughters and Dads. This beloved annual tradition once again brought together Loyola families for an evening centered on connection and celebration.

On January 19, Loyola Academy welcomed students, faculty, administrators, and community partners from fellow Jesuit schools across Chicago for a Jesuit Day of Solidarity rooted in prayer, dialogue, and a shared commitment to justice. Hosted at Loyola Academy's McGrath Family Performing Arts Center, the day brought together representatives from Loyola Academy, St. Ignatius College Prep, Christ the King Jesuit College Prep, and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School to reflect on the theme "Pressing On: Solidarity with Our Migrant Neighbors in Need."

From January 26–28, 162 seniors enrolled in The Ignatian Journey theology elective stepped away from the rhythms of campus life to participate in a course retreat at Loyola University's Retreat and Ecology Campus (LUREC) in Woodstock. Rooted in the spirituality of St. Ignatius, the experience invited students into prayer, reflection, and discernment through the movements of the Spiritual Exercises.

Both Loyola Academy varsity basketball teams claimed Jesuit Cup victories over St. Ignatius College Prep on Sunday, January 25, at St. Ignatius.

Loyola Academy's Thespian Troupe #4729 attended the Illinois High School Theatre Festival from January 8 to January 10 at Illinois State University, joining thousands of students and educators from across the state for the world’s largest and oldest non-competitive high school theatre festival. This year’s gathering marked a milestone, celebrating the festival’s 50th anniversary.

More than 100 Loyola Academy students demonstrated exceptional skill, confidence, and professionalism at the Illinois DECA North Suburban Area Competition held on Wednesday, January 14, in Rosemont, Illinois. In total, 102 students earned an impressive 76 awards, a testament to both their preparation and their ability to think critically and perform under pressure.