News Archives

Held on Thursday, December 13, “Leadership Lessons with the Most Powerful Women in Chicago Business” gave Loyola Academy alumni, parents, graduate parents and current students the opportunity to hear from successful Rambler mothers who are leaders in their respective industries. Nearly 150 guests enjoyed the program, which included networking, career advice and more.

On Wednesday, December 19, Loyola Academy Interim Athletic Director Genevieve Atwood honored two Rambler student-athletes at the winter National Letter of Intent Signing Day Ceremony.

On Saturday, December 1, Loyola Academy's annual Christmas concert delighted audiences with the cherished sounds of the holiday season. With two performances throughout the afternoon and evening, it was a wonderful day filled with music and Christmas cheer at the Christian Heritage Academy in Northfield.

USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus Releases Names of Jesuits with Established Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors

Click here to be redirected to the Jesuits USA Midwest Province website to read a message from Father Paulson and to view the list.

Click here to read a message from Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, regarding Loyola Academy’s support of this release.

With architectural designs for Loyola’s first STEM lab finalized during the fiscal year, construction crews began working on this 21st-century science and technology space in Summer 2018. The construction of the new STEM lab—made possible by a leadership gift from Mr. and Mrs. Timothy P. Sullivan and named in honor of former biology teacher Rev. Peter W. Breslin, SJ—marks the successful conclusion of our Second Century Campaign Science Initiative, which supported the development of seven state-of-the-art science labs at Loyola over the past decade.

On November 3–5, 17 Loyola Academy students traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ), an annual gathering for members of Jesuit institutions to meet in the context of social justice and solidarity to learn, reflect, pray and advocate together.   

On Friday, November 9, the Honorable Amy St. Eve spoke to approximately 100 political science students in Loyola’s Marillac Room. Judge St. Eve discussed her work as a newly confirmed judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the role and function of the federal courts, the judicial confirmation process and more.

On Tuesday, November 13, Loyola Academy’s Women in STEM student club hosted its inaugural Girl Scout STEM Workshop for 26 Girl Scouts, ages six to eleven, from St. Joseph School in Wilmette.

Congratulations to the 2018 Varsity Football Team for securing a berth in the Illinois state championship football game!

On the evening of Tuesday, November 13, the Faith and Service Committee of the Loyola Academy President’s Leadership Council (PLC) participated in a supper with Catholic Charities in Chicago. Alumni, current students and parents gathered together with Catholic Charities to serve coffee, tea and dinner to the hungry. Dinner that evening was generously donated by Rosebud.

On Wednesday, November 14, Loyola Academy Interim Athletic Director Genevieve Atwood honored twenty-four Rambler student-athletes at the fall National Letter of Intent Signing Day Ceremony.

After defeating Maine South 17–0, the Ramblers prepare to take on Lincoln Way East in this Saturday's state semi-final! 

Loyola Academy's Department of Performing Arts and Thespian Troupe 4729 performed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on November 1–4. Loved by many all over the world, love and mischief, mistaken identity, fairies and magic abound in this classic farce, one of William Shakespeare's greatest and most beloved comedies.

In September, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation named seven Loyola Academy students National Merit semifinalists. The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The Loyola community gathered to celebrate a beautiful All Saints Day Mass on Thursday, November 1.

With a generous lead gift to support the Second Century Campaign Theater Initiative, Ellen S. and Peter G. Leemputte '75 are hoping to inspire others to support the development of a new theater for the performing arts at Loyola Academy.

Earlier this month, Lucas W. McGee ’97 was inducted into the Loyola Academy Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievements on the crew team during his time as a Rambler. He earned gold at the 1997 Midwest Scholastic Championships with the men’s varsity 8+ and sat in the seventh seat of the silver medal winning U.S.A. men’s 8+ boat at the Junior World Championships. Today, McGee serves as head coach of the Syracuse University women’s rowing team in New York. A decorated athlete with a consistent record of excellence in coaching at both the collegiate and international levels, McGee is well primed for the role.

The girls' JV volleyball team went undefeated—for the first time in history— this season and won the GCAC conference tournament. Congratulations and Go Ramblers!

On Wednesday, October 10, 2018, the President’s Leadership Council (PLC) hosted a Young Alumni Networking Luncheon in New York City.  New York Ramblers, including young alumni and members of the PLC gathered for an exclusive lunch hosted by Loeffler Randall's  Chief Executive Officer Brian D. Murphy '89.

On Thursday, October 4, members of the Class of 1962 gathered at The Happ Inn to celebrate a mini-reunion in what has become an annual tradition each fall.

On Friday, September 28, 2018, the Networking & Professional Development Committee of Loyola Academy’s President’s Leadership Council (PLC) hosted its quarterly Breakfast Speaker Series in Chicago. Young alumni and members of the PLC gathered downtown for a tasty breakfast and a casual discussion with Loyola graduate parent Tonise Paul, president and CEO of Energy BBDO and director of BBDO Worldwide.

Two busts of St. Ignatius have been donated to Loyola Academy by current parents Jen and Dave Fritzsche '88, whose son Charlie Fritzsche '22 is a freshman. Charlie’s great-grandmother Mary Imelda Murtaugh sculpted the busts of Loyola's namesake in the late 1960s for a Jesuit fundraiser. Many of them now reside in Jesuit high schools and colleges across the country.

This years theme, "LAke Michigan," encouraged students to enjoy a week of dress-down days with fun beach-inspired themes like "Fish Day," "Bedtime Beach Bonfire," "Team LAke Michigan," "Day on the Water" and "Loyola Deck-Out Day." Students had the opportunity to compete in Penny Wars, learn how to Step Up and Be Involved at the Cocurricular Fair, watch movies in the Student Center while enjoying tasty s’mores in the Quad, participate in karaoke and a photo booth in the Cafeteria, dunk some of their favorite administrators and teachers in a dunk tank and play WickedBall in the West Gym.

Social justice educator Sara Wicht returns for a second round of professional development opportunities for Loyola faculty and staff this fall. Her training will focus on continuing to build our pedagogical toolboxes through techniques and strategies that focus on classroom culture, instruction, teacher leadership and family and community engagement.

Loyola's unique lineup of Ignatian Service Learning classes take the service experience into the classroom—enabling students to learn about social justice issues in academic courses across the curriculum, apply their new knowledge to real-life situations through community service and then engage in reflective exercises, discussions and projects to process the experience. Honors American Literature: Hidden Voices in American Literature is designed to examine American Literature through active participation in community-based organizations that allow for a deeper analysis of American society, both past and present, through the lens of "the other."

In the spring, recent graduates Priscilla Kwateng '18, Venessa Agyemang '18, Andrea Coria '18 and Lillian Ingabire '18 along with current seniors Kaylle Flores '19, Joyce Matanguihan '19, Oluwadamilola Moibi '19, Kabelo Muhammad '19, Claudia Pensamiento '19, Ashley B. Sarpong '19 and Jessica Vela '19 crafted a presentation on race relations at Loyola born from their personal experiences. They presented their work to the School Leadership Council and faculty members in each of Loyola Academy's academic departments. "It was really powerful," says Director of School Culture Chris Penna. "Every faculty member needed to hear it, and the response was overwhelmingly positive."

Next month, Courtney King Murphy ’98 will celebrate her 20th Rambler Reunion at Loyola Academy with fellow classmates from the Class of 1998—Loyola’s first coed class to have completed four years. At Loyola, Courtney was the first young woman to serve as student council president. She also played on the 1997 girls’ lacrosse state championship team and ran varsity cross country. Today, Courtney serves as director of strategic partnerships at the nonprofit Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), a CEO-led coalition, founded by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, that believes a company’s social strategy—how it engages with key stakeholders including employees, communities, investors and customers—determines a company success. Here, Courtney strengthens the organization's partnership opportunities with leading companies to harness their knowledge and expertise to enhance business and societal impacts.

In its ongoing efforts to be a leader in player wellness and safety, the Loyola Academy Football Program has adopted three new tools to bolster protection for players on the field, including the flexible Riddell SpeedFlex Helmet, the innovative Protech Helmet Cap and the state-of-the-art InSite Training Tool with cutting edge Impact Analytics. “We always want to be on the forefront of all safety measures,” says Head Varsity Football Coach John Holecek.

It was a perfect sunny day for golf at the North Shore Country Club in Glenview as alumni, parents and friends of Loyola Academy hit the links for the 24th annual Ramblers Golf Outing on September 10.

Members of the Class of 1968 gathered to celebrate their 50th Rambler Reunion over a fun-filled weekend on September 7 and 8.

On Thursday, August 30, 36 members of the Classes of 1956 and 1957 gathered for lunch at Hackney’s to celebrate Rev. James C. L. Arimond, SJ, ’57 and his more than 50 years of service to the Jesuits, the Catholic Church, thousands of students and his many friends. One of the highlights of Fr. Arimond’s career was his tenure as headmaster of Loyola Academy from 1971 to 1982 when, in addition to his many responsibilities, he brought Loyola and other members of the Chicago Catholic League into the Illinois High School Athletic Association.

This summer, five Ramblers and one recent graduate joined their peers from Christ the King Jesuit College Prep, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and St. Ignatius College Prep to serve middle school students with educational and economic needs through the Chicago Jesuit Academy's (CJA) Province Scholars Program. This highly selective program provides high school students with the opportunity to gain firsthand experience serving middle school students in need of academic support and to contemplate future career paths in education.

This summer, 33 Ramblers spent two weeks immersed in the culture and beauty of the People’s Republic of China, where they had the unique opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of vibrant cities such as Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin and Shanghai along with the magnificent landscapes of Longsheng and Yangshuo counties. It was an authentic cultural experience—the first for many Ramblers—to experience some of China’s noted monuments, museums, art galleries, performances, cuisine and more.  

In August, the Loyola Academy Girls' Field Hockey program—varsity, JVA and JVB—volunteered at Feed My Starving Children,  where they put together potato packs to send to Haiti for children suffering from cholera.

On October 19, 2018, Elizabeth C. "Betsy" Webb ’08, a physical therapist living in San Francisco, will be inducted into Loyola Academy's Athletic Hall of Fame. During her four years on the swim team at Loyola, Webb was a three-time individual state champion, a six-time sectional champion and a state record holder. In 2005, her team took third place in state. In 2007, Webb was 200m freestyle relay state champion and the Illinois High School Female Swimmer of the Year.

Loyola Academy welcomed the Class of 2022 with a three-day freshman orientation experience, including programming and events for incoming Ramblers and their parents. Orientation is a significant occasion at Loyola as it marks the beginning of a four-year journey and creates a strong foundation for future growth and success for each Rambler.

The Loyola Academy community celebrated its annual Mass of the Holy Spirit on Wednesday, August 22, marking the first day of the 2018–2019 school year. The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a longstanding tradition among Jesuit high schools and universities, dating back to 1584. It provides students, faculty and staff a moment to pause, pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the upcoming year.  

Last year, the Social Studies Department introduced the AP Human Geography course to its curriculum to offer students the opportunity to study the distribution, processes and effects of human population on the planet. During its inaugural year, 189 students took the course, which culminated with an AP Exam in May. Notably, 92 percent of students passed the exam with a score of 3, 4 or 5.

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 the student to work for greater justice in the world.

On Wednesday, July 25, young alumni gathered at Lockton Companies in Chicago to learn more about Loyola's junior board, the President's Leadership Council (PLC). New and interested members heard from PLC executive board members about the function and benefits of membership as well as the focus of the PLC's related committees: Faith and Service, Networking and Professional Development and Membership and Fundraising.

Dariush "Tim" Aghai '08, who now trains at the USRowing Training Center in Oakland, CA, was just named to the U.S. Men's Four for the 2018 World Rowing Championships! Aghai started rowing at Loyola Academy in 2004 and continued his career at the University of Wisconsin.  

Inspired by Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree, Stephen R. Davern '85 and his family have re-purposed the stump of a dying tree into a Little Free Library.

In July, Michael Kadus ’19, Eli Miller ’19 and Ellen Naughton ’19, the winners from this year’s student entrepreneurial LA Tank competition, and LA Tank student leaders Morgan Banks ’18, Sophia D'Agustino ’19, Susie Driscoll ’18 and Catherine Power '19 enjoyed a weeklong series of meetings and interactive experiences with alumni at some of Chicago’s most innovative businesses including Ascent Program Managers, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Google and 1871.

Congratulations to Nora Conway '18, who ends her four year varsity career at Loyola as 22nd Century Media's inaugural Softball Player of the Year!

Congratulations to Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Director of Admissions Nick Bridich, who earned the inaugural 22nd Century Media Baseball Coach of the Year honor.

On Wednesday, June 27, pool benefactors, coaches, aquatic alumni and students gathered outside the athletic lobby in front of Loyola's I.A. O'Shaughnessy Pool to bid a fond farewell to the pool that has served the Rambler community for over fifty years.

On Saturday, June 16, the Class of 2013 reunited for their five year reunion with one of the most well-attended young alumni reunions on record!

“Loyola’s motto resonates in my life daily. It has reminded me, most importantly, to be compassionate and to meet people where they are,” says Leanne Kelly ’12, who serves as director of marketing and communications at Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago’s West Loop.

The American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) has recognized recent graduates Louisa Edwards ’18, Brendan Schafer ’18 and Jacqueline Topping ’18 for achievement in their studies of French at Loyola Academy. All three were students of French Teacher Ms. Catherine Kendrigan, who was the 2018 recipient of the Dorothy Ludwig Excellence in Teaching Award for the secondary level.

On Wednesday, June 6, Bill Plante ’55, long time CBS News White House reporter, became the 60th inductee in the Illinois Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. Bill’s prolific career spans the Reagan, Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations. He is an Emmy-winning journalist who has documented the civil rights movement of the sixties; the war in Vietnam; the Reagan-Gorbachev summit at Reykjavik, Iceland; the Gulf War; and every presidential campaign since 1968.

On Saturday, June 9, Ramblers from the Class of 2008 reunited for their 10-year reunion. As old friends gathered at Haymarket Pub & Brewery in the West Loop, laughter, hugs and fond memories filled the air.

On Friday, June 1, Loyola’s Ignatian Service Learning and Arrupe Service Programs hosted a Community Partner Luncheon for students and representatives from the community organizations they partnered with this year. The luncheon brought together nearly 30 community partners, 15 Service Learning teachers and Arrupe faculty, and Loyola student leaders to review the year of service and plan for the next year.

On Friday, June 1, members of the LA Bar Association and current student members of the Loyola Academy Mock Trial team gathered at the fourth annual LA Bar Association Luncheon to hear keynote speaker Patrick Fitzgerald, a seasoned trial lawyer and experienced investigator who is the longest-serving U.S. Attorney in Chicago, reflect on his career and the impact of his Jesuit education.  

On Friday, June 8, seventeen members of the Class of 1956 gathered at Hackney's on Lake Street  to celebrate their 80th birthdays together! "From September 1952 to June 1956, we gathered as one of the finest classes to ever grace Dumbach Hall," says Jim Hogan '56. "We all enjoyed four great years together! After all these years, the friendship that began in 1952 is still strong and growing." 

On Tuesday, May 29, and Wednesday, May 30, AP Human Geography Students presented their fourth quarter projects at Loyola’s inaugural Human Geography Fair.

Martin G. Jennings '98 will return to Loyola Academy this summer in a newly created position, vice president of alumni and network engagement, and will serve on Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath's Executive Leadership Team.

On Saturday, June 2, the Girls' Varsity Lacrosse Team defeated Naperville North 17–6 to claim a 3rd place finish in the IHSA state finals!

This past weekend, the crew team had four boats compete in the Scholastic National Championships in New Jersey. The teams did very well, with the girls' Varsity 1 boat finishing 4th in the nation, the girls' Varsity 2 boat finishing 2nd in the nation, the boys' Varsity 1 boat finishing 9th in the nation and the boys' 1V Petite boat placing 3rd. The boys' JV boat put together some good races, but were unable to make it to the finals. 

The  Boys' Varsity Lacrosse team defeated Fenwick 17–2 to win the IHSA supersectional! Next, they advance to the state semifinals on Thursday, May 31, at 5:00 p.m. at Hinsdale Central vs Naperville North.

Girls' Varsity Lacrosse defeated St. Ignatius 14–2 to win the IHSA supersectional! Next, the team advances to state semifinals on Friday, June 1, at 5:00 p.m. vs. Hinsdale Central at Hinsdale Central.

On Saturday, May 26, Loyola Academy celebrated its 108th Commencement Exercises at the Joseph J. Gentile Arena on Loyola University’s Lake Shore Campus. With family and friends present, 511 members of the senior class gathered one last time as classmates and departed as Loyola alumni.

Congratulations to the Loyola Academy Architecture Team which participated in the Newhouse Architecture competition held at Robert Morris University Gallery in downtown Chicago on Saturday, May 19. The Newhouse Architecture Competition is sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) and is open to all Chicago area high schools. The competition is now in its 35th year, and was created as part of the vision of the late State Senator Richard Newhouse.

The Boys Varsity Baseball team won its first IHSA Regional Championship since 2015 with a 4–1 victory over Notre Dame College Prep. The Ramblers advance to the IHSA sectionals where they will play Maine West on Wednesday, May 30, at 4:30 p.m. at Loyola Academy's Munz Campus in Glenview.

The Boys' Varsity Tennis team finished in 8th place in the IHSA State tennis tournament! The Ramblers once again were led by senior Alan Arocho with his 3 wins (worth 6 points) in the championship bracket. 

The Boys' Varsity Volleyball Team defeated Deerfield  25-19, 25-18 to win the regional championship and advances to the Glenbrook South Sectional on Friday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m. vs. Hersey. The team now has an overall record of 26–12.

Five members of Loyola’s Class of 2018 have been awarded 2018 National Merit Scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The NMSC honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Loyola Academy seniors Moira Hand and Richard Rivera have been awarded scholarships by the Health Education and Relief (HEAR) Scholarship Foundation. The foundation awards a $20,000 tuition scholarship to Chicagoland high school seniors who demonstrate commitment to their community.

“Loyola’s motto resonates in my life through the work that I do,” says Villanova University sophomore Jacob van Cleef ’16, who is a political science and economics double major with a minor in peace and justice. In 2017, van Cleef founded The Villanova Sentry, a social justice online newspaper that covers domestic and international social justice issues.

On Sunday, May 20, senior Ramblers and their families gathered to celebrate the Baccalaureate Mass, held each spring to honor the graduating class.

On Monday, May 21, Loyola Academy Athletic Director Patrick Mahoney '90 honored twenty-six Rambler student-athletes at the spring National Letter of Intent Signing Day Ceremony.

Congratulations to the Girls' Varsity Soccer Team, which defeated Lane Tech 1–0 to capture the regional championship over the weekend. In overtime, Sammy Holton '19 scored the only—and winning—goal for the Ramblers off an assist from Stephanie Ramsay '18. Maggie Avery '18 earned the shut out victory in goal. The team then advanced to the IHSA Class 3A sectional semifinal, where they defeated Glenbrook South 3–0 on Tuesday night. 

Congrats to the Girls' Water Polo Team, which finished fourth at State this past weekend! 

On Tuesday, April 24, four alumni mentors accompanied fifteen Loyola Academy seniors on a tour of Chicago's renowned United Center. Each year, Loyola's Leadership Development and Mentor Program arranges a field trip downtown as part of its Career Shadow Day. At this year's event, students were given the opportunity to learn more about the many careers paths related to the operation of a major sports and entertainment arena.  

On Tuesday, April 10, the Village Board of Wilmette unanimously voted to approve Cleland Place, a new 16-unit affordable housing development at 1925 Wilmette Avenue, the site of the old American Legion. Loyola Academy Justice Seminar seniors Emily Molins and Merrill O’Shaughnessy, along with classmates Kaela Finnegan ’18, Grace Harlan ’18 and Lilly Wehman ’18, were instrumental in the approval process, presenting research and personal testimony that helped inform the Board’s decision—the first significant victory for affordable housing efforts in Wilmette.

Girls' Track and Field has a number of state qualifiers preparing to compete in the 2018 IHSA State Finals: Kate Santangelo '19 in pole vault; Sarah Jay '21, Louisa Edwards '18, Nicole Cleland '21 and Emily Plodzeen '18 in the 4x800; Addison Bendery '19 in the 100m and 200m; and Jacqueline Topping '18, Arianna Awdisho '19, Brooke Moran '18 and Addison Bendery '19 in the 4x200m.

Loyola Academy Rowing Association had a great weekend on the water at the Midwest Scholastic Rowing Championship!  Girls' 1V8+ and 2V8+ took 1st place and move on to Nationals. V4+ took 6th, 3V8+ took 7th. Boys' 1V8+ and JV8+ took 3rd and move on to Nationals! 2V8+ took 6th and 3V8+ took 1st.

On Thursday, May 3, the President’s Leadership Council (PLC) hosted Rambler alumni at Guaranteed Rate Field for a special networking event as the Chicago White Sox took on the Minnesota Twins.

On Saturday, May 5, Loyola Academy World Religion students continued their exploration of other faith practices and places of worship with a visit to the Muslim Community Center’s mosque in Morton Grove.

The Loyola Academy community celebrated its Sending Forth Mass on Monday, May 14. The Mass is an annual celebration of the school year, a recognition of the outstanding efforts of distinguished students and faculty and a send off for the senior class.

As preparations for the new pool are underway, Loyola’s aquatic alumni have gathered on several occasions to demonstrate their support, raise funds and share fond memories.

Legendary Loyola Academy Track and Field Coach Frank Amato has been named the recipient of the Sports Faith International All Star Catholic High School Lifetime Achievement Award. Coach Amato, who retired from Loyola in 2013, was honored at the 11th annual Sports Faith Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday, May 18, held at Mundelein Seminary.

Loyola Academy Rowing Association hosted the Judge Dunne Regatta on Saturday, May 5, at the Dammrich Boat House in Skokie. The Varsity 1 boys clinched 1st place and the day's fastest overall time of 5:52.

Loyola’s annual Earth Day Fair, hosted by Student Against Violating the Earth (S.A.V.E.), took place on Friday, April 27. This year’s theme—Let’s Get Active!—presented Ramblers with new ways of approaching the environmental challenges that exist today. Faculty, staff and students enjoyed a sunny afternoon on the quad with interactive projects, educational displays and more.

Congratulations are in order for Holy Cross quarterback Peter E. Pujals '13 and offensive lineman James M. "Jimmy" Murray '13! Last month, Pujals signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. Murray signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Eight Loyola Academy students spent their spring break volunteering at L’Arche Chicago in Oak Park. Founded in the 1990s, L’Arche Chicago joins more than 146 other communities in 35 countries to form The International Federation of L’Arche. The communities encompass 5,000 people with and without an intellectual disability, speaking more than 20 languages who share their lives in homes, workshops and day programs.

On Friday, April 20, Sara Maslanka, artistic director at the Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble, spoke to students in Dance Studio 1, Dance Studio 2 and Honors Dance classes.  

In April, Loyola Academy hosted the eighth annual Jesuit National 4x5, a hybrid art show and competition that requires all entries to be just four inches by five inches. The competition is open to all Jesuit high schools and awards prizes in categories such as color drawing, black and white drawing, printmaking, digital design, mixed media, sculpture and more.

During his senior year at Loyola, Sam J. Serio ’16 hatched Loyola Academy’s LA Tank program to inspire students to explore entrepreneurship while building relationships between Loyola students and alumni. His vision was to bring students and alumni together in a dynamic career program that encouraged Ramblers to embrace innovation and think differently about their future career paths.

If you ask a group of twenty-somethings about their purpose in life, you’re likely to encounter some hesitation and uncertainty. Try that same question on Mervin B. Dino ’12 and you’ll get an answer that is clear as day. “My mission is to serve the most vulnerable through a public health lens and strength-building, while educating our future generation of leaders,” he explains.

On Friday, April 13, the President’s Leadership Council (PLC) hosted the third session of its networking Breakfast Speaker Series. Ellen-Blair Chube, managing director and client service officer, investment banking at William Blair & Company, was the event's featured speaker.

On Wednesday, April 11, Loyola Academy hosted a networking social hour in New York City at Metropolis, an oyster room and cocktail bar located underground in Union Square.

Congratulations to Thomas Ahern '19, Grace Balestrery '18, Katherine Buchanan '20, Ryan Lynch '18 and Taylor Zipparro '19 who were selected from 700 entries from Chicago area high schools for the 2018 Juried Student Perspectives Show!

During the last week in March and corresponding with Holy Week, Loyola Academy students explored issues of racial injustice as the theme of Solidarity Week 2018. This year’s theme aligned with Loyola’s launch of “The Year of Just Mercy” and, through experiential learning, speakers and reflections, challenged Ramblers to engage in realistic experiences that put them in direct contact with the narrative and perspective of those pushed to the margins of society.

On Tuesday, March 20, Loyola Academy political science students participated in the Illinois primary elections. Over 100 students served as election judges across Chicago, in suburban Cook County and Lake County. Other Ramblers volunteered to work for various campaigns. In many ways, students had the opportunity to experience first hand what it is like to be involved in the electoral process.

On Tuesday, March 27, students, faculty and staff celebrated a special victory parade to honor the Loyola Gold Hockey Team—2018 State Champions!

The American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) has named Cathy Kendrigan the recipient of the 2018 Dorothy Ludwig Excellence in Teaching Award for the secondary level! The award "recognizes teachers who have demonstrated excellence and commitment in the teaching of the French language and French and Francophone cultures and literatures."

It was a great day to be a Rambler on Saturday, March 24, as the Loyola Gold Hockey Team ended a 22-year drought and won the 2018 State Championship!

Before Daniel J. Williams ’88 was managing director and ultra-high net worth private banker at Citi Private Bank in New York, he helped organize the first “Taste of Loyola,” wrote for The Prep and The Year and was a member of Insignis. He also volunteered at the Howard Area Community Center and Bethany Terrace Nursing Home, both on the far North Side of Chicago. “Loyola taught me to get involved in things both on campus and in the community, which paved the way for my varied interests 30 years later,” says Williams, who will celebrate his 30th reunion this fall.

On Sunday, March 4, the Loyola Academy Dance Company (LADC) performed in the Dance for Life's Next Generation benefit concert at Wheeling High School. Together, the dancers raised $1,117 for the Children's Place Association and Chicago Dancers United!

Matthew Brun ’18 has been selected as a candidate in the United States Presidential Scholars Program sponsored by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the U.S. Department of Education. Brun joins the ranks of 152 seniors from the state of Illinois to earn this honor.  

Loyola Academy’s AP Studio Art Show is an annual celebration of student work in the visual arts held at the Evanston Art Center (EAC). Many of the students exhibiting work in the show have been in art courses at Loyola for two to four years and come from the following disciplines: studio (drawing, painting), graphics, photography and architecture.

Congratulations to the boys' track team, which won the Chicago Catholic League (CCL) indoor championship!

Diversity Week, Loyola Academy’s annual celebration of culture, took place on February 26 to March 2. This year’s theme, “Through a Different Lens,” challenged Ramblers to talk about diversity specifically in film.

Congratulations to the girls' track team, which captured the Girls' Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC) championship over the weekend!

Congratulation to the girls' varsity water polo team, which won the 5th annual Windy City Water Polo Classic!

Loyola Academy's Department of Performing Arts and Thespian Troupe 4729 performed the musical “Little Women”on March 8–11. Loved by many all over the world, “Little Women” is a timeless coming of age tale.

In late February and early March, the Faith & Service Committee of Loyola Academy’s President’s Leadership Council (PLC) hosted two nights of service in partnership with Catholic Charities in Chicago.

Wednesday, March 14, marked the one-month anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. As an act of solidarity with the Parkland victims, their families, classmates and friends—and a unified call for change in the way our country addresses school safety, gun violence and adolescent mental health—approximately 1,000 Loyola Academy students participated in the National School Walkout.

The Varsity Boys' Water Polo team went 4-0 to win the Palatine Tournament on Saturday, March 10. The Ramblers defeated Mundelein and Palatine in the preliminaries and then defeated St. Ignatius and Curie in the championship round. 

On Monday, February 19, Loyola Academy students joined their peers from Christ the King, Cristo Rey and St. Ignatius College Prep high schools to participate in a special Jesuit Day of Service.

The first weekend in March, four Loyola Academy students traveled to Cleveland for the Ignatian Solidarity Network’s Arrupe Leaders Summit, which invites emerging student leaders and faculty chaperones from Jesuit high schools nationwide to deepen their understanding of “a faith that does justice,” to share ideas and resources for social justice programming and to become empowered to effect positive social change in their local and global communities.

On Sunday, February 25, twenty five Loyola Academy World Religion students visited the Buddhist Temple of Chicago in the Uptown neighborhood. The featured speaker at the temple’s service was Susan M. Pudelek, coordinator of interreligious relations in the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs.

Congratulations to the Gold hockey team for defeating St. Ignatius 5-1 in the State quarterfinals! 

On Friday, February 23, Loyola hosted International Night, an annual celebration of the unique cultures and traditions that enrich our Loyola community.

On Sunday, March 4, the varsity football team participated in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. In accordance with the time-honored tradition, Ramblers collected pledges from friends and family in exchange for jumping into the cold waters of Lake Michigan. 

The Ramblers played lights-out defense in the IHSA regional championship game vs Maine South on Friday, March 2. They limited the Hawks to only five field goals on their way to capturing a 48–29 victory.  Connor Barrett '19 led the way with 18 pts and Kevin Cunningham '18 added 12.  This is the second consecutive regional championship for the Ramblers. 

Loyola Gold defeated New Trier Green to win the Scholastic Hockey League (SHL) Championship for the first time in program history. 

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association has released it's all-state team and the list includes two Ramblers!

On Saturday, February 24, Loyola Academy Principal Dr. Kathryn M. Baal was honored at the annual Golden Apple Celebration of Excellence in Teaching and Leadership brunch along with other Golden Apple Award and Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award finalists. The event was hosted at the Rosemont Hilton Chicago O’Hare by the Golden Apple Board of Directors and Academy of Educators.

Loyola Academy’s Dumbach Scholars recently returned from New York City, where they had the unique opportunity to explore some of the city’s noted museums, art galleries, performances and more.  

On Tuesday, February 27, guest speakers Laith Kalifeh ’12, Valentina Manzoni and Zach Barne spoke to students about the importance of diversity in film. All three speakers are filmmakers at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Congratulations to Head Boys' Basketball Coach Tom Livatino, who was voted by his peers as the Tony Lawless Award Winner for Coach of the Year in the Chicago Catholic League! This marks the third time in six years that Coach Livatino has received this honor. 

Congratulations to Boys' Swimming and Diving—the team finished in 13th place at the IHSA State Finals over the weekend! Luke Maurer '20, Tommy Barr '18, Ben Dukes '19, Everet Andrew '20 and Alex O'Toole '18 were named all-state athletes. In addition, the 400 free relay team—of Maurer, Barr, Andrew and Dukes—placed 12th overall.

The artwork of ten Ramblers has been selected to be exhibited through the Wilmette Arts Guild at North Shore Community Bank, 1145 Wilmette Avenue, in Wilmette from February 1 to February 27.

The Varsity Girls' Basketball team won the IHSA Class 4A Sectional Semifinal, defeating Maine South 62–48, on Monday, February 19. Junior Julia Martinez led the Ramblers with 20 points. Senior Lilly Wehman collected 12 points, and junior Celia Satter finished the game with 15 points.  Before the match up with Maine South, Loyola won its second consecutive IHSA Regional Championship on Thursday, February 15, with a 47–31 win over Evanston.

On Sunday, February 11, Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, celebrated Mass at Old St. Patrick's Church in Chicago. Nearly two dozen alumni, students and parents were in attendance. Following Mass, attendees enjoyed coffee and donuts in the church rectory.

As a student at Loyola, Deerfield native Gavin S. Sullivan '13 spent four years on the cross country team, was elected class president during his senior year and balanced academics with service as the co-editor-in-chief of The Prep, the Academy’s student newspaper and oldest student organization. We caught up with Sullivan, who now works for a management consulting firm in Chicago, in this month’s alumni spotlight.

Jessie Foley (nee Morrison), author of The Carnival at Bray (2014) and Neighborhood Girls (2017) and Loyola Academy English teacher from 2005–2012, spoke to seniors in Creative Writing classes on Friday, February 2.

All eight of Loyola Academy’s National Merit semifinalists, named by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) in September, have advanced to finalist standing. The NMSC honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

On February 14, Loyola celebrated Ash Wednesday with an all school Mass in the West Gym. During the homily, Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, encouraged students to avoid hypocrisy and phoniness by embracing their true selves.

In January, World Religion students participated in an international video conference on the topic of “Global Citizenship,” an exercise intended to help students use structured dialogue to navigate differences in a peaceful way. Facilitated by Generation Global, an initiative of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change in London, the conference brought Loyola students face to face with students from Tecnológico de Monterrey–Campus Central de Veracruz in Mexico.

Golden Apple announced on February 8 that Principal of Loyola Academy in Wilmette Kathryn M. Baal, PhD, has been named one of seven 2018 Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award Finalists for her initiative, dedication, perseverance and innovation.

On Saturday, February 3, three individuals from the varsity girls' bowling team qualified to move on to the next round of the IHSA state series! Advancing to the IHSA State Sectionals are: Claudia Pensamiento '19—972 series; Asiana Olanda '18—957 series; and Caroline Paden '19—956 series.

On Wednesday, February 7, Loyola Academy Athletic Director Patrick Mahoney ’90 honored eight Rambler student-athletes at the winter National Letter of Intent Signing Day Ceremony. 

Gallery Over the Rainbow (OTR) in Evanston invited Loyola Academy teachers to participate in a special teacher and student art show in February. The opening reception will take place on Thursday, February 8, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. OTR is an organization that works to find independent and affordable housing for people with physical disabilities. A portion of each piece of artwork sold is donated to OTR’s Resident Service Program to increase the quality of life and independence of their residents.

On February 3, Loyola Academy's all-female a capella group, Nothin' But Treble (NBT), and Loyola's all-male a capella group, Acafellas, participated in the International Championship of High School A Capella (ICHSA). This global tournament highlights the art of student a cappella.  Both groups did a fantastic job showcasing their talents!

Congratulations to the varsity wrestling team on a great season! Quinn McCarthy '18 finished 2nd at regionals, and Sean Cloherty '18 finished 3rd. Both Quinn and Sean will be looking to advance to the state tournament as they compete at sectionals this upcoming Friday, February 9, at Barrington High School. Aidan McKeag '19 finished the season with 34 wins and is an alternate for sectionals. 

On Wednesday, January 31, the Faith and Service Committee of the President's Leadership Council (PLC) hosted, “Staying Grounded: The Ignatian Way,” a faith-based networking event for young alumni at Gibsons Italia in Chicago. A panel of individuals from the Jesuit and Loyola Academy communities discussed the challenges of being a young Catholic in today’s secular world while tackling common misconceptions about the Church.

On Saturday, January 27, the Loyola Academy girls’ bowling team took 3rd place out of twelve teams in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC) Championship. Coach Bruce Tres, who was named one of the top 100 bowling coaches in 2014, guided the girls throughout their successful season.

On Saturday, January 27, the Loyola Academy boys' lacrosse team and a number of parents volunteered at Feed My Starving Children in Libertyville. Founded in 1987, Feed My Starving Children is a Christian non-profit that provides nutritionally complete meals specifically formulated for malnourished children.

In January, eight hockey teams from Jesuit and Catholic high schools across the nation accepted an invitation from Loyola Academy’s varsity hockey program, Loyola Gold, and St. Ignatius College Prep to participate in the second annual Jesuit Cup Hockey Tournament.

In January, Loyola Academy hosted its second annual 12-hour dance marathon in the east gym. Nearly 200 students boogied the night away to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Summer Camp.  

Loyola Academy’s Leadership Development and Mentor program pairs young alumni mentors with current Loyola students to create a space for networking and mentorship within the Loyola community. On Tuesday, January 23, over 100 current students and alumni mentors enjoyed a delicious meal together at the program’s annual Dinner in the City event.

On Saturday, January 20, more than 450 Loyola parents, guardians, graduate parents, alumni and friends joined us for a groovy kickoff to the Ramble season at the 16th annual Ramble Rouser. 

Loyola's Ramblerettes dance team has qualified for State! The Illinois Dance sectionals were held at Mundelein High School on Saturday, January 20. The Ramblerettes were one of only six teams to qualify.

Congrats to the Varsity Wrestling team on a terrific showing at the Chicago Catholic League Championship hosted by Mt. Carmel High School on Friday, January 19, and Saturday, January 20! Notably, three Ramblers were named all-conference wrestlers: Sean Cloherty '18 (2nd), Aidan McKeag '19 (5th) and John Michael Kelly '19 (6th).

On Friday, January 19, the Ramblers defeated St. Ignatius 37–36 to retain the 2018 Jesuit Cup.

On Wednesday, January 10, Chicago artist, poet, educator and activist Kevin Coval visited Loyola Academy art classes and offered students a unique performance-based presentation and workshop.

In September, Nicole M. Homerin ’09 accepted a position as an assistant preschool teacher at The Campus School at Boston College. In conjunction with the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, The Campus School serves children ages 3–22 with multiple disabilities.

The Loyola Dance Team hosted the 2nd annual Catholic League Dance Championship on Sunday, January 14. Both Varsity and JV took first place, making them conference champs for the second year in a row!

Congratulations to Matthew J. Fallon ’13, who was named Director of Baseball Operations at Xavier University!

On Friday, December 22, the boys’ varsity basketball team defeated Brother Rice 58–42 at home during a special celebration of LA Alumni Night. But the win and welcoming back alumni were not the only successes of the night—the game also increased awareness for stage four breast cancer and raised over $6,000 for the METAvivor Foundation.

On Thursday, November 30, Loyola Academy welcomed Mr. Bryan Stevenson, a noted lawyer, social activist and the New York Times bestselling author of Loyola’s first-ever all-school read Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption. Stevenson spoke to students during an all-school assembly in the afternoon and to parents, alumni and community members in the evening.

The boys’ varsity basketball team won the Gulfshore Holiday Hoopfest, held in Naples, Florida, for the second year in a row! Throughout the four day tournament, Loyola Academy fans represented the largest fan base despite being the team farthest from home. Among Loyola’s dedicated fans was Principal Kathryn M. Baal, PhD.