News Archives

Members of the Class of 1972 celebrated a special class gathering in early June. The gathering was a great opportunity for these Ramblers to reconnect with their classmates, especially for those who couldn’t make it to the class's 50th reunion in 2022.

In early June, winners of this year's LA Tank competition embarked on a whirlwind 36-hour power internship in New York City. During their roughly two-day stay, students toured several companies and shadowed alumni to explore different career possibilities. The trip also gave students a glimpse into the expansive Rambler alumni network.

In April, sixteen Ramblers presented capstone projects at the Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB) 3rd annual Grant Awards Ceremony & Commencement.

Over Spring Break, 28 Ramblers and three teachers traveled to France, with a one-day stop in Loyola, Spain, to visit Saint Ignatius of Loyola's family home and the sanctuary dedicated to the saint.

The Principal's Office and Student Activities recently hosted a variety of special events to celebrate our 2025 graduating Ramblers. The senior class enjoyed every moment of these final opportunities together as they prepared to embrace their new status as Loyola Academy alumni.

On Tuesday, May 13, Loyola Academy hosted its annual Bowman Scholars End-of-Year Celebration, honoring the resilience and achievements of first-generation to college students. Rooted in the spirit of Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA, the event brought together students,and faculty and staff for an afternoon of gratitude and reflection.

On Thursday, May 15, Loyola Academy hosted its annual Honors Convocation, a cherished tradition that celebrates academic achievement, cocurricular leadership, artistic distinction, and service rooted in Jesuit values.

Held in the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center, the evening featured remarks from Loyola President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, and Principal Tim Devine '88. Awards were presented to students across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including English, math, science, world languages, fine arts, service and leadership, and national merit recognitions.

Loyola Academy's Spring Orchestra Concert took place on Monday, May 5. It featured our symphony orchestra, beginning guitar, guitar ensemble, and combined orchestras playing contemporary hits from Kenny Loggins, Duke Ellington, and Chappell Roan.

On a beautiful evening in May, Rambler moms and guardians enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and camaraderie as they soaked in gorgeous golden hour views at Sunset Ridge Country Club during the annual Rambler Parent Organization's (RPO) Mothers Connect & Celebrate Reception. This annual event gives mothers and female guardians of Loyola students an opportunity to re-engage and welcome mothers of incoming students to the Loyola Academy community.

With joyful hearts full of hope and gratitude, we join the universal Church in prayer for our newly elected Holy Father, Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, who has chosen the pontifical name of Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born pope in the history of the Catholic Church, making this a moment of profound significance for the faithful in the United States and around the world.

Loyola Academy's annual Love in Action Symposium, held from April 29 to May 2, once again brought the Ignatian call to faith, justice, and service to life across campus. Sponsored by the Department of Ignatian Service Learning and Engagement, the symposium offered students, faculty, and staff a rich, multi-day exploration of how to place love into action through works of justice and accompaniment, echoing the vision of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the leadership of Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ.

On Tuesday, April 22, Loyola Academy held its annual Language Honor Societies Induction Ceremony, celebrating the academic achievements and global citizenship of 149 students across five language disciplines. Students were formally inducted into the Chinese National Honor Society, the Société Honoraire de Français (French National Honor Society), the Latin Honor Society, the Greek Honor Society, and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Spanish Honor Society).

Loyola Academy is proud to announce that John (Jack) Ehlert '25 has been selected as a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winner through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), a distinguished academic honor awarded to only 2,500 students nationwide.

Loyola Academy's Spring Choir Concert partnered with St. Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Chicago to present their annual spring concert. The program culminated in a performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Mass in C Major, commonly known as the Coronation Mass.

The Loyola Academy Band performed their final concert of the school year in the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, April 29. The concert featured all of Loyola's ensembles, including Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Beginning Instrumental students. The program included contemporary works and classic works from composers including Frank Tichelli, Davis Maslanka, Scott Fairdosi, and more. Notably, Rambler musicians were joined on stage by guest vocalist Crofton Coleman for a spectacular performance of Feelin' Good.

Loyola's annual Earth Day Fair, hosted by Student Council, brought the East Gym to life on Wednesday, April 23. This year's event invited Ramblers to explore fresh ideas and creative solutions to today's environmental challenges. Students, faculty, and staff enjoyed hands-on projects, entertaining skits by classmates, and a variety of interactive exhibits.

On Friday, April 25, 65 AP Art History students in the Dumbach Scholars Honors Program traveled downtown to view collections at Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) and the Art Institute of Chicago. This field trip allowed students to experience some of the iconic works of art they have been studying in class firsthand and apply the analytical skills they have developed. The trip also served as a review opportunity for students ahead of their AP test.

In April, the LA Tank program wrapped its tenth year by awarding students an opportunity to collaborate and present their ideas to a panel of Loyola community entrepreneurs. The program is structured to enable teams of students to solve an existing problem with a new product or idea. This year's theme, Keep it Simple, challenged Ramblers to pare down their inventions to fulfill basic needs.

Congratulations to Loyola Academy senior and Thespian Society Board Member Tommy Grant, who has been named a nominee for the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Award (IHSMTA) for Best Performer in an Actor Role! Sponsored by Broadway in Chicago and NBC, this prestigious honor recognizes Tommy’s outstanding portrayal of Cornelius in Loyola’s spring musical, Hello, Dolly!

On Friday, April 25, Loyola Academy students presented the Spring Dance Showcase titled A Night at the Movies. This year, students in Honors Dance choreographed dances to their favorite songs from movies. From feel-good Disney tunes to chilling horror themes, this showcase allowed the audience members to escape reality and enjoy a cinematic night at the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center. Performances featured Ramblers in Honors Dance, Dance 2, and Orchesis Dance Company, along with cast members from Hello, Dolly!, Loyola's spring musical production. Click here for the full concert program.

In April, Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, traveled to Palm Desert, California, to connect with Rambler alumni, parents, and friends. Mary and Bob Pasquesi '62 graciously hosted a Mass and dinner at their home in Indian Wells for more than 30 members of the Loyola community, along with guests from Xavier College Prep High School.

Loyola Academy joins the global Church in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope, who entered eternal life on Monday of the Octave of Easter. A man of deep humility and unwavering faith, Pope Francis brought the heart of Ignatian spirituality to the papacy, serving the world with compassion, courage, and conviction.

On Saturday, April 12, thirteen individuals and five teams were inducted into Loyola Academy's Athletic Hall of Fame. In addition, two special awards were presented to honor the support and commitment of individuals to Loyola Athletics. Director of Advancement Marty Jennings '98 served as the evening's emcee. Family and friends of the inductees gathered for the celebration in the East Gym to celebrate this year's honorees and their contributions to Loyola athletics. Family members, former teammates, friends, and coaches reflected on the athletic career of each honoree as they were introduced throughout the program.

On Sunday, April 13, nearly 300 Rambler parents, guardians, and students participated in the annual Family Mass & Morning of Service, sponsored by the Rambler Parent Organization (RPO). The Family Mass & Morning of Service has been a Loyola tradition since 2013 and is one of the many ways the Loyola community heeds the call to be women and men for others.

On April 7–11, Ramblers celebrated a festive Spring Spirit Week leading up to the spring pep rally to honor spring sports. Each day, students had the opportunity to dress down in fun themes like "Pajama Day" on Monday, "Groutfit" on Tuesday, "Twin Day" on Wednesday, "Souvenir Shirt Day" on Thursday, and "White Out" on Friday. A paper airplane contest, trivia, musical chairs, and a knockout tournament were just some of the activities planned by Student Council to hype students up throughout the week. To cap off the week, Kona Ice trucks pulled up on Friday during flex to surprise the students.

Loyola Academy Department of Performing Arts and Thespian Troupe 4729 performed the musical Hello, Dolly! to a delighted audience on April 11–13. Set in the 1890s, Hello, Dolly! follows the spirited and resourceful matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi as she embarks on her most ambitious undertaking yet: securing a suitable wife for the wealthy and cantankerous Horace Vandergelder—while secretly planning to marry him herself. As Dolly makes her way from Yonkers to New York City, she leaves a trail of romantic mischief in her wake, influencing the lives of Horace’s clerks, a hopeful milliner, her assistant, and a pair of young sweethearts. Filled with charm, wit, and vibrant musical numbers, Hello, Dolly! is a heartwarming celebration of love, second chances, and the transformational power of one remarkable woman.

On Thursday, April 3, eighty Ramblers in Architecture and Architecture Club were hosted by the Masonry Advisory Council (MAC) at the District Council Training Center in Addison. The field trip was organized by Architecture Teacher Mr. Carson Shearon; eight chaperones, including Loyola Academy President Rev. Greg Ostdiek, SJ, helped moderate the field trip.

Over spring break, twelve Loyola Academy students traveled to Spain as part of Loyola's Global Studies Program. The group spent the week in Sevilla immersed in Spanish language and culture, taking Spanish classes at Centro MundoLengua, a language school based in the city. Students visited historic sites such as the Cathedral of Sevilla, the Alcázar, and the Plaza de España. They also participated in cultural activities like paella making, flamenco lessons, olive oil tasting, tile painting, and learning about the history of ceramics in Sevilla. The group traveled to Córdoba to visit the famous Mezquita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Last month, Loyola University's School of Communications Associate Dean John Slania invited Loyola Academy journalism students to their Water Tower campus to experience firsthand the roles and experiences of professional journalists. With microphones and cameras in hand, some of our students learned what it was like to be a reporter by interviewing Chicago locals and visitors on the street about their St. Patrick's Day plans.

The varsity boys' track team placed 2nd at the Chicago Catholic League (CCL) Indoor Championship.

On Saturday, March 15, members of the Loyola Academy community celebrated Ramble 2025: May God Hold You. Thanks to the generosity of Loyola parents, alumni, and friends supporting our Tuition Assistance Program! Your support makes a difference in the lives of many of our students, and we thank you.

On Monday, March 10, Loyola Academy's College Counseling Department hosted its annual College Fair for students and parents to begin the college exploration process. With over 160 colleges and universities and over 600 Ramblers in attendance, Loyola's College Fair remains one of the largest private high school college fairs in the state of Illinois. Entrance to the fair was staggered to allow juniors and their parents to enter first, optimizing their time, followed by sophomores and their parents slightly later.

On March 10, seven Loyola Academy faculty and staff members were recognized by the Illinois Directors of Student Activities (IDSA) for their outstanding dedication as club moderators.

• Armida Dabu LdM '94 and Dr. Ursula Soni received the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Recognition award.
• Brandon Ceplecha and Dan Peterson '79 were honored with the New Student Activity Advisor Recognition award.
• Colleen Aufderheide LdM '85, Denise Kreb, and Liz Riggs received the Student Activity Advisor Recognition award.

Each quarter, the Physical Education Department recognizes students as "Ramblers of the Quarter" for their hard work and effort in PE. These students are selected based on four important criteria: excellent performance, unusual service for others, special accomplishment, and significant improvement. Please join us in congratulating the following students who earned this PE distinction for the third quarter: Audrey Fitzgerald '28, Trent Morehead '28, Nora David '27, Rosalie Robertson '27,  Luke Alvarez '27, and Thurman Stratton '27.

The varsity girls' basketball team fell to the Fremd High School Vikings 80-74. The Ramblers will compete for third place against the Alton High School Redbirds tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at Illinois State University's CEFCU Arena in Normal, Illinois. Tickets are $13 and are available online here. Limited tickets will be sold at the door. Below is more information you need to know before you go.

On Wednesday, March 5, Loyola celebrated Ash Wednesday with an all school Mass in the West Gym. During his homily, Campus Minister Rev. Arek Ciemiega, SJ, encouraged Ramblers to take time during the Lenten season to slow down and reflect on ways to open their hearts, live authentically, and embrace community through service.

On Friday, February 28, Loyola hosted International Night, an annual celebration of the unique cultures and traditions that enrich our Loyola community. Guests at this year's International Night, or I-Night, enjoyed an array of performances from a number of Loyola's heritage clubs including:

Congratulations to the Boys' Basketball team on winning the IHSA Regional Championship.

Harlee Hiller '25 competed in her 4th state wrestling tournament this past weekend.

The varsity girls' basketball team defeated Huntley High School 57–33 on Monday, March 3, and will take on the Fremd High School Vikings in the semi-finals on Friday, March 7, at 1:15 p.m. at Illinois State University's CEFCU Arena in Normal, Illinois. Tickets are $11 and are available online here. Limited tickets will be sold at the door. Below is more information you need to know before you go.

Loyola Academy's AP Studio Art & Design Exhibition, now in its fourteenth year, 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. The opportunity to present in a professional gallery is a unique and valuable experience for students and takes their artwork to a larger local audience.

Congrats to Kai Calcutt '26 and Niko Odiotti '28 on finishing as state runner-ups at the IHSA State Wrestling Tournament.

On Thursday, February 20, Loyola Academy alumni artists and members of our community gathered for an exciting opening of the second annual Alumni Visual Arts Exhibition, which will run through Thursday, March 20, in the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center. This exhibition celebrates the exceptional accomplishments of thirteen alumni artists who submitted their work during an open call period at the beginning of 2025.

When we welcomed our first coeducational class of Ramblers in the fall of 1994, we knew this historic milestone would bring many blessings that would enhance the Rambler experience for every student—whether it be on the athletic field, in the classroom, or on the stage.

What we didn't anticipate—the number of Rambler romances that would blossom as a result of this expansion. Perhaps it wasn't at the top of the list for Evan Hoobchaak '99 and Liz (Moeykens) Hoobchaak '99 when they began freshman year, either. But almost 18 years of marriage, two beautiful children, and an adorable mini-dachshund later, here we are. Their Rambler romance is a testament to the lasting connections and sense of community that make Loyola Academy so special.

On Wednesday, February 12, members of the LA Bar Association (LA Bar) gathered to honor Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford LdM '78 and Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke, who also attended Marillac until her family moved midway through her junior year. Both shared insights on how Marillac shaped them and inspired their commitment to serving others in their legal careers.

On Friday, January 24, Loyola Academy's Loyola Lounge buzzed with excitement as former and current members of the Loyola Academy Ramblerettes gathered to celebrate 30 years of excellence in dance. Approximately 40 alumnae and some of their future Ramblerettes, including graduates from Marillac High School and members of the very first Loyola Academy Poms squad, enjoyed an evening filled with nostalgia and camaraderie.

Over Presidents' Day weekend, Dumbach Scholars explored the best of the Big Apple. The long weekend was packed with art, culture, and stunning views as students visited the city's iconic landmarks. From Strawberry Fields in Central Park to world-renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim, and the Museum of Modern Art, where they encountered masterpieces first-hand. They also enjoyed Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, visited Hudson Yards, toured the powerful 9/11 Museum, and so much more. They capped off their Big Apple adventures with a trip to Broadway to see Hell's Kitchen.

Mom Prom returned after alternating with D4: Dinner Dance for Dads and Daughters last year. A sell-out crowd of 420 moms and their sons packed into Pinstripes Northbrook for a fun-filled evening.

On Wednesday, February 5, 16 Loyola Academy student-athletes signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play their respective sports at the collegiate level. Congratulations to the following students and their parents!

The Girls' Varsity Bowling team competed in the IHSA State Regional tournament at Poplar Creek Lanes in Hoffman Estates over the weekend. The team finished in 6th place, falling short of advancing to the next round of the State playoffs.

Ramblers in Loyola's Orchesis Dance Company lit up the stage on Friday, February 7, and Saturday, February 8, during a spectacular performance in the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center. This annual performance celebrated the talent and hard work of our dancers, featuring student-choreographed routines in contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop.

Over the weekend, the Boys' Varsity Wrestling team competed at the IHSA Regional tournament at Glenbrook South High School. The team took 3rd place in the team standings.

Over the weekend, Loyola Academy's Varsity Cheerleading team performed at IHSA Sectionals against some of the best teams in the state of Illinois.

Loyola Academy is proud to recognize the following seniors that were awarded academic honors from the College Board's National Recognition Programs: Gianna Bermudez, Sofia Chen, Gabrielle Diaz, Himroad Giorgis, Luke Marqueda Majeske, and Naima Prusaitis. 

On Tuesday, January 28, more than 30 Ramblers from the D.C. area, representing the Classes of 1968 through 2021, gathered for an evening of networking and fellowship. We are so grateful to everyone who joined us—this event was a wonderful reminder of the strong bonds and unique camaraderie that define our Rambler community.

Congratulations to the 2024-25 Loyola Academy Ramblerettes, who have qualified for the IHSA Competitive Dance State Final for the eleventh consecutive year! The Ramblerettes placed in the top six at sectionals to advance to the state competition and will perform in Bloomington, Illinois, on Friday, January 31, at 5:38 p.m. Their routine can be streamed on NFHS Network with a subscription.

Congratulations to three members of the Wrestling team for their recent awards.

Loyola Boys Bowling team won the IHSA Regional on Saturday, January 18.

Congratulations to both our JV and Varsity Cheer teams for placing 2nd at the Chicago Catholic League Conference Competition on Sunday, January 19! 

On Sunday, January 19, the Loyola Academy Ramblerettes and Cheerleading programs hosted the 9th annual Catholic League Cheer & Dance Championship. Additionally, the Varsity Ramblerettes are State Bound!

Our school community gathered on Monday, January 13, for a special assembly to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The assembly examined Dr. King's six principles for nonviolence and how they can be used to achieve The Beloved Community.