Welcome Back, Ramblers!

Freshman Orientation—Sunday, August 17 to Tuesday, August 19
Loyola welcomed the Class of 2029 with an immersive two-and-a-half-day orientation that began with a Mass and programming on Sunday, August 17. Mass, led by Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, provided new Rambler families the opportunity to gather together in prayer before the start of their Rambler journeys. After Mass, freshmen broke off into classrooms to begin their first orientation session where they received their iPad and training. Meanwhile, school leadership, including Loyola Academy Principal Tim Devine '88, addressed parents and set the tone for the next four years, reflecting on Loyola’s mission to form each student into a woman or man for others. Freshman families ended the night mixing and mingling in the Pasquesi Piazza, during which they had the opportunity to tour the newly renovated spaces around the school.

On Monday, freshmen returned to campus for a second day of orientation activities, which included a Welcome Assembly and sessions on learning annotation techniques for class, praying the Daily Examen, and more. The day offered students the chance to get to know Loyola and their new classmates better while learning more about the life and legacy of St. Ignatius, the school’s RIPLOC values, and what it means to be a part of the Rambler tradition.

On their last day of orientation, freshmen followed a mini schedule to meet their teachers and become acquainted with the campus layout. Throughout the day, upperclassmen student leaders gave freshmen tips on how to prepare for class each day and encouraged new Ramblers to get involved at Loyola through cocurriculars. The afternoon brought a friendly dose of competition and built camaraderie as freshmen competed in a Rambler cheer-off in the East Gym. They finished the day with field games, including tug of war, steal the bacon, and more on Hoerster Field.

All School Orientation—Tuesday, August 18
Upperclassmen were welcomed for their orientation on Wednesday, August 20. In addition to walking through an abbreviated class schedule, returning sophomores, juniors, and seniors attended an assembly, where school leaders welcomed them and discussed the meaning of RIPLOC, sharing ways students can embody these values throughout their time at Loyola.

Mass of the Holy Spirit—Friday, August 22
The Loyola Academy community celebrated its annual Mass of the Holy Spirit on Friday, August 22. The Mass 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 and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in living out our mission to be women and men for others in the upcoming year.

The incoming Class of 2029 processed into the West Gym, accompanied by enthusiastic applause from the upperclassmen during the "Freshmen Clap-In." Fr. Greg presided over the Mass and, in his homily, encouraged each class to embrace their formation into women and men for others, who choose to act justly even when it's difficult. Foremost, he challenged students to stay open to important Ignatian teachings, especially those rooted in service and community. He told students to seize the opportunity to serve others through any number of programs offered by Loyola, including the Arrupe Service Program, Summer Service Program, and Ignatian Service Learning Program.

Fr. Greg was joined by concelebrants, Campus Ministers Rev. Arkadiusz Ciemiega, SJ, and Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ, as well as Board of Trustees members Rev. Peter Breslin, SJ, and Rev. Charlie Rodrigues, SJ.