Celebrating the Inaugural Year of the Doña Marina Society

5/14/2026

The Doña Marina Society took root as a meaningful new expression of faith, fellowship, and connection at Loyola Academy. Established in 2025 and named in honor of Doña Marina, the mother of St. Ignatius, the society brings together women from across the Loyola family—including mothers of current students and graduates, Loyola Academy and St. Louise de Marillac alumnae, grandmothers, aunts, faculty, staff, and friends—to gather in prayer, reflection and shared Ignatian tradition.

Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, members gathered for four special events anchored in faith and fellowship, each designed to foster prayer, reflection, community, and a deeper connection to Loyola’s mission.

Vigil in Anticipation of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—The Doña Marina Society began its inaugural year in August with a prayerful evening in the Chapel, inviting members to reflect on Mary’s example of faith and openness to God’s call.

Autumn Amble—In October, members gathered for Mass, followed by a fall walk on the Amato Track, offering time for conversation, community, and connection during a beautiful season on campus.

Winter Wisdom Speaker Series—In February, members heard from Alice Kearney Alwin ’98 P’28, Vice President of Mission, Ministry and Identity, who offered a biographical portrait of the historical, cultural, and spiritual context that formed Doña Marina to be an important spiritual influence in the life of our patron, St. Ignatius.

Tulip Tea—The year concluded in April with Mass in the Chapel, followed by tea and refreshments, bringing members together for a warm spring gathering of faith, friendship, and gratitude.

Through annual membership dues, the Doña Marina Society supported its own programming as well as Loyola Academy’s Campus Ministry and service programs, strengthening the spiritual life of the school and advancing Loyola’s mission of forming women and men for others.

As we reflect on this first year, we are grateful for the women who helped launch and sustain this special community, including the members of the Doña Marina Society Steering Committee, whose leadership and vision helped bring the society to life. Their commitment created a welcoming space for prayer, friendship, and shared purpose, and laid a strong foundation for the years ahead.

The Doña Marina Society Steering Committee:

Alice Kearney Alwin ’98, P’28
Caroline M. “CJ” Jaros ’16
Diana E. Larson ’02
Amy M. McArthur ’06
Kathleen Murphy P’94, ’97, ’00, GP’26, ’28
Rowena “Ro” Parma LdM ’85, P’17, ’18
Susan Poulos P’26
Maryla Trehan P’25
Shelby Walchuk ’05

Coming Next Year
As the Doña Marina Society looks ahead to its second year, members can look forward to new opportunities for prayer, fellowship, and connection, including the launch of a Doña Marina Society book club and a women’s half-day retreat in January 2027.

Become a Member
Join us as the Doña Marina Society continues to grow in its second year. Annual membership is $75 and offers opportunities to gather in prayer, reflection, and fellowship with women across the Loyola Academy community. Membership dues support Doña Marina Society programming as well as Loyola Academy’s Campus Ministry and service programs. Click here to become a member today.

Questions?
Please contact Shelby Walchuk ’05, Director of Annual Giving, at 847-920-2436.

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