Love in Action Symposium Inspires Loyola Academy Community

There are two primary components to the Symposium—often occurring simultaneously. First, guest speakers addressed students in the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center, sharing their experiences and insights on urgent societal issues and social justice concerns. At the same time, students in Ignatian Service Learning courses—including English, Social Studies, Language, Theology, and Science—presented their final projects, offering a vibrant showcase of their research, learning and commitment to service and justice.

Over the course of four days, the Loyola community engaged with nearly 40 guest speakers, 14 student-led presentations, and more than 130 Theology class sessions—all aimed at nurturing the formation of women and men for and with others. The diverse array of speakers included artists, legal advocates, nonprofit leaders, community organizers, and many Loyola alumni who are making a profound difference in their respective fields. Discussions ranged from environmental advocacy and immigration reform to restorative justice and healthcare equity, reflecting the wide range of urgent social issues our students are called to understand and address.

This year’s theme, Walking with the Excluded, emphasized the practical and prophetic dimensions of justice work. Guest speakers shared firsthand accounts of how empathy and solidarity are essential to service and community transformation. A number of community partners from the Arrupe Service Program took part, underscoring Loyola’s enduring relationships with organizations that serve the marginalized.

Student presentations formed a key part of the symposium, highlighting the voices and leadership of Ramblers across Ignatian Service Learning classes as well as student social justice groups, including the Kino Border Initiative, Pax Christi, Hope Squad, DICE, SAVE, Young Women of Color, The Ignatian Family Teach-In, and students volunteering in the LA Service Team (LAST). Students shared original research, participated in panels, and led discussions on topics including sustainability, mental health, and economic injustice. Creative expression also played a central role—students conveyed messages of justice and compassion through visual art, poetry, and multimedia installations, demonstrating how faith and imagination can converge to spark meaningful change.

As the symposium concluded, one message rang clear: love in action is not a one-week event—it is a lifelong vocation. Inspired by the witness of so many faith-filled leaders, the Loyola community departed with hearts stirred and minds challenged, ready to build a more just and loving world for all.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam — for the greater glory of God.

Symposium Organizations and Speakers Included:

• Matt Bodett (Madness—Through the Cultural Lens of Visual Art & Poetry)
• The Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County: Jalisa Holifeld
• Catholic Charities: John DeCostanza, Jr
• Connections for the Homeless: Eli Cooper-Nelson and Ashli Wade
• Ignatian Spirituality Project: Claire DesHotels and Queen Brown
• Kino Border Initiative: Sr. Tracey Horan
• Loyola University Genesis Academy: Vida Opoku
• Mahpiya Luta - Red Cloud School: Rev. David Mastrangelo, SJ
• Marquette University, McNeely Prison Education Program: Alex Gambacorta ‘14, Theresa Tobin, Darren Wheelock
• Maryville Academy: Sr. Cathy Ryan, OSF and Dee Stanton
• Misericordia: Geana Connelly, MA, LCPC
• National Youth Advocate Program: Mirka Gallo
• Northfield Community Pantry: Alida Nally
• North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic: Michelle Knipmeyer and Jacie Wolfe
• Refugee Community Connection–Northern Suburbs: Jessical Kueck
• Sarah’s Circle: Kathleen Molnar, LCSW
• Special Gifts Theatre: Elise Larsen
• St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen and Pantry: Dennis Donelon, Charles Edobor, and Michael Thumel