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Answering the Call: Ramble 2026 Supports Students Through Generosity
On Saturday, March 21, nearly 500 members of the Loyola Academy community gathered in the West Gym to celebrate Ramble 2026: Called To Do More. Loyola parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends came together in a powerful expression of generosity in support of the Tuition Assistance Program, opening doors of opportunity for students across our community.
The evening began with Mass in the Chapel, grounding the celebration in gratitude and shared purpose. Guests then moved to the West Gym for a cocktail reception and silent auction before gathering for the evening program, which featured a seated dinner, live auction, and opportunities to support tuition assistance, along with the announcement of this year’s raffle winners, followed by dancing and live music from Maggie Speaks.
A defining moment of the evening came as we highlighted the story of Rambler alumna Carla Flores '21, whose story brought the mission of Loyola Academy to life in a powerful and personal way. The daughter of Mexican immigrants and one of nine children, Carla embraced every opportunity during her time at Loyola, serving through the Arrupe Program, tutoring children of refugees, and growing as a leader for others. With the support of faculty, counselors, and a community that believed in her, she earned a full-tuition Posse Scholarship to Cornell University.
Reflecting on her experience, Carla shared, "Loyola was a big turning point in my life. It opened a world of opportunities for me." Although she was unable to join us in person, as she was on a pilgrimage to Poland, a meaningful extension of the faith and formation she began at Loyola, her story served as a powerful reminder of the impact of access and the transformative power of a Loyola education. Her witness inspired our community to respond with generosity, ensuring more students can experience the same opportunities.
There is still time to make an impact. Gifts to the Ramble Guardian Angel Fund continue to support tuition, textbooks, iPads, uniforms, and more. Every contribution, of any size, helps change a student’s life.
During the evening program, emcee Bryant McCray '12 was joined on stage by our mascot, Rowdy, to announce the Ramble 2026 Raffle winners. Congratulations to our 2026 Car Raffle winner, Julie Stumm P ’29, who received a lease for a brand-new 2026 Hyundai Tucson SEL AWD, generously donated by Patrick Auto Group, along with a coveted student parking spot at Lake and Laramie. We also congratulate our bonus parking spot raffle winner, Rick Lynch '64, whose the grandparent of two current Ramblers.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Ramble 2026 Co-chairs:
Cathleen and Jay Dettling P ’20, ’21, ’24, ’27
Kate and Michael Ericson P ’27, ’28
Carrie and Brian Tracy ’95, P ’28
We are especially grateful to our generous sponsors, whose partnership and commitment helped make this evening possible and amplified its impact in support of our students.
A special thank you to our outstanding emcee Bryant McCray ’12, our auctioneer Jason Lamoreaux, our student a cappella group Nothing But Treble, and the many volunteers, faculty, and staff whose dedication made the evening so memorable. Your commitment to Loyola’s mission continues to form women and men for others.
Mark your calendars for Ramble 2027 on Saturday, March 20—we look forward to gathering again for an unforgettable evening of celebration, community, and impact.
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A defining moment of the evening came as we highlighted the story of Rambler alumna Carla Flores '21, whose story brought the mission of Loyola Academy to life in a powerful and personal way. The daughter of Mexican immigrants and one of nine children, Carla embraced every opportunity during her time at Loyola, serving through the Arrupe Program, tutoring children of refugees, and growing as a leader for others. With the support of faculty, counselors, and a community that believed in her, she earned a full-tuition Posse Scholarship to Cornell University.
Reflecting on her experience, Carla shared, "Loyola was a big turning point in my life. It opened a world of opportunities for me." Although she was unable to join us in person, as she was on a pilgrimage to Poland, a meaningful extension of the faith and formation she began at Loyola, her story served as a powerful reminder of the impact of access and the transformative power of a Loyola education. Her witness inspired our community to respond with generosity, ensuring more students can experience the same opportunities.
There is still time to make an impact. Gifts to the Ramble Guardian Angel Fund continue to support tuition, textbooks, iPads, uniforms, and more. Every contribution, of any size, helps change a student’s life.
During the evening program, emcee Bryant McCray '12 was joined on stage by our mascot, Rowdy, to announce the Ramble 2026 Raffle winners. Congratulations to our 2026 Car Raffle winner, Julie Stumm P ’29, who received a lease for a brand-new 2026 Hyundai Tucson SEL AWD, generously donated by Patrick Auto Group, along with a coveted student parking spot at Lake and Laramie. We also congratulate our bonus parking spot raffle winner, Rick Lynch '64, whose the grandparent of two current Ramblers.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Ramble 2026 Co-chairs:
Cathleen and Jay Dettling P ’20, ’21, ’24, ’27
Kate and Michael Ericson P ’27, ’28
Carrie and Brian Tracy ’95, P ’28
We are especially grateful to our generous sponsors, whose partnership and commitment helped make this evening possible and amplified its impact in support of our students.
A special thank you to our outstanding emcee Bryant McCray ’12, our auctioneer Jason Lamoreaux, our student a cappella group Nothing But Treble, and the many volunteers, faculty, and staff whose dedication made the evening so memorable. Your commitment to Loyola’s mission continues to form women and men for others.
Mark your calendars for Ramble 2027 on Saturday, March 20—we look forward to gathering again for an unforgettable evening of celebration, community, and impact.
Loyola Academy
1100 Laramie Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091-1089 | 847-256-1100
Loyola Academy admits students of any race, color and national origin or ethnic origin.
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