News & Stories : Loyola University Chicago

At its May 9 commencement, Loyola will award an honorary Doctor of Laws to Hon. Fay Hartog-Levin (JD ’75).

Loyola University Chicago to confer honorary doctorate on Fay Hartog-Levin

During its School of Law commencement ceremony on May 9, Loyola University Chicago will confer the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, on the Honorable Fay Hartog-Levin (JD ’75) in recognition of her enduring commitment to justice, ethical leadership, and the common good throughout her career in law, public service, diplomacy, and civic leadership.

Alumni, Abena Boamah-Acheampong (MEd ’18), posing in front of her alumni-owned business.

7 Tips for Building a Mission-Driven Brand

When Abena Boamah-Acheampong (MEd ’18) was a child, her mother would heat raw shea butter and cloves in a pan for the family to use as a moisturizer or to treat minor cuts and scrapes. It was a custom her parents, who grew up in Kumasi, Ghana, before immigrating to England, and later the U.S., learned in their native country.

Sister Jean being interviewed during the Final Four run in 2018.

The Sister Jean bounce: An oral history of the Ramblers’ 2018 March Madness run

The following is an account of the Ramblers’ NCAA Tournament run that catapulted Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, to a national—and international (as she liked to remind people)—stage, from the people who were there.

Incoming students walk through the Cudahy Library doors to celebrate the start of the academic year.

2025 at Loyola: Celebrating achievement, honoring legacy, building the future

As 2025 draws to a close, Loyola University Chicago looks back on the milestones, achievements, and community spirit that made the year remarkable.

Jay and LaJune Yancy outside of a building they have converted to affordable housing.

Meet the Loyola power couple making housing more affordable

Walking briskly through the courtyard of his company’s latest acquisition, a 31-unit yellow-brick midrise in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, Jay Yancy (BS ’84) was not shy about sharing the challenges of converting distressed properties into affordable housing.

After the Tree Lighting Celebration on St Ignatius Plaza, Loyola students sang carols.

Making spirits bright

Snowflakes swirled through the night air as members of the Loyola University Chicago community gathered at St. Ignatius Community Plaza on Sunday, November 9, for the University’s tree and campus lighting celebration.

Sister Jean smiles as she sits in a wheelchair with Loyola University Chicago men's basketball players circled around her

Remembering Sister Jean, a Loyola legend on campus and on the sidelines

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, a beloved icon of Loyola University Chicago for more than six decades, passed away on October 9, 2025, at the age of 106. Celebrated worldwide for her infectious smile, quick wit, and basketball acumen, Sister Jean—as she was affectionately known to friends far and wide—was universally adored and touched the lives of countless people throughout her lengthy tenure at Loyola and her incredible life.

A smiling woman wearing a Loyola University Chicago scarf poses in a wheelchair

A Loyola Icon with an Enduring Legacy, Sister Jean Dies at 106

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, a beloved member of the Loyola University Chicago community and iconic chaplain to the Loyola men’s basketball team, died on October 9, 2025, at the age of 106.

Gift to Advance Polish Diaspora Studies

Loyola University Chicago is thrilled to announce a $1 million gift from Dr. Jack and Mrs. Monica Pinkowski and The Poles in American Foundation to support the creation of the Center for the Study of the Polish Diaspora in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Student walk past the Arrupe College building on the Water Tower Campus.

Trustee Tom Schoewe and family make investment in Arrupe College

Loyola University Chicago is proud to announce a gift of $1 million from Tom (BBA ’74) and Karen Schoewe to Loyola University Chicago, underscoring their commitment to supporting the educational journey of Arrupe College students.

Alumnus Abdullah Motiwala cares for one of his bee colonies.

Meet the Loyola alum whose honey has Chicago foodies abuzz

Abdullah Motiwala (BS ’14) grew up hating honey. In his household, if he was not feeling well, his family would turn to herbal remedies like honey, turmeric, or ginger instead of a Tylenol, and he despised what he described as the synthetic flavor of the honey.

Photo of the dome of Cudahy Science Hall on the Lake Shore Campus

Higher Learning Commission reaffirms Loyola University Chicago’s accreditation

Following a comprehensive institutional evaluation throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reaffirmed Loyola University Chicago’s accreditation.

Photo of main entrance to Corboy Law Center on Water Tower Campus

Loyola University Chicago Announces Gift to Strengthen Clinical Legal Education

Loyola University Chicago proudly announces a gift from Curt (JD ’75) and Linda Rodin to support the Curt and Linda Rodin Associate Dean of Clinical Education in the School of Law. This investment will elevate Loyola’s clinical legal education, expanding opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while advancing the university’s deep commitment to social justice.

Loyola representatives joined thousands at the White Sox ballpark for a joyful and historic celebration of the first U.S.-born pope.

Loyola attends Mass for Pope Leo XIV at White Sox park

Loyola representatives attended a Mass organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago in celebration of the historic election of Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV on June 14 at Rate Field, home of the White Sox.

The downtown Chicago skyline as viewed from Lake Michigan

Loyola outlines vision for future nursing and science building

Loyola University Chicago has unveiled early plans for a new academic facility envisioned as a hub for nursing and science education on the Lake Shore Campus, slated for completion in fall 2028.

Loyola University Chicago graduates from College of Arts and Sciences throw their caps in the air after their commencement ceremony on May 9, 2025

Loyola graduating Class of 2025 called to be ‘diligent dreamers’

Cameras flashed and hollers erupted in Gentile Arena on Wednesday afternoon as Loyola University Chicago graduates in black and maroon gowns and tasseled caps strode across the podium to receive their diplomas, crossing a symbolic threshold to the next chapter in their lives.

Simone Biles speaks with team physician Dr. Marcia Faustin during women’s gymnastics qualification at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Dr. Marcia Faustin (BS ’07) vaults Team USA gymnastics to success

It was a moment that shocked the world. Simone Biles, widely regarded as one of the best gymnasts in Olympic history, withdrew from most of her planned events in the 2021 Tokyo Games due to a debilitating case of the “twisties,” a condition that made her lose sense of where her body was midair.

Portrait of Annika Berlin, Psyonic employee and user of the Ability Hand

How a Loyola alum built the world’s first touch-sensing bionic hand

In summer 2014, Aadeel Akhtar (BS ’07, MS ’08) arrived in Quito, Ecuador, for his first test of a bionic hand prototype on an amputee.

Zach Waickman, lab manager in the Searle Biodiesel Lab, fills gallons with hand sanitizer.

How a class project became a dream job in the Searle Biodiesel Lab

In the Searle Biodiesel Lab, students gather around a conference table surrounded by lab equipment and large tanks of used vegetable oil. Zach Waickman (BA ’08, MBA ’13), a senior program manager in the School of Environmental Sustainability, leads them in a discussion of the chemical reactions involved in converting cooking oil into biodiesel fuel and hand soap.

photo of Virginia McDermott, Dean of the School of Communication

Loyola Interview Series, Virginia McDermott, Dean of the School of Communication

We sat down with Virginia McDermott, PhD, Dean of Loyola’s School of Communication, to dive into all things SOC—from innovative programs to student success stories, future goals, and everything in between. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of Loyola’s visionary leaders!

Watch full video

A tree blooms in spring on the Lake Shore Campus

Loyola University Chicago to Confer Honorary Degrees During May, August Commence

At commencement ceremonies in May and August, Loyola University Chicago will confer honorary degrees on Mary L. Smith, JD, (BS ’84) a renowned leader in law, business, and public service, and Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., PhD, president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and president emeritus of Loyola, for their visionary leadership and longstanding commitment to the common good and service to others.

Loyola University Chicago building façade with statues flanking the entrance under clear sky

Celebrating Women’s History Month at Loyola

The Rambler community will come together this March to celebrate Women’s History Month with a variety of thought-provoking and engaging events at Loyola. Through guest lectures, art exhibits, and student-led gatherings, students, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to engage with and learn from the stories of women throughout history.

Printed document with handwritten notes and edits on a desk, partially covered by nearby objects

How ESPN’s Shams Charania (BA ’17) became the NBA’s scoop king

Just after 11:00 p.m. Central Time on Feb. 1, Shams Charania (BA ’17) got a tip that the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers were making a trade. He confirmed the details with five sources. By 11:12 p.m., the 30-year-old ESPN Senior NBA Insider was ready to take the story to X.

Photo of a researcher looking at samples under a microscope

Loyola University Chicago Attains Highest Research Classification

Loyola University Chicago has attained the highest research classification, Research 1 (R1) by The American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (Carnegie Foundation) for 2025.

A $100,000 check is presented during the Areanah Preston Memorial on January 22, 2025

School of Law Announces Creation of the Aréanah Preston Memorial Scholarship

Loyola University Chicago School of Law announces the establishment of the Aréanah Preston Memorial Scholarship, made possible through a generous gift from the family foundation established in her name, The Peace for Preston Foundation. The scholarship honors the legacy of Aréanah Preston and reaffirms Loyola’s commitment to fostering equity, opportunity, and excellence in legal education.

2024 at Loyola: A year of milestones, achievements, and community impact

As the year comes to an end, let's review 2024! From advancing academic excellence to celebrating the vibrancy of campus life, look back at some of the stories that made this year unforgettable.

Woman in a white ruffled dress lying beside a black-and-white dog, both facing upward on a soft surface

Dr. Michael and Mrs. Dorothy Carbon Make $2.29 Million Gift to Support Undergraduate Research and Student Scholarships

Dr. Michael and Mrs. Dorothy Carbon have made a transformative $2.29 million gift to support The Michael and Dorothy Carbon Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program and The Dorothy Carbon Scholarship Fund. This contribution underscores the Carbons' commitment to fostering academic excellence, particularly in STEM fields, and providing financial support to Loyola students.

Photo of Lorna Finnegan, Dean of Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing

Dean Lorna Finnegan named one of Chicago’s top health care leaders

Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing Dean Lorna Finnegan has been named one of Chicago’s Notable Leaders in Health Care by Crain’s Chicago Business, a recognition honoring the city’s most influential leaders in the industry.

Three alumnae in Loyola University Chicago maroon tee shirts enjoy the festivities at Alumni Weekend 2024.

Ramblers return to campus for Alumni Weekend

From Friday, October 18, to Sunday, October 20, Loyola University Chicago brought together hundreds of alumni to reconnect and celebrate their achievements since graduation.

Meet the Loyola alum supporting runners’ mental health at the Chicago Marathon

Michele Kerulis (BS ’00) is director of the Chicago Psyching Team, which partners with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon to support the mental health of runners.

Lester Barclay, CEO and Founder of the Barclay Law Group, speaks at the Mamie Till Mobley Scholarship Gala on October 17, 2024.

Black Alumni Board hosts Annual Mamie Till-Mobley Scholarship Gala

The Loyola University Chicago Black Alumni Board will host the Annual Mamie Till-Mobley Scholarship Gala Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in Kasbeer Hall, Corboy Law Center.

Photo of alumnus Joshua Zepeda performing on stage with students

On with the show: Alum creates magic onstage at Sullivan High School

"The best part of being here is watching kids grow." — Joshua Zepeda (BA ’12, MSW ’15), Sullivan High School social worker

With experience he gained at Loyola, Flavio Bravo makes his mark in Arizona

When Flavio Bravo (BA ’16) was growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, Catholic school seemed out of reach. His parents both worked as court interpreters, and the students in the Catholic schools were the children of the more well-off judges and attorneys.

Loyola men’s volleyball player jumps to spike the ball over the net during a match, with opposing blockers attempting to defend

Get to know the Loyola men’s volleyball alums competing in the 2024 Olympics

Over 10,000 athletes from all over the world will make their way to Paris on July 26 to contend for gold medals in 329 events. Two of those athletes honed their athletic skills at Loyola.

Loyola University Chicago campus building framed by flowering trees in spring with sunlight on the façade

Loyola University Chicago Elects New and Returning Members to Board of Trustees and Appoints Life Trustees

Loyola President Mark C. Reed, EdD, extended a welcome to four distinguished leaders in higher education, law, and business who were elected to initial three-year terms: Reverend Michael J. Graham, S.J., Thomas N. Hund (BBA ’76), LaKeisha C. Marsh (JD ’05), and Reverend Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J.

Graduates toss caps into the air during commencement celebration

Hats off to our newest Rambler alumni!

Amid a sea of maroon regalia and beaming families, Loyola University Chicago’s campus comes alive to celebrate graduating Ramblers. Commencement season marks the culmination of years of hard work for the Class of 2024. With flowers adorning the pathways and picturesque photo spots at every turn, the atmosphere brims with revelry and gratitude.

Summer construction projects set to enhance Loyola campus facilities

This summer, a series of exciting construction projects are underway, aimed at enhancing our facilities and enriching the campus experience. From state-of-the-art learning spaces to upgraded recreational areas, these developments reflect Loyola’s commitment to providing a cutting-edge environment for current and future students. As the campus transforms, we invite you to stay connected and witness how your alma mater continues to thrive and innovate. Explore the latest changes and envision how these new enhancements will shape the future of Loyola.

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