News and Events

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Learn more about our community at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies—the students, staff, faculty, and alumni we celebrate, the novel learning opportunities we create, and the access we champion. We encourage you to follow and engage with us on social media, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Paralegal Studies Program

Demand for Paralegals Leads to Highest Enrollment in a Decade

The demand for paralegals and the salary potential have fueled interest in Loyola’s Institute for Paralegal Studies, part of the top-ranked School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS). Enrollment has grown steadily and is currently at its highest level in a decade.

The first cohort of the Discerning Leadership Program, facilitated by Sandra Chaoul and Father David McCallum, S.J..

2026 President's Medallion Recipient

A Lifelong Commitment to Education

Abigail Green has been named the School of Continuing and Professional Studies’ recipient of the President’s Medallion, which recognizes scholarship, leadership, and service.

Global Partnerships

Loyola Named New Home for Global Catholic Leadership Program

Loyola University Chicago has been named the new home of the Discerning Leadership Program, a global initiative forming senior Catholic leaders. The School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) will support the program’s online curriculum, contributing its expertise in adult and professional education.

Explore. Experiment. Employ.

Learning Analytics & AI Workshop

Learn a new, valuable skill, meet Loyola’s School of Continuing & Professional Studies faculty members, learn about career paths, and get your questions answered about our cutting-edge programs on Saturday, March 21.

U.S. News World & Report

Nationally Recognized Leader in Online Education

Loyola University Chicago has once again earned national recognition in online education from U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Online Programs rankings, with the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) programs earning top spots nationwide.

New Programs and Partnerships

SCPS Dean Reflects on Bringing Transformative Opportunities to Adult Learners

Since joining SCPS last year, Dean Jim Parenti, EdD, has been working tirelessly to develop and implement programs and partnerships designed to further the school’s academic excellence and bring even more transformative opportunities to adult learners.

Community and Employer Partnerships

Collaboration Across the Organization Workshop Series: Wintrust Partnership

SCPS partnered with Wintrust Financial Corporation to deliver the Collaborating Across the Organization workshop series, which was designed to strengthen leadership collaboration and innovation. The series, led by Dr. Dianne Dawson Daniels and supported by Coordinator for Recruitment & Retention, Ronit Goswami, engaged over 275 Wintrust employees across four interactive sessions, with 32 earning a Credly badge for completing all workshops. This successful partnership affirms SCPS’s commitment to providing customized educational experiences that empower professionals and drive organizational success.

50th Anniversary of ABA Approval of Paralegal Programs

American Bar Association (ABA) Feature: Tyler Marx

Congratulations to SCPS Paralegal Studies alum Tyler Marx (Certificate, '22) on being featured in the 50th Anniversary of ABA Approval of Paralegal Programs page!

Vincent J. Duminuco, S.J., Award for Assessment Leadership

Congratulations to Dr. Eva Mika!

Eva Mika, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor of Applied Psychology in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) is the 2025 recipient of the Vincent J. Duminuco, S.J., Award for Assessment Leadership.

SCPS Launches "Learning with Purpose" Speaker Series

Experts Explore Faith, Finance, Cybersecurity in New Fall Speaker Series

The “Learning with Purpose” speaker series is a new initiative designed to foster timely, engaging conversations that bridge real-world experience with purposeful learning.

SCPS Graduate Danessa Bredicean (BA '25)

Transition from Law Enforcement to Medicine

A Ladder to Success

With support from the Scholars Award, Danessa Bredicean (BA '25) found the flexibility she needed at SCPS to pursue her path toward medical school while studying in the Applied Psychology program.

Unlocking Career Opportunities

Taking a New Path

Yvette Garcia (BA ’25) leveraged Loyola’s flexible Paralegal Studies program to balance work, family, and personal challenges while advancing her career.

U.S. News & World Report

"5 Advantages of an Online Bachelor’s Degree"

"Online learning is likely the only way some are able to return to school amidst the demands of being a busy working adult – raising children, working a job or possibly caring for aging parents," says Jennifer Gettings, Assistant Dean at Loyola's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. We're proud to see senior academic advisor Uriel Robles and Terrence Marshall, Jr., a 2025 Paralegal Studies graduate, also featured in this insightful US News & World Report article exploring the top 5 advantages of an online bachelor’s degree.

EdMedia 2025 in Barcelona, Spain

EdMedia 2025

In May 2025, Eva Mika, Ph.D., PMP, interim associate dean of assessment and clinical associate professor, and Jennifer Gettings, M.Ed., assistant dean in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS), presented their work, "Beyond the Screen: Building Belonging and Community in Virtual Adult Education," at an international roundtable during the 2025 EdMedia Conference in Barcelona.

Jesse Goodman (MS '25)

Preparing to Lead Strategically in IT

After earning a bachelor’s degree in information technology through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) and steadily advancing his career within Loyola’s IT department, Jesse Goodman is now pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Information Technology Leadership and Strategy (ITLS) to enhance his expertise and position himself as a leader in an ever-evolving field.

Commencement

Commencement 2025

On Wednesday, May 7th, SCPS graduates walked the stage during the 2025 Commencement Ceremony at Gentile Arena on Loyola's Lake Shore Campus. Congratulations to all graduates, Student Speaker, Yvette Garcia (BA in Paralegal Studies, Certificate in Litigation & Corporate Practice ’25), and Keynote Speaker, Carlos Montoya (BA' 85)!

Loyola student veterans attend Washington Week

Advocacy in Action

Alex Grady, a student veteran in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) at Loyola University Chicago, attended “Washington Week” earlier in March. The initiative, hosted by the Student Veterans of America (SVA) in Washington D.C., brought together student veterans from across the country to meet with policymakers, engage in professional development opportunities, and advocate for student veterans’ needs.

U.S. News & World Report

Academically Renowned

Loyola University Chicago School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) has once again been ranked as a top program for online education by U.S. News & World Report. The School of Continuing and Professional Studies continues to earn top recognition for its online bachelor’s programs, as highlighted in the latest 2025 rankings.

Support for Your Academic Journey

Honoring Academic Excellence

SCPS faculty and staff are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment tailored to adult learners. Leaders in their fields, they bring extensive professional experience and a keen understanding of market trends, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for success. SCPS faculty excel in meeting the unique needs of adult learners, ensuring students flourish both academically and personally.

Jim Parenti, EdD Selected as New SCPS Dean

Welcome, Dean Jim Parenti

Dr. Jim Parenti, who officially joined us as Dean on November 1, 2024, comes to us from Georgetown University, where he served in several key leadership roles over the past 16 years, including as Senior Advisor to the President. At Georgetown, he spearheaded transformative initiatives, such as developing new enrollment programs and overseeing the construction of a dedicated facility for their School of Continuing Studies.

Academic Success

2024 Commencement Ceremony

Loyola's students, families, faculty, staff, and friends came together at this year's Commencement ceremony to celebrate and recognize the many achievements of our Class of 2024.

Ray Ginther Visit to SCPS

Celebrating Marie Ginther

Ray Ginther, the esteemed benefactor behind the Marie Ginther Scholarship, will be visiting SCPS on Wednesday, May 29. During his visit, Ray will meet with Ginther Scholars, comprising students and alumni, to hear firsthand the profound impact of the scholarship on their lives. This event offers a unique opportunity for scholarship recipients to connect with Ray and share their stories of how his support has influenced their journey.

Applied Psychology

Devon Price, PhD

Three Loyola faculty come together for a conversation on mental health, exploring diverse perspectives from digital consumer culture to school-based responses to youth suicide. Check out the insightful discussion, revealing intriguing parallels and shared insights, in an interview for Loyola magazine

Academic Year 2023/2024

Annual Progress Report

We invite you to delve into our achievements, initiatives, and transformative endeavors, within our annual progress report, that signify SCPS's ongoing dedication to providing unparalleled educational experiences. Join us as we showcase the remarkable strides made in shaping the future of lifelong learning at Loyola University Chicago.

University-wide Honor Society

SCPS Alpha Sigma Nu Inductees

Loyola celebrates the inductees of the Alpha Sigma Nu (ASN) Honor Society, inviting outstanding students university-wide each year. These candidates, recognized for their scholarship, loyalty, and service, embody Ignatian values and contribute to the mission of Jesuit colleges and universities worldwide.

SCPS adult learner studying at Loyola's Information Commons

The Loyola Phoenix

Education Has No Timeline

‘I Feel Like I’m Just Getting Started’: Students Pursue The College Experience Later in Life. Education has no timeline for older students returning to college or going for the first time.

Loyola University Chicago instructor Chris Fulton

Technology Degrees

Bridging Gaps in the Trucking Industry with Loyola's Support

With the guidance of SCPS instructor Christopher Fulton, Vanja Vidojevic found the crucial connection she needed to address the truck driver shortage with the development of the Trucking Bees platform. Their collaborative efforts highlight Loyola's dedication to empowering individuals like Vidojevic to transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions, bridging the gap between concept and reality.

Faculty Leadership

Marie Harrigan, JD: Director, Institute for Paralegal Studies

Harrigan will soon finish a three year term as the Treasurer of the American Association of Paralegal Educators (AAfPE) and attend the annual AAfPE National Conference which is the premier meeting of paralegal and legal studies educators.

Paralegal Studies

2023 President's Medallion Recipient

“My time at Loyola helped me step out of my comfort zone. I am more-open minded and have a renewed sense of responsibility to humanity, which I bring with me to my work.” Join us in congratulating our 2023 Loyola University Chicago President Medallion recipient, Chisa Santiago.