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From the classroom to the community, Ramblers are on a roll. Loyola University Chicago has been named among the nation鈥檚 best in the newly released U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings, climbing to #121 nationally and marking the ninth consecutive year the University has placed in the top third of schools nationwide.

On Friday, August 21, Loyola University Chicago marked the beginning of a new academic year by commemorating beloved Rambler and international icon, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, with a new statue on the Rogers Park campus. The statue unveiling and dedication, taking place on what would have been her 107th birthday, was part of the first Loyola Welcome Week since her passing on October 9, 2025, at 106.

Arrupe College celebrated the Class of 2026 on August 15, honoring graduates, their families, faculty, and staff during a joyful Commencement Ceremony. Dean Mich猫le Alexandre of Loyola University Chicago School of Law delivered the keynote address, while student speaker NoLynn Nix鈥橦all reflected on the Class of 2026鈥檚 journey and accomplishments.

Justin Harbison doesn鈥檛 know鈥攐r won鈥檛 admit鈥攈ow he got the nickname 鈥淪ewer Monster.鈥� 鈥淚 like to think I didn鈥檛 name myself,鈥� he joked. 鈥淚鈥檓 Gen X. It鈥檚 a comic book sort of thing.鈥� However the nickname arose, and it鈥檚 fitting for Harbison, an associate professor in the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health at Loyola University Chicago who works with four mosquito abatement districts in the Cook County suburbs to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases by treating the standing water inside stormwater catch basins.

In the San Francisco 49ers鈥� equipment room at Levi鈥檚庐 Stadium, John York (MD 鈥�75), the franchise鈥檚 76-year-old cochair, has his eyes fixed on a poster of NFL helmets. Why a poster of helmets? Because, for York, a trained blood pathologist and graduate of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, it is an object lesson in how science can be a force for good鈥攊n this case, by informing NFL players鈥� helmet selections.

Phillip Rowell (BBA 鈥�06, MJ 鈥�15) steered a Kawasaki Mule utility vehicle to the edge of a fenced-in pasture at Ironhide Bison in Villa Grove, Illinois, and slowed to a stop. In the near distance, more than 30 bison thudded across the prairie, huffing and swinging their tails. Closest to the fence, the dominant bull, a massive animal with a woolly brown coat tossed his horns and made his presence known.

My 17th-floor office in Lewis Towers is full of memories. Bobbleheads of the late Sister Jean and former president Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.; photographs of parades; recovered bricks from the former Campion Hall; and a framed picture of Hail Loyola.

President Mark C. Reed met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday as part of a private audience with presidents of Jesuit colleges and universities from across North America.

Inside the fabrication lab at Cabrillo Middle School in the Santa Clara Unified School District in California, you won鈥檛 find students sitting at desks. Instead, you鈥檒l see eighth-grade participants chatting excitedly, running software modeling programs, and operating laser cutters, bandsaws, and 3D printers. It鈥檚 loud, a bit raucous, and highly productive.

When Illinois Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Tailor (JD 鈥�91) was sworn in as the court鈥檚 newest member on Jan. 30, 2026, it marked a historic occasion: Tailor is the first Asian American justice to be appointed to the court. But Tailor doesn鈥檛 get too swept up in that particular fact.

The weather was warm and spirits were high on Monday afternoon as hundreds of Loyola seniors gathered on the East Quad to celebrate their achievements at Senior Toast. The Class of 2026 took their final walk through the Cudahy Library doors and held their glasses high as Provost Douglas W. Woods toasted to their time at Loyola and embarking on new beginnings.

Leslie David Baker (BS 鈥�80) is best known for his role as Stanley Hudson, the chronically grumpy sales rep in NBC鈥檚 mockumentary-style, cringe comedy The Office. The native South Sider鈥檚 journey to Hollywood stardom is shaped as much by his biting wit and ability to 鈥渆ditorialize with his face鈥� as his experience of office life in Chicago, where Baker worked for the City of Chicago鈥檚 Board of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Cable and Communications.

Jennifer Leigh Coren (MEd 鈥�20) knows about pivots. After initially pursuing a career in musical theater, she moved to New York City after graduation and found herself jobless when the company she relocated for abruptly shuttered. Now, she is a successful therapist, author, and creator helping her clients and followers navigate their own crossroads and challenges.

For Loyola University Chicago students and their friends and families, graduation is a time of pride, reflection, and hope for the future. With cherry blossoms blooming and an exciting week of Commencement ceremonies and programming planned from Sunday, May 3, through Saturday, May 9, 2026, thousands of expectant graduates of the Class of 2026 will soon take their first steps from their academic lives at Loyola into the wide world that awaits them.

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 鈥�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.

When Abena Boamah-Acheampong (MEd 鈥�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.

The following is an account of the Ramblers鈥� NCAA Tournament run that catapulted Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, to a national鈥攁nd international (as she liked to remind people)鈥攕tage, from the people who were there.

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

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

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鈥檚 tree and campus lighting celebration.

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鈥攁s she was affectionately known to friends far and wide鈥攚as universally adored and touched the lives of countless people throughout her lengthy tenure at Loyola and her incredible life.

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, a beloved member of the Loyola University Chicago community and iconic chaplain to the Loyola men鈥檚 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.

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 鈥�74) and Karen Schoewe to Loyola University Chicago, underscoring their commitment to supporting the educational journey of Arrupe College students.

Abdullah Motiwala (BS 鈥�14) grew up hating honey. In his household, if he was not feeling well, 鈥媓is 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.

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

Loyola University Chicago Announces Gift to Strengthen Clinical Legal Education

Loyola University Chicago proudly announces a gift from Curt (JD 鈥�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鈥檚 clinical legal education, expanding opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while advancing the university鈥檚 deep commitment to social justice.

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.

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.

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.

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 鈥渢wisties,鈥� a condition that made her lose sense of where her body was midair.

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

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 鈥�08, MBA 鈥�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.

We sat down with Virginia McDermott, PhD, Dean of Loyola鈥檚 School of Communication, to dive into all things SOC鈥攆rom innovative programs to student success stories, future goals, and everything in between. Don鈥檛 miss this inspiring conversation with one of Loyola鈥檚 visionary leaders!

At commencement ceremonies in May and August, Loyola University Chicago will confer honorary degrees on Mary L. Smith, JD, (BS 鈥�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.

The Rambler community will come together this March to celebrate Women鈥檚 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.

Just after 11:00 p.m. Central Time on Feb. 1, Shams Charania (BA 鈥�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.

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.

School of Law Announces Creation of the Ar茅anah Preston Memorial Scholarship

Loyola University Chicago School of Law announces the establishment of the Ar茅anah 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 Ar茅anah Preston and reaffirms Loyola鈥檚 commitment to fostering equity, opportunity, and excellence in legal education.

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.

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.

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

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

Michele Kerulis (BS 鈥�00) is director of the Chicago Psyching鈥疶eam, which partners with the 鈥婤ank of America Chicago Marathon鈥� to support the mental health of runners.

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.

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

When Flavio Bravo (BA 鈥�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.

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 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 鈥�76), LaKeisha C. Marsh (JD 鈥�05), and Reverend Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J.

Amid a sea of maroon regalia and beaming families, Loyola University Chicago鈥檚 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.

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鈥檚 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.