Welcome to the Heart of the Pack, our online home-away-from-home where we hope every member of the Loyola community can find a connection to each other and to the campus that we love, no matter where they are.
Campus is quiet this week as Christmas decorations begin going up. But while almost everyone is back to learning and working from home, we have a roster of resources to help get you through the closing days of this Fall 2020 semester.
In a year like no other, we’re living through a week like no other. It’s a lot to process. We’re here for you, Wolf Pack. In times like these, the Jesuit concept of being contemplatives in action comes to mind. What exactly does that mean? We’ve outlined it in three steps below.
Stop.
No, really stop. That could mean turning off, tuning out, taking a breath, being still, or all of the above. If you need some guidance, our Election Stress Kit offers tips for unplugging and being more present.
Reflect.
Consider how you feel in this moment—what makes you feel anxious and what gives you hope? Review your day and the important people in your life who support you. Maybe reflect with others in a group setting, or talk with a trusted friend about what you’re feeling.
The Office of Equity and Inclusion, Student Life and Ministry, and University Counseling are sponsoring drop-in virtual group sessions through Zoom to help you process and reflect within our community. University Counseling and Campus Ministry are also available to help.
Take action.
Let your reflections inform and inspire what you do next. Take a look at our post-election resources to provide you with tools for talking about the election results constructively and advocating for causes that you are passionate about.
Keep the discussion going by joining a panel tonight at 6:30 p.m. CST and another panel on Monday hosted by The Institute of Politics, featuring industry experts, including several of our alumni, to help us better understand the election.
While we won’t get to play in the “sneaux” this year, Christmas is coming a little early so we can still get into the spirit of the season on campus! The University Programming Board will be hosting Christmas in November for the entire week from November 8 – 13 with daily events and festivities.
And, yes, you better believe they will have t-shirts for the occasion! Starting this week, check out the 12 Days of Christmas on Instagram. UPB will be giving out some awesome prizes daily. Put on your Christmas sweater and take a look at UPB’s Instagram @loyno_upb and HowlConnect for all the details.
And in keeping with the spirit of the holiday season, UPB will be collecting donations for Iggy's Cupboard. Bring in five non-perishable items to Havoc's Helpdesk (lower level of the Danna Center) through November 13 for a chance to get a free Christmas in November shirt in your stocking this year! Only the first 100 Loyola students will be added to our list to receive a shirt, and shirts will be available for pickup starting Monday, November 16 at 9 a.m.
ΑΚΨ is also collecting donations for Iggy’s Cupboard through November 14 with collection boxes in each residence hall.
For nearly 60 years, protesters around the world have joined together to raise awareness about sexual violence. Take Back the Night protests started in the 1960s and 1970s as a literal movement to demand safety for women walking alone at night.
The message spread quickly. Events soon started taking place on college campuses to advocate for safe communities and speak out against all forms of sexual violence and domestic abuse. Today, hundreds of annual Take Back the Night events take place in more than 30 countries globally.
And the message is just as relevant and vital to our world. According to the Take Back the Night organization, 1 in 3 women worldwide experience some form of sexual violence or intimate partner violence, and 1 in 6 men experience sexual violence. Wolf Pack, we stand together against sexual violence.
We invite you to join New Orleans Family Justice Center and Loyola’s Women’s Resource Center for the Take Back the Night - Standing in Solidarity with Survivors of Domestic Abuse virtual event on Wednesday, October 28, starting at 6:30 p.m. CDT.
This free live-streamed event will feature a screening of the award-winning documentary, “Five Awake,” which chronicles the killing spree of an abuser and the journey of five Louisiana women who ensured the passage of the most comprehensive legislative package to prevent and respond to domestic abuse in America.
Following the film, viewers will watch clips from a panel discussion featuring many of the women in the film, as well as other experts who share their continued work to seek justice for survivors. The program will conclude with an interview with a survivor of intimate partner violence and a Family Justice Center advocate. You’ll also learn about ways you can support this important cause and services available through the Family Justice Center.
Take Back the Night Live Stream
Trigger Warning: The program contains material that viewers might find disturbing and triggering. Viewer discretion is advised.
One of the many benefits of being a Jesuit university is our connection to the larger, global Jesuit Catholic community. As a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, Loyola University New Orleans is one of 28 schools brought together by our shared values and spirituality. Part of our commitment as a member of the AJCU includes setting aside time for deep reflection about our mission and goals as an institution.
This self-study process is known as the Mission Priority Examen. Over the course of nine months, we gathered stakeholders from across the university, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees, as well as the Archbishop of New Orleans, to engage in dialogue about our mission and connection to the Society of Jesus. We considered what it would look like to turn our mission into action, and what strategies we would employ to realize our goals.
As a result, we’re thrilled to report that Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, has fully endorsed the recommendations of the Mission Priority Examen and reaffirmed Loyola's Jesuit Catholic identity.
We will use our report findings to help us build a more engaged and thoughtful university experience where the integration of faith and reason are welcomed, valued, and celebrated. We are committed to our Jesuit Catholic mission which grounds us as a discerning community seeking God in all things, working for the pursuits of justice, and acting in service to others. Please explore the full report to learn more about our priorities and key findings.
Connect with a Coach
College can be stressful, especially during these times. That’s why we are working with InsideTrack, our trusted coaching partner, to expand our support to students during these unprecedented times.
Students looking for resources like food, insurance, housing, and help with online classes or managing school commitments can reach out for a coaching session. InsideTrack coaches are equipped to support students from any location.
If you would like to discuss getting assistance, please fill out the form on https://emergencycoachingnetwork.org/ and an InsideTrack coach will be in touch with you in 1-2 business days.
Flu Shot Challenge
Have you gotten your flu shot yet? Getting a flu shot doesn’t just protect you—it also protects those around you that may be more vulnerable to serious symptoms and illness from the flu. This fall, we challenge you to take action to protect our community.
- Take a photo getting your flu shot or with your flu shot bandaid.
- Share it on your social account to help us spread the word.
- Tag us @loyola_nola for a chance to be featured in our COVID Connections newsletter!
Watch our flu shot takeover on Instagram for more inspiration.
UPB: For students, by students
Movies in the park. Wolf Pack Wednesdays. Crawfish on the Quad. You’ve probably heard about these events, but have you met the people behind the scenes? The University Programming Board (UPB) is the official programming board under the Student Government Association. They’re the team behind all your favorite on-campus events and programming.
Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, UPB brings the Wolf Pack together for unforgettable celebrations that define life at Loyola. Follow them on Instagram @loyno_upb or check HowlConnect for the latest events and announcements.
Coming off Loyola's best volleyball season since 2012, the Wolf Pack will kick off the 2020-2021 volleyball season by hosting Xavier University on Saturday, October 3 at 2 p.m. CDT.
Loyola Volleyball earned a 19-19 overall record in 2019, including a 9-4 mark in Southern States Athletic Conference play. This year, Wolf Pack head coach Jesse Zabal has signed eight new players to the 2020 signing class—the biggest class during Zabal’s time at Loyola.
The home opener on October 3 is also Senior Day, and we’ll honor volleyball's lone senior on this year’s roster, Helene Masone!
In 2019, Masone was named to the SSAC All-Academic Team for the second-straight year. As defensive specialist/libero for the team, she finished her junior season ranked seventh in program history in total career digs with 1,431. Originally from Destin, FL, Masone stays busy off the court earning her degree as a psychology pre-med major.
Hey, you! Yes, YOU. Your voice matters. Make it count—get registered to vote! There’s no better time than National Voter Registration Day on September 22 to get it done. (Unless of course you just do it right now.) Find more information about registering, check your registration status, and sign up for voting reminders on our #LOYNOPackVote page.
We’re thrilled to welcome Kedrick Perry, Ph.D. as Loyola’s Vice President for Equity and Inclusion. In his new role, Perry will expand on the work that has been done over the last two years to develop a Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence, working to increase programming and ensure that Loyola’s commitment to diversity is reflected in all aspects of university admissions, academic programs, campus culture, and identity
Perry joins us from the University of California, Berkeley, where he served as Chief Diversity Officer at the Center for Energy Efficient Electronics Science, building a pipeline of diverse graduate students in STEM. Prior to that, he was Director of the McNair Program at Suffolk University, the post-baccalaureate achievement program that prepares underrepresented and low-income undergraduates for doctoral study. Read more about Perry’s impressive credentials and experience.
Now that we’re a few weeks in and classes are really starting to roll, it’s important to remember that there’s a lot more to staying healthy than just avoiding the spread of COVID. The University Counseling Center has put together a ton of resources to help you take care of yourself and each other as the semester heats up.
Anxiety Management Workshops
There’s hardly anything normal about our “new normal” these days. As we all adjust to these changes, you may be feeling more anxious or overwhelmed. Our Anxiety Management Workshops will teach you concrete skills and coping strategies to refocus and improve your motivation. Workshops take place every Thursday from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. CDT via Zoom. They are free to all students, no sign up required.
Here’s what’s coming up:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (9/17)
- Self-Care and Stress Management (9/24)
- Progressive Music Relaxation (10/1)
- Improving Focus and Motivation (10/8)
Connect with a Counselor
The University Counseling Center provides free, confidential counseling services to all currently enrolled students. To promote the safety of our students and staff, all appointments with the University Counseling Center are held virtually. If you need assistance in finding a private space to talk, let us know and we will assist you.
- Call to Schedule an Appointment: 504.865.3835
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m
- 24/7 Counselor On-Call: 504.865.3835
Explore at Your Own Pace
If you’re looking for more information to guide your self-care journey, the UCC has plenty of other virtual resources available on-demand. Find timely articles and tips on the UCC news page, use the self care guide to find action items depending on how you’re feeling, and explore these self-study workshops created for times of uncertainty.
Why do you mask?
We all have a reason to mask—a reason to choose kindness in our daily lives. What is yours? Don’t forget to share your submission for a chance to be featured on the LOYNO social media channels!
Two ways to submit:
- Share a video or (30 seconds or less) describing why you wear your mask
- Take a photo in your mask and include a short caption (1-2 sentences)
A few of our community members have already shared why they mask!
Every time you come to class, meet with friends, or run an errand, you have a choice. Will you act in kindness and compassion for others? When you choose to wear your face mask, you’re also choosing kindness. You’re prioritizing the health and safety of our campus. And you’re protecting those you care about the most—your friends, your family, and your community.
Since we know that COVID-19 can spread without showing any symptoms, wearing a face mask and social distancing are the two surest ways we can help reduce the risk of spreading the virus. We all have a reason to mask—a reason to choose kindness in our daily lives. What's yours?
Share a video (30 seconds or less) describing why you wear your mask OR take a photo in your mask and include a short caption (1-2 sentences) with your motivation for masking. Share your stories here for a chance to be featured here in Heart of the Pack and on Loyola's social channels!
Speaking of masks, HOWL to LOYNO studio arts sophomore Raeann Koehler, one of the winners of New Orleans' Mask Wearing Poster Contest! The contest was developed by the Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families and the New Orleans City Council to raise awareness about the importance of masking up to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Sophomore David Price on the Kelly Clarkson Show!
Once coined “one of the most promising entrepreneurs from Loyola University,” sophomore David Price and his invention, The Safety Pouch, have been in the spotlight all summer! Recently, he was a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show chatting about his invention and the inspiration behind it!
In our Jesuit tradition, we make room for Jesus in our hearts and minds, to help us to act for and with others. We make decisions with careful thought and consider not only what is best for us, but what we can do to support those around us. But the result looks a little different these days.
We don’t show our love through hugs. Instead, we show we really care by staying home when we feel sick. We reflect our character by completing the #CampusClear assessment every morning. And we stay back to get back to the life we know and miss so dearly. Now, when we think about making room for Jesus in our lives, we can also think about making literal space around us. Because that’s what it means to act in courage, kindness, and love.
So next time you’re passing through the Peace Quad or waiting in line for your Tsunami Sushi order, ask yourself, “Have I made room for Jesus today?” And make the literal space – six feet – to keep our Pack healthy and safe.
#CampusClear is an essential part of our COVID-19 prevention and contact tracing strategy. All students, faculty, and staff who will be on campus this semester are required to complete the assessment every day, including weekends. If you haven’t yet, please create an account now using your Loyola email by downloading the app or accessing the web interface (if you do not have a smartphone).
You will not be punished for honestly reporting symptoms or exposure using the app. #CampusClear connects you to the support and resources you need. If you’re not cleared for campus, simply stay home, isolate yourself from others, and follow the instructions on the screen.
Why #CampusClear?
- Using the app daily can help keep your health top of mind. You’ll be able to detect when new or minor symptoms arise and take action immediately.
- We hold each other accountable to wear masks and social distance—and this is one more way to show that we are willing to take the extra steps to keep everyone safe.
- This information you provide in the app will make us more agile in our response to outbreaks and effective in our contact tracing protocols.
Around this time every year since 2005, our hearts beat a little fast at the thought of what kind of hurricane season will greet us. And for our communities in Texas and SW Louisiana, they’re experiencing Hurricane (now Tropical Storm) Laura bringing wind, rain, and destruction to their cities and homes. We continue to send them prayers of safety and comfort now and the days following the storm, and for our Wolf Pack families impacted by the storms, we are here for you.
If you’ve been affected by Hurricane Laura, please reach out to your advisor and professors if you have conflict with your courses, or check in with Student Health for any mental health needs. And for those who would like to assist those in need, NOLA Ready has a list of resources available.
A Week of Firsts
Welcome to the first official week of the semester! In true 2020 style, it’s already off to a unique start thanks to the arrival of Marco and Laura in the Gulf. But no matter what the wind blows our way, we are determined and ready to overcome the challenges. As such, your Student Government Association has a few words of encouragement and helpful tips for your first week of classes. Take a look!
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And the newest members of the Pack got a preview of life at Loyola during Wolf Pack Welcome over the weekend. With the support of Krewe Leaders, the incoming class got to know each other through small group sessions and virtual programming. Here are some of the highlights from our Krewe Leader Instagram takeover.
The Rankings Are In!
Last week, The Princeton Review released their 2021 rankings, based on survey results from 143,000 students across the country. Loyola topped the charts in five different categories, showcasing the inclusive and caring community that YOU helped us build!
#7 Lots of Race/Class Interaction
#8 Town-Gown Relations Are Great
#9 Best College Newspaper
#10 College City Gets High Marks
#20 Most Active Student Government
This week was all about getting in, getting settled. Contact-free move-in was a hit, and local news stations WGNO and WWL stopped by campus to cover it. Check out their stories below, as well as some shots from around campus while everybody got to where the needed to go.
Love for #LOYNO20
It still hurts that we weren’t able to celebrate #LOYNO20 the way we usually would, but last week we were able to honor some undergraduate and law students and their families with mini-ceremonies at Holy Name of Jesus Church. Check out some of our favorite moments below!
See more photos from the email!
Discover urban insects with Dr. Aimée Thomas!
Last month, assistant professor of biological sciences Aimée Thomas led a virtual natural history hike for the National Park Service through Couturie Forest in New Orleans' City Park. The video is live now on the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve website. Check it out to see what she found and to learn how to embark on a critter hunt of your own!
Coffee with Fr. Carter: A Virtual Farewell Celebration
After 75 years as part of the Loyola community, President Emeritus Rev. James C. Carter, S.J. is headed to Grand Coteau, LA for his retirement. Please join us on Zoom for a virtual sendoff celebration on Thursday, August 20 at 9 a.m. CDT. And if you'd like to send a farewell message to Fr. Carter, you can email your well wishes here.
Welcome to Loyola!
Like New Orleans, you have to experience Loyola firsthand to truly see its charm. While safe and socially distant campus tours have started back up, for some of our future members of the Wolf Pack, getting here is a little harder. So, we’re bringing our beautiful campus to your living room! Take a look at our brand-new virtual tour of Loyola New Orleans, and explore our rich history, beautiful buildings, labs, res halls, performance spaces, and more! It makes for a perfect pairing with our self-guided virtual map.
Return-to-Campus News
Get ready Wolf Pack — we’re rolling out new tools to help keep our campus safe and informed this fall!
The #CampusClear mobile app will help us monitor and report symptoms of COVID-19. All Loyola community members will complete a daily self screening using the app. If you are not feeling any symptoms, the app will produce a unique daily “fast pass” screen that can be shown on campus. Watch this video to learn more. We’ll share instructions to download #CampusClear in your inbox soon.
We’re also getting trained up on COVID-19 policies and best practices this summer before we arrive on campus.
Students: You can complete the COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness Training in Canvas by logging in through the Single Sign On (SSO) Portal. You’ll watch short videos, review the COVID Student Code of Conduct, and submit your COVID Positive Plan and Hurricane Evacuation Plan.
Faculty and Staff: You can sign up to complete the mandatory Return to Work training and review the expectations and changes you’ll be experiencing as we move forward with a thoughtful, phased reopening. Use your loyno.edu email to sign up for a training slot.
And don't forget that you can get all the latest COVID and campus reopening info any time on the Return to Campus FAQ page.
Plan, prep, and polish!
The whole campus community has been hard at work these last few weeks to make sure everything is clean and clear and ready for students to return for the fall. This has taken lots of planning, of course, but the physical prep work is well under way, too. Check out a few shots of signage installation around campus below!
The signs make for pretty pictures, but there's a ton of nuts-and-bolts stuff happening as well. Procurement, LUPD, and Physical Plant have been working together to make disinfecting supplies readily available to everyone. Hand sanitizing stations will be strategically placed throughout campus, and hand sanitizer will be near all restrooms, entrances, and common areas. Our custodial contractor is preparing to provide enhanced services that include electrostatic disinfecting in all interior spaces, and Physical Plant has changed all our building air filters to the highest level our HVAC units will allow while maximizing outside air intake.
Loyola has also been working closely with our partners at Ochsner Health to design and certify that our plans and practices are the best ones for our campus. Check out this video to learn more about that important work in our Ochsner partners' own words.
There's a bunch of new signage coming to the Loyola campus this fall, and a lot of it is geared toward helping everyone remember to keep themselves and others safe! Keep scrolling to check out some of the messages you can expect to see posted around when you arrive.
But the new signage is just one part of Loyola's much bigger reopening plan.
For all the Fall 2020 details, check out the COVID FAQ website detailing the university's coronavirus response and our plans for the fall semester. Planning is ongoing and developing by the day, so check it frequently for new information.
A few highlights:
- Content is organized according to specific audiences so you can easily find the information that is most relevant to you: undergraduate and graduate students, law students, and faculty and staff.
- There's a section devoted to health and safety policies on campus, including requirements for wearing face coverings in public spaces, maintaining social distancing, completing a daily symptom assessment, and more.
- The updated campus visitor policy outlines our restrictions for essential visitors on campus and the procedure for invited guests to register prior to their arrival.
- The message archive gives you access to all important messages that have been sent to students and/or the entire campus pertaining to COVID-19.
After more than 75 years on Loyola's campus, Fr. Carter is finally going to enjoy retirement. Well, sort of...
Last week, the Rev. James Carter, S.J. left Loyola after serving for more than 60 years. He served as university president from 1974-1995, and has continued to teach classes ever since, even switching to online last semester due to COVID.
You can learn more about his retirement plans in this recent story from WWL-TV.
The Rev. James C. Carter, S.J. attended Loyola for one year in 1944 before joining the Jesuits. After completing his novitiate at Grand Couteau, he earned an undergraduate degree in physics from Spring Hill College, a master’s degree from Fordham University, and a Ph.D. in physics from Catholic University. He returned to Loyola in 1960 and taught in the Department of Physics for 10 years before transitioning to his new role as provost and academic vice president.
In 1974, he assumed the presidency of the university, where he laid the groundwork for the J. Edgar and Louise S. Monroe Library and established the Jesuit Identity Task Force, which he considered his most important achievement. In 1984, New Orleans Business wrote of Carter’s impact on the campus: “Loyola has changed its public face from serene to scrapping and turned its cerebral president, Fr. James C. Carter, S.J., from an introspective scholar into a prominent point man – the Lee Iacocca of higher education.” Carter served as president until 1995; he is the longest-serving president in Loyola’s history.
Entrepreneurial sophomore David Price is getting media and celebrity attention for his product, “Safety Pouch,” a bag useful for drivers to put their license and registration on the outside of their window if they’re stopped by police. Check out this story on Biz New Orleans and Monday's piece on WWL-TV.
Breathe easy in Maroon and Gold!
In New Orleans, we've always been into masking, or wearing our elaborate homemade costumes on Mardi Gras day. But we all know that these days "masking" has a much more important meaning, and this fall Loyola will be doing it in style!
Thanks to a generous donation from the parents of a Loyola student, we'll be able to provide every student, faculty, and staff member with the black cotton Loyola mask above when they arrive on campus this fall.
You're not waiting around, though! Members of the Pack have already started showing off how they're doing the face mask thing in style this summer.
Students Eryn Loria and Jared Florane are keeping it covered while socially distancing in the Gatlinburg Mountains of Tennessee.
Recent School of Nursing grad Brooke Troxclair completes the personal safety puzzle in full color with her favorite mask.
Junior Andrea Garces and her mom have mask game so strong that they turned it into a business with dozens of designs available! Andrea added, "It’s very important that we take care of ourselves and others by wearing masks. It’s the new masquerade!"
An Excerpt from the Student Government Association's Statement on Current Events
June 1, 2020
Read the full SGA statement here.
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was brutally murdered by the Minneapolis Police Department in Minnesota. We stand in complete solidarity with the Black community at Loyola, in Minnesota, and across the nation in the fight for racial justice.
From this point forward, we will use our platform to intentionally advocate for these causes and amplify black voices that are too often silenced. We commit to remedy our history of inaction from Loyola’s Student Government Association, and we commit ourselves to fight for racial justice on our campus and beyond.
We know that many of you, especially those in the black community, are tired of reading statements that are not followed with swift and meaningful action. This is why we want to be completely transparent and put forth policies that reflect the sentiments expressed here today.
Student Government has also compiled a list of resources to use as a guide in light of these incidents. This list includes resources for advocacy, education, and mental health support.
We will not stop producing policy and calling on leadership to do the same until the LOYNO experience is not negatively tainted by systems of injustice. Our administration is committed to doing the work that will provide for a better, more equitable reality on campus, and we ask that you hold us accountable in our endeavors.
Rest in Power, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and so many countless others.
With love and solidarity,
Freedom Fox Richardson
SGA President
Zontre City
SGA Vice President & Dir. Operations for Lemon Pepper
Olivia Dadoun
SGA Chief of Staff
Gordon Towell
SGA Chief Justice
Sofia Rabassa
SGA Director of Communication
Cheyenne Williams
SGA Director of Equity and Inclusion
Alejandra Bedoya
SGA Director of Finance
Deon Wilson
SGA Director of Programming
Brionna Adams
Black Student Union President
Angelyss Vasquez
Multicultural Leadership Council President
Praise Tillman
National Pan-Hellenic Council President
Darell Honora Jr.
United Brothers Association President
Here comes the class of 2024!
They've made their decisions and they're heading our way! Meet some of the newest members of the Wolf Pack (and their proud families) who have shared their stories with #LOYNO24!
Lulu Reeks plays the Monroe Library steps
It was a dream come true for Loyola alumna and violin instructor Lulu Reeks this morning! Since she was a student, she has always wanted to play her violin under the small dome at the entrance of Monroe Library. With campus quiet and the library closed, she was finally able to find the perfect spot for acoustics and echoes and play her violin uninterrupted. Check out this video of her performing a beautiful rendition of “How Great Thou Art” in front of Monroe Library.
Summer listening from the Loyola Podcast Studio!
The Loyola Podcast Studio has loads of interesting and informative audio content to keep you thinking and learning all summer long. All recordings are created by Loyola students and faculty, and explore topics including what it's like to participate in Loyola's Study Abroad program, musicians' health and wellness, film critique, women's issues, and more. And if there's a conversation you want to curate, you can pitch your podcast idea and become a producer yourself!
2020 Magis Student Leadership Awards
This Tuesday, President Tetlow honored the 2020 Magis Student Leadership Award winners with a virtual ceremony. The Magis Award recognizes students who have made a meaningful impact at Loyola and who serve as an inspiration to their peers.
From more than 80 nominations, the following students were chosen as this year's winners:
Outstanding Sophomore Student Leader
Carrie Elizabeth Smith
Outstanding Junior Student Leader
Zontré City
Outstanding Student Program, Event, or Initiative
Wolf Pack for Life
Student Organization Officer of the Year
Brittney Giardina
Student Organization of the Year
Best Buddies
Student Employee of the Year
Rileigh Levy
Fraternity Man of the Year
Jordan Lassiter
Sorority Woman of the Year
Camille Perry
Fraternity or Sorority of the Year
Delta Gamma Fraternity
Mary Ann Reising Flynn Scholarship
Emma Trunkle
St. Francis Xavier, S.J. Award for International and Global Perspective
Daniel Vijil
Rev. Matteo Ricci, S.J. Diversity Award
Sophie Trist
Rev. Pedro Arrupe, S.J. Award for Social Justice
Alexander Christian Lucas
Outstanding Achievement in Service Learning
Shelby Pojawa
Dr. Alton F. Doody Spirit of Leadership Award
Michaela Jones
Rev. James Carter, S.J. Award for Outstanding Leadership
Abigail Perez
Jon Batiste performs his original composition “Loyola Class of 2020 Shake”
Bandleader and Musical Director for "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert", Jon Baptiste, gave the class of 2020 a special musical gift.
A Loyola student got a special hello on the Today Show
Yesterday morning, country music superstar Blake Shelton serenaded Loyola nursing student Sylvia Johnson and her mother Bridgette Robinson on the Today Show! Bridgette, a nurses' assistant, was recently released from the hospital after a month in her own fight against COVID-19.
Wanna sign my yearbook?
Resident Assistant Olaia O'Malley Gorbea '21 helped the residents of Carrollton's 5th floor put together this quarantine yearbook from their rooms away from res life!
A Drive-Through Party with Mary Audiffred, J.D.
Even in these weird and confusing times, we’re still reaching milestones in our lives. For some, it may be a birthday, and for others like Loyola Law student Mary Audiffred, it is finally getting the chance to put J.D. at the end of her name. Mary went back to school at the age of 40, and even though her family won’t be able to see her cross the stage at commencement (yet!), that didn’t stop them from celebrating her new milestone. Check out this heartwarming story from WDSU about Mary, her journey through law school, and the special surprise her parents orchestrated to celebrate her graduation!
One of Mary's professors wanted to add a personal note about her accomplishment:
Mary Audiffred is a breath of fresh air. From the time I met Mary in an evening class, it was evident that she was driven, focused, and downright delightful. Mary worked full-time at the Saenger Theater throughout her law school career, and the commitment she made to reach her goal is impressive. In the face of the pandemic, the Hard Rock collapse, and her rigorous case load, Mary still managed to serve the Advocacy Center as the Chair of the ADR Society. She received her family law mediation certificate, supported our competition teams, and was always available to lend a hand. Mary’s desire to help others and her problem solving skills place her on a path of success. Congratulations Mary!
Monica Hof Wallace
Dean Marcel Garsaud Jr. Distinguished Professor
Executive Director, Law Advocacy Center
Wolf Pack Athletics' 2020 Scholar Athletes
This week, Wolf Pack Athletics used its social media channels to honor the 2020 Scholar Athletes: 11 Gold Scholar Athletes who earned a GPA of 4.0, 85 Silver Scholar Athletes with a GPA from 3.5 to 3.9, and 70 Bronze Scholar Athletes with a GPA from 3.0 to 3.4. You can see the full roster of individual and team Scholar Athletes on Wolf Pack Athletics' Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Blue Angels over New Orleans
University photographer Kyle Encar caught these photos yesterday from the seventh floor of West Road garage as the Navy Blue Angels flew over Loyola's campus en route from Dallas to downtown New Orleans. The flyover was part of the U.S. military's "Operation America Strong" and a salute to frontline healthcare workers.
COVID Can't Beat Bateman (or the Leal Family)
Loyola's Bateman team learned today that their Count Where Y'at campaign for the 2020 Census brought home honorable mention at this year's PRSSA Bateman Competition!
PRSSA Headquarters received 57 entries for the PRSSA 2020 Bateman Case Study Competition. Of these submissions, 14 entries received honorable mention and three were chosen as finalists to present their campaigns to a panel of judges on May 15.
The 2020 Loyola Bateman Team
Left to right: Anderson Leal, Anneliese González, Fiorella Velez, and Morgan Badurak
The Bateman team created the Count Where Y'at campaign to work in conjunction with official Census Bureau communications with the goal of educating members of the Loyola campus community and other hard-to-count groups on why being counted in the 2020 Census is important, and on how to participate in the official Census tally.
Not only did the team score honorable mention among some of the toughest Bateman teams in the country, but PRSSA faculty adviser Cathy Rogers wanted to give special recognition to Anderson's contributions despite having the COVID crisis hit his family in the midst of final preparations for the competition:
Shout out to junior Anderson Leal, public relations major, for his teamwork to complete the 2020 PRSSA Bateman entry for the U.S. Census. He and his team members, Morgan Badurak, Anneliese González and Fiorella Velez, had to complete their campaign after campus closed and then work virtually for several weeks to create the 58-page entry.
Anderson showed especially awesome devotion to the project because he was responsible for caring for his parents who both were sick and for the frightening circumstances of admitting his father to the hospital after he tested positive with COVID-19. His virtual teamwork continued from hospital halls, grounds, the emergency room, and while going back and forth from hospital to home to make sure his mom and brother had everything they needed and stayed healthy.
Attached (below) is a pic he texted to me on the glorious day his dad was discharged from the hospital.
Cathy Rogers, Ph.D., APR
Shawn M. Donnelley Professor for Nonprofit Communications
Faculty Adviser, PRSSA, Loyola University New Orleans Chapter
And a follow up to the story: Anderson says that since his dad's release, his parents have been retested for COVID and have both tested negative!
Congratulations, Bateman Team! And all the best to the Leal family for continued good health!
The Maroon Makes its Mark
Last week, The Maroon took home several first place awards from the Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters and Media Editors competition and a few Mark of Excellence Awards from the Society of Professional Journalists!
Wolf Pack jams for a Jazz Fest Friday!
Not only is today Friday, but it would have been this year's first Jazz Fest Friday. Since we can't boogie at the Fair Grounds tonight, let's jam along to some tunes created by members of the Wolf Pack instead!
Meanwhile, the folks in the School of Music Industry are having a Cover Off! It's down to three students — Elena Izquierdo, Sean Hobbes, and Noa Jamir. This week's challenge song was Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely."
Music senior Jenna Hunts recorded this piece just for fun, and to remind everyone to hang in there for just a few more weeks. You can hear more from Jenna — including a Joe Exotic cover performed while dressed as Joe Exotic — on her facebook page.
And for more great sounds from the College of Music and Media, check out the Tiny Dorm Concerts series, including this cover of The Beatles' "Yesterday" by Lillian Aleece and Grayson Word.
Watch them work!
Brown widow spiders. Turtles. Water Management. Local mudcrab Rhithropanopeus. Our Environment Program seniors have been studying these and other topics related to the environment for their four years at Loyola. Today, you can watch their research presentations online during their Senior Capstone Celebration!
Reflections on Creation with Thomas Berry
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Loyola Institute for Ministry has developed a creation-centered reflection on the origins and existence of our universe based on the teachings of the late Thomas Berry, a Catholic priest of the Passionist order, cultural historian, “eco-theologian," and friend of Loyola.
Tuesday YOUsday
Students, this one goes out to you! We’re showcasing just a few of the ways the Wolf Pack has kept on rolling through the last month and into the end of the semester. We couldn't be more proud of everything you've done and all that you continue to do.
We begin today with a shoutout to sophomore Madyson Ferez! Madyson's professor, Jamileh Beik Mohammadi, was so moved by Madyson's upbeat spirit that she felt like she had to share the love:
"While the transition to online teaching has been challenging, I am amazed by the great progress that some of my students made since we started online teaching. Madyson has done exceptionally well adapting to the new situation and keeping spirits up. Last week we had an exam in class and her wonderful performance brought a wide smile to my face and I believe she should be recognized for staying awesome!"
– Jamileh Beik Mohammadi
In Madyson's own words:
"I wouldn’t have ever thought I would be in the middle of something like this. No doubt, it has been hard to be motivated to study or do work, but I feel blessed to have a family that reassures me and friends to call and do study sessions with. And on the bright side, I get to snuggle with my dog while I do my work!"
– Madyson Ferez, Class of 2022
Stay awesome, Madyson! Keep on doing what you do!
Do you have a student or classmate who really shines? Tell the rest of the Wolf Pack how great they are!
Messages from Faculty
Check out this five-minute message from the College of Law faculty to their students, created to encourage them through the online transition and to express how proud they are of their hard work and how much they miss having them in their classrooms.
Watch here: https://vimeo.com/loynolaw/review/403790510/870d756282
And the College of Nursing and Health recorded a video for their students and alumni about these times, about taking care of themselves and those dear to them, and about how these experiences relate to the CNH motto of serving the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
Loyola Gives 19 Thanks
Yesterday evening was a cloudy and windy one in New Orleans, but at 7 p.m. (1900 hours), the bells of Holy Name rang out through the gloom for nine minutes in a show of gratitude for our healthcare workers. The display was part of Louisiana's 19Thanks program, an appreciation for those working on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.
Wolf Pack Gratitude
Did you know that giving thanks is actually good for your health? Multiple studies have shown a link between practicing gratitude and increased happiness, stronger relationships, and a greater ability to manage stressful or challenging times. We couldn’t think of a better time to say thanks to you, Wolf Pack! You’ve been busy spreading gratitude in creative and powerful ways. Take a look!
This week, the Loyola Women's Basketball team took to the team Facebook account to express their appreciation.
"The Loyola New Orleans women's basketball team wants to thank those essential workers closest to us, who are making a difference in so many lives each day!! Thank you!!! #WolfPackNation"
When Loyola alumna Kelsey Brehm '17 heard there weren't enough masks for healthcare workers in area hospitals, she put her sewing skills to work. She has already made more than 300 cloth masks for medical professionals and other essential workers in the community, and she's making more as fast as the donations are coming in!
Just before Easter break, Loyola senior Baasel Syed coordinated with Loyola, UNO, Xavier, and Tulane to donate unused protective lab equipment to local medical providers in need of supplies. Above, Dr. C.J. Stephenson and Dr. Elin Grissom collect equipment from campus. In all, Loyola contributed 30,000 lab-quality latex gloves, 300 disposable gowns, 500 face masks, 300 sets of shoe covers, and three face shields to the fight against COVID-19.
Photographer and 2003 Loyola alumna Elizabeth Bick’s beautiful portraits of essential workers will be featured on the cover of next week's Time Magazine.
And Madeline Janney, President of the Young Alumni Pack, sent us a note from her job at West Jefferson Medical Center:
"Someone made me a Loyola mask and I’m excited to rep the Wolf Pack in these crazy times working at the hospital. Thought y’all would appreciate it! I’ve already bonded over it with some of my patients who are also Loyola alums!"
Welcome back, Wolf Pack!
We hope you had a restful spring break! To help you get into the Loyola swing of things again, here's the Loyola SGA cabinet members' take on the #DontRushChallenge on TikTok, part of the SGA's weekly entertainment! (Scroll down for the full schedule.)
Easter Break
Wolf Pack, we made it to Easter Break! We hope that you’re closing the laptops, logging out of emails, and taking some well-deserved time to relax, as best as you can. And we wish you and your family a healthy and happy Easter.
As we head into the Easter Triduum — a time meant for quiet prayer, reflection, and moments to pause — we would like to share these beautiful reflections, written by Loyola students, on the 14 Stations of the Cross, and invite you to participate in your own stations at home.
A Holy Week Message from Fr. Daffron
Tonight at sundown our Jewish brothers and sisters initiate the sacred time of Passover, and our Christian community continues to journey through Holy Week. During the traditional Jewish Seder dinner, which retells the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, the question is posed: Why is this night different from all other nights?
These nights of Passover and Holy Week will clearly be different from other holy days when we have freely gathered with family and friends to share in the sacred rituals which ground our faith lives. This year we are being invited to let go and enter into deeper creativity, simplicity, generosity, and solidarity as a global community in crisis. Hopefully, our letting go and adapting traditional rituals will open space for the possibility of finding new pathways to encounter God’s presence in our midst.
As we journey through these holy days, please know you and your loved ones are most welcome to join one of the many virtual services being offered by Loyola (see the schedule below) or our neighboring synagogues, Temple Sinai
and Touro Synagogue.
Friends, my prayer this Holy Week is that you and your family enjoy good health and are strengthened through faith, hope, and love. And, if you have any special prayer intentions at this time, please send them to me and they will be included in the prayers at our Easter Vigil.
Peace and Blessings,
Justin Daffron, SJ
It's Holy Week, Wolf Pack!
What has always been a time of community, prayer, and reflection is now a time of self-isolation, staying home, and live-streams of the Holy Triduum Masses (schedule below). But what doesn’t change is our unwavering faith and the goodness we show to each other as members of the Wolf Pack. And speaking of goodness, here’s a message from SGA president Jessamyn Reichmann Young!
"Happy Monday Wolf Pack! I hope everyone's hanging in there and taking care of themselves as we get through these last four weeks. I know this isn't how we imagined ending the academic year, but we've persevered and we're almost there. I've been spending time between Zoom sessions calling family and friends, wrapping up initiatives in the Student Government Association, and reading a new book 'The Water Dancer' by Ta-Nehisi Coates, but I can't wait until I get to walk through Loyola's campus one final time. Keep on doing what you do, Wolf Pack. We've got this."
Jaisa Jessamyn Reichmann Young
Loyola University New Orleans '20
President, Student Government Association
Friday Brain Break with CMM
We made it to Friday, Wolf Pack!
Today, we’re having some fun with two videos from folks from the College of Music and Media. (And if you'd like to see more, check out some of the student work featured on the School of Music Industry's YouTube channel.)
First, here's a quick mix by Antoine Barriere, a 2018 Music Industry - Business grad, who devoted his Mix it Monday series this week to creating a soundtrack encouraging us to keep the social distancing efforts alive.
And here’s professor Billy O’Connell with a riveting theatrical reading of “Alone” from the classic children’s book series, “Frog and Toad.”
What have you been creating in quarantine? Share your story with Heart of the Pack!
Notes from Home
St. Joseph’s Day is a treasured Catholic tradition, especially in New Orleans. Every year since the 1800s, families and churches around the city have gathered on March 19 to build beautiful and intentional altars to honor St. Joseph, who helped Sicilians during a famine in the Middle Ages. These altars are filled with treats, cookies, fruits, and flowers, and the public is welcome to come and enjoy the feast!
Since churches were not able to host altars this year, some in the community honored the tradition by creating their own at home. Tori Luwisch-deLaureal, Director of Law Records in the College of Law, built an at-home St. Joseph’s altar to enjoy with her family while practicing social distancing.
“I took a break from working to create a St. Joseph altar at my house. Though you'd never know it from the last name, my family is Sicilian-American. Observing St. Joseph's Day is integral to our identity as a community, so I couldn't let anything stop this special day of remembrance and gratitude. My sister and sister-in-law also assembled altars, and we all shared our work over FaceTime. This activity brought us such comfort in an unstable time. I was avoiding a trip to the grocery store, so I made the breads from canned pizza dough. :)”
Tori Luwisch-deLaureal
Director of Law Records
How are you and your family getting creative in observing spring holiday traditions? Share your celebrations with Heart of the Pack!
Wolf Pack Reflections
"I'm a senior at Loyola this year and it has definitely been difficult for me to come to the realization that March 11 was my last day ever coming to campus as a student. I transferred to Loyola in the fall of 2017 and it was the best decision I ever made for myself. I instantly felt that this was the place I was meant to go to school. I want to thank my professors for making me feel welcome and for preparing me to feel confident in the art that I make. They really helped me to realize I was pursuing the degree that was right for me. Thank you, Loyola!"
Gillian Zweifler '20
Studio Art