After receiving his bachelor’s degree in his home country of the Philippines, Jose Nebrida desperately wanted to come to the United States. His unlikely path to U.S. took him through Germany and Canada where he applied to master’s programs in both countries, getting rejections from all of them. Loyola University Chicago ultimately gave him hope and his shot at the American dream – Jose earned his master’s degree in Social Work in 1977 and went on to work for the Chicago Board of Education for 30 years. Jose may be retired now, but he hasn’t stopped running – literally. He just ran the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, marking a career total of 177. Jose’s passion to run has taken him to all 50 states and since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the 68-year-old Chicago resident has carried the flag with him on each marathon he has participated in to honor the survivors, victims, and servicemen and women who perished in the tragedy.

What’s your favorite memory of Loyola?

My professors who believed in me and my abilities, and taught me to believe in myself.

If you could go back to school, what Loyola course would you take? Why?

A Master’s in Liberal Arts. I love to read.

Where was your favorite place on campus?

The library.

What is your favorite place in Chicago?

Millennium Park

Why did you decide to become a Social Worker?

I love to help people, especially children.

What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Practice, perseverance, and passion equals perfection.

What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it to others?

I would recommend Reversal by Michael Connelly.

What (or who) inspires you?

Mother Teresa.

If you could travel to any time and place in history, where would you opt to go?

I would go to Florence, Italy during the Renaissance.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?

Jerusalem to walk and pray on the Via Dolorosa.

Describe yourself in three words. I am…

A handsome, avid marathoner

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Thanking God for waking me up

What’s your favorite Chicago pizza place?

Lou Malnati’s

Who would you want to be for a day?

Clint Eastwood.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Fruitcake a la mode.

Which one best describes you in college: athlete, intellectual, artist, young professional, activist, or social butterfly?

Social butterfly.

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