Jim Sweany earned his Bachelor in Business Administration in 1971, and went on to get an MBA at DePaul University. His professional career began at Bell & Howell and eventually led to employment at Gatorade and PepsiCo. Born and raised in Chicago, Jim has participated in numerous civic, parochial and archdiocesan volunteer opportunities. Among one of his most lasting contributions is serving as chairman of Old St. Pat’s first two block parties – now called the “World’s Largest Block Party.”

His spirit of service has been recognized many times over as he is the recipient of the Irish Fellowship Club’s Richard J. Daley Award, the alumni medal from St. Ignatius College Prep (his high school alma mater), and the Archdiocese’s Christifideles Award.

Married 32 years, he and his wife, Fern, are proud parents of two sons: Sean, a Notre Dame graduate, and Jack, engineering student at Marquette.

What’s the most enduring lesson you learned at Loyola?

I learned that people and how we relate to one another is what really matters.

What’s one of your favorite memories of Loyola?

In a Christian Marriage course with Fr. Filas, and we were required to write an incredibly long paper for one of his assignments.  A fellow classmate, who will remain anonymous, did not believe Fr. Filas would ever read all the papers, so he wrote in his paper that he would buy Fr. Filas a pack of cigarettes if he read his paper. When Fr. Filas was handing back the graded papers, he called the classmate by name and said, “You owe me a pack of cigarettes. And by the way, you received an F.” We all had a good laugh on that one.

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

Actually, I am back in school at Loyola! I am enrolled in the Institute of Pastoral Studies and taking courses in Ignatian Spirituality. My volunteer activity and involvement with the Ignation Volunteer Corps (IVC) lit a fire in me. I am enjoying the courses and my grades are better than the last time. It’s great to be back at Loyola. They even gave me the same ID number I had as an undergrad. I am told it may be the lowest active student ID number in the university. Go Ramblers!

What’s your favorite place on campus?

A comfy front row chair overlooking Lake Michigan at the Klarchek Information Commons.

What led you to volunteering with the Ignatian Volunteer Corps?

I initially volunteered at Christ the King on my own for 15 months before joining the Ignatian Volunteer Corps. I was very committed to the mission of the school, however, I didn’t feel I was getting everything I had hoped for from the experience. Two fellow volunteers were IVC members and explained the program and the benefits they drew from it. I decided to join the IVC and it has made a real difference in how I view and feel about my volunteer effort. Transitioning from being in corporate management for 36 years to a volunteer role didn’t come all that easy for me. The IVC help me understand the Ignatian volunteer role as one of service to the poor and disadvantaged. I was not there to govern, but to serve. The IVC added a spiritual dimension to the experience that totally enriched my volunteer effort. I have also met a wonderful group of men and women who are committed to giving their time and talent in service to others. They are joy to be with.

What’s the most meaningful part of your servicing at Chicago’s Christ the King High School?

All the students at Christ the King come from backgrounds with limited resources that preclude them from paying tuition for a private college prep school education. At Christ the King, however, the students pay most of their tuition by working entry level intern jobs five days a month at banks, law firms, health care facilities and a variety of different businesses. I spend my time coaching and mentoring the student interns on their work endeavors. They are a very talented group of young people and have inspiring dreams about their future. It is very joyful to work with them and watch them take on new challenges and blossom. This June we will graduate our first class of students. The last couple months have been exceptionally thrilling and exciting as the students received their acceptance letters to college. Every senior has been accepted to a college or university, and there is tremendous energy at the school. I am very joyful and proud of what our students have accomplished.

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

Think for yourself and stand up for what you believe. Remember: to think is easy, to act is difficult, to act according to what one believes is the most difficult of all.

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

I am reading two books: The first one in an autobiography by former Illinois Senate President Phil Rock entitled Nobody Calls Just to Say Hello and the second one is The Emergent Christ by Ilia Delio. Phil and I are fellow Westsiders. Phil is also Loyola alum. If you are into local politics, Rock’s book rocks. Delio is a little heavy, but quite fascinating. Faith and politics always make an interesting combination.

What (or who) inspires you?

Creation in all forms inspires me – people, nature, art, architecture, music, literature, poetry, theatre, dance, etc.

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

I would like to have heard Jesus preach.

Describe your perfect day.

Being with my family always makes for a perfect day. If we are in Ireland, it’s all the better.

If you could affect positive change for others, what pronouncement would make the world a better place?

The reign of peace and justice on earth begins now – no exceptions.

As an actor, Mike Spitz (MSW ’99) strived to become the character; as a film director he coaxed the character out of his actors; but as a photographer, he wants you to see the subjects as people: not just as characters. Spitz originally attended NYU for theatre and then moved to Chicago to pursue a career in acting. While in Chicago, Spitz enrolled at Loyola and earned his MSW in 1999. Today, this Los Angeles-based therapist/artist uses his love of photography and clinical training as a social worker to show the faces and humanity of the mentally ill. Spitz credits his experience working with the mentally ill population and a strong social consciousness for leading him into this project.  If you’re interested in viewing Spitz’s work online, visit www.mikespitz.com and www.f9gallery.com.

What is the most enduring lesson you learned at Loyola?

That compassion for others–like the people we work with as therapists speech–can take time to develop,  grow, and can be nurtured.

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

More photo and literature classes.

Why did you decide to become a social worker?

As a teenager, I always worked with challenged people. I like kids and feel that I can help them. Also being a therapist and working in psychology goes well together with film, drama, and photography, which also explore people’s lives.

What is the most interesting part of your job?

Face to face interaction with my patients–exploring their worlds and perspectives–and when they have a breakthrough or self-discovery. Using play and art therapy is also exciting.

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

Do, don’t think. When I as 14 or 15, my boss at a shoe store told me this because I was thinking too much as I was counting the change at the cash register. I hated him, but he was right. I don’t always follow it, but when I do, I get good results.

What (or who) inspires you?

Bob Dylan, Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus, William Eggleston, Henry Miller, Charles Bukowski, John Fante, George Harrison, John Lennon

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

Either Paris in the 1930′s, living the Bohemian life as a photographer, filmmaker, or writer, OR during Shakespeare’s times far away in London or the English countryside, like the Cotswolds.

Describe your perfect day.

Wake up early, go out to breakfast with my girlfriend, go to a farmers market, take a drive into the mountains or along the Pacific Coast, have lunch, coffee, dinner, take pictures, stay in a cozy lodge at night with a fireplace. Or, walk around Paris. I’m a romantic.

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

Greek Islands–it’s out in the ocean, isolated, winding streets, people with character and with great faces. And exotic locations where I can take black and white photos, eat great food, plenty of antiquity, mystery, romance.

Describe yourself in three words. I am…

Loyal, creative, patient

Who would you want to be for a day?

A young Bob Dylan

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

Artist

After a year as a student at the John Felice Rome Center, a degree in Classics (’92), and two more years back in Rome working as a Student Life Assistant at the JFRC, Brian Fitzpatrick may seem like an unlikely candidate to be revolutionizing the modern digital world, but that is just what he’s doing. The founder of Google’s Chicago engineering office, Brian is a tireless advocate for the open Web, open data, and open source. Ever one to follow his passion, he has found a way to combine two things he loves, software engineering and the city of Chicago, to co-create ORD camp with a colleague two years ago to bring passionate members of the Midwest’s technical community together for a show-and-tell-and-create conference unlike any other. In 2010, his talent and charisma earned him a spot on Crain’s Chicago Business’ 40 under 40.

What is the most enduring lesson you learned at Loyola?

It’s better to have people respect you for who you are and what you do rather than your title or what you have.

What is your favorite memory of Loyola?

My three years at the John Felice Rome Center. That time truly changed my life.

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

Dr. John Nicholson’s Art in Rome.

Where was your favorite place on campus?

At Rome Center: the courtyard

At Lake Shore Campus: the lounge on the 5^th floor of Crown Center. I spent tons of time up there since almost all my Latin and Greek classes were in the department on that floor.

What is your favorite place in Chicago?

My newly restored 1912 Arts and Crafts Foursquare. Second favorite: the lakefront.

Why did you decide to become a software engineer?

I never decided to do it, I just fell into it as a hobby and found that I truly loved writing software as a creative endeavor. I then got a job doing it for a living and I was hooked. I basically followed my passion and here I am!

What is the most interesting part of your job?

When I was an engineer, I loved the creative process of writing software. As an engineering manager, I love building successful teams and bringing the vision of myself and others to reality.

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

“I don’t care what career you choose, just as long as you put your heart and soul into whatever it is that you do.” My Grandfather, Alvin W. “Nick” Fitzpatrick

What (or who) inspires you?

I’m deeply inspired by beauty and passion. From architecture to nature to people who create things, I’m constantly amazed at the beauty that can be found everywhere around us.

Describe your perfect day.

An autumn day walking in the leaves with my wife.

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

Rome, it’s definitely my second home.

Describe yourself in three words. I am…

Not too serious.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

A very quiet alarm clock.

What’s your favorite Chicago pizza place?

Trattoria D.O.C. (I loathe deep dish)

Who would you want to be for a day?

Kurt Vonnegut

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

None really, but if you’re going to put a gun to my head, I’d say artist.

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.

While Stephanie didn’t begin her academic career at Loyola, she finished it with force in 2003 when she received a BS in Psychology, graduating summa cum laude. As one of the founders of Loyola’s Mock Trial team, Stephanie spent countless hours ironing out the details of developing a competitive group. After college, Stephanie found her calling as a children’s book author and publisher. Now based out of Marietta, Georgia, Stephanie’s most recent book, Baby Santa, the first in a holiday series of books, was released in September 2010.

What’s the most enduring lesson you learned at Loyola?

My LUC education taught me that things are not always as they appear, especially concerning social justice and prejudice. I was honored to be at a school that cared enough about its students and society to teach about these values.

What is your favorite memory of Loyola?

I loved my two years at Loyola after two years at Boston University. Loyola provided an environment of truly caring teachers. Professors Mike Walsh (introduction to law) and Carol Martin (writing) were my most memorable teachers. Professor Martin helped me refine my writing skills!

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

More writing courses; I had no idea I would be an author!

Why did you decide to become an author?

I did not decide to become a children’s book author. The five stories I’ve written just came to me like bolts of lightning. I wrote Baby Santa in an hour on scrap paper on an airplane tray table. I credit this to God and the thousands of hours I spent reading to my girl.

What is the most interesting part of your job?

The best part of writing a book is having 2-year-olds all the way up to 90-year-olds laugh out loud when I read the story. I never thought of myself as a comedian, but I guess I am!

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

The End of Overeating, by David Kessler – I would recommend it because it is full of scientific evidence and amazing laboratory findings that help you understand and alter your eating habits.

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

I am pretty happy with now but I guess the 1950s, before technology made life so hectic and demanding of our time. I hate that phones, internet, TV, cell phones, PDAs, wireless internet, etc., bombard us all day long and we are constantly multitasking.

If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, action film, or science fiction?

Drama with some comedy. I am both a serious and type “A” person, but I never forget to laugh and be spontaneous.

Describe your perfect day.

Being with my family with nothing to do and being unplugged from technology (except going to a movie – Megamind was surprisingly awesome).

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

Egypt. I have already been when I was 14 and it was just mesmerizing! Amazing that they could do all that without modern technology!

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

My daughter – literally and figuratively.

What’s your favorite Chicago pizza place?

Ranalli’s in Lincoln Park.

Who would you want to be for a day?

The Pope. I contemplated being a nun, and I would love to go back to that time of heightened spirituality.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Goobers and chocolate-covered strawberries

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

Young professional. I took six courses every semester at Loyola – I had to get special permission from the dean. I also was a congressional intern for Senator Peter Fitzgerald. This experience, for class credit, was definitely something I would not have had the chance to do at any of those schools I turned down to go to Loyola. It gave me a sense of importance and confidence to be able to work at a high-profile level.

Jay graduated from Loyola in 2007 with a BA in International Studies from the College of Arts and Sciences (and was the CAS – Arts Commencement Speaker) before going on to earn a Master’s degree in international relations with an emphasis on international economic development from Seton Hall. While he makes his home in New York, Jay is a literal globe-trotter, traveling the world to work on economic issues ranging from climate change to nuclear non-proliferation. He’s worked with several organizations, including the British Embassy in Washington DC, the United Nations Association, and the Center for Terrorism and Intelligence Studies. A semester at the John Felice Rome Center may have tickled his appetite for a global lifestyle, though he also enjoys playing and watching sports, eating, and hanging out.

What’s the most enduring lesson you learned at Loyola?

The most enduring lesson I learned while at LUC is the value of hard work and perseverance. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am now, and will not be where I hope to be in the future.

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

I would probably take the environment course offered by then-Commissioner Mike Quigley. I always really wanted to take this course, but could never fit it in my schedule. And, that information would have helped me in my current job!

Where was your favorite place on campus?

Without a doubt, the Ashtray [more properly known as Weil Plaza].

What is your favorite place in Chicago?

I really like Grant Park. It was a nice place to get together with friends and relax.

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

Never settle for less than your best.

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

I am reading a couple of books right now. The Climate Fix by Roger Pielke, In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O’Brien, and The People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn.

What (or who) inspires you?

Determination.

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

1215 to witness the signing of the Magna Carta, which is one of the foundational documents from which our basic rights emerge.

If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, action film, or science fiction?

Unfortunately, I think it would be a romantic comedy. Maybe like a good one though, like Love Actually.

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

I have always wanted to visit Mongolia. I hear it’s an experience unlike anything else. The food, culture, language…it’s all very different.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

The desire to not fail and disappoint people.

What’s your favorite Chicago pizza place?

Giordano’s

Who would you want to be for a day?

A comedian or a surgeon

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

I would say social butterfly, but that might be a function of me not fitting into any of the other categories!

A double major in computer science and theatre, Dominic Tancredi (BA, BS ’04) is the CEO of Dom & Tom, Inc. Following his 2004 graduation, he was involved with the Chicago theatre scene before moving to New York. He freelance programmed by day and acted with Young Mirror and other off-off-off Broadway companies by night. In between, he backpacked around Asia, Africa, and Europe, learned guitar, basic Italian, and wrote and directed several short films for indie competition (quite the Renaissance man!). Recently, he and his twin brother started Dom & Tom, Inc. a mobile app and Web development studio, so that he could fulfill his lifelong dream of having fun every day.

What is the most enduring lesson you learned at Loyola?

Everything relates to everything else, and everyone relates to everyone else. Other schools told me I had to specialize in one field of study, but I wanted to learn about a variety of things, and Loyola said, “If you want to know it, we’ll teach it, and how it relates to everything else.” If you don’t believe me, take “Intro to Fiction” after a year-and-a-half of history, science, philosophy, art, theology, and your field of choice.

What is your favorite memory of Loyola?

It’s a triple tie.

First, warming up with my cast for The Ghost Sonata at Sky [now Mundelein Center]. I made a special mix-tape for us, and we circled up, and did this funky monkey-see, monkey-do dance stretch that went on for 15+ minutes that was a non-verbal, unifying goof-mess. I was lucky with them taking a chance on me to direct them for the first studio show of the season.

Then, right before we opened, I had them lie on the floor and talked them through imagining the entire life of their characters, from birth to death, and the best and worst moments in between. Watching them trust themselves and their characters hit me hard.

Finally, opening night of The Ghost Sonata and The Stronger in the studio theatre broke my heart.

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

In computer science, “Objects, Frameworks, and Patterns” I toootally missed the boat on Patterns; in theatre, “Advanced Play Direction.” I’d re-take if Professor Ann would let me (you could take that class every year and learn something new); and anything by Prof. James Blachowicz. He could teach his Black-Box Theory (read his book) or why up is down and left is right, and I’d be there.

What is your favorite place in Chicago?

Front-row seat at the Viaduct watching the House; the Athenauem, watching Hypocrites; or $7 balcony seats at Goodman watching Zimmerman/Ostling rock-out.

Why did you decide to become a Technocrat?

I’ve always written–stories, ideas, computer programs, theatre/film scenes. After acting and building out other people’s dreams, it made sense to start Dom & Tom with my brother Tom and build our dreams out. After a while, you ask yourself “How can I make the world a better place?” Hopefully, the answer is something you’ll like. And if you do your job right, the world will too.

What is the most interesting part of your job?

The challenges we’re presented with and our solutions to them.

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

Sometimes there’s more to the world than you.

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

Just finished Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. I’d recommend The Hunger Games trilogy. It’s an awesome/subtle reflection of America’s obsession with celebrity, war, children, and death sport games. Kind of like the Kumite with kids. And, yes, it’s better than Battle Royal (which was about Japan’s obsession of success in group dynamics). Also, anything by Neal Stephenson–the man’s unstoppable, ’nuff said.

What (or who) inspires you?

There’s this girl I know who doesn’t take crap from anyone, manages her own business, travels everywhere, lives on her own terms, loves unconditionally, goes to bed on time, challenges everything I say, and has a cool cat. Everything she does inspires me. The cat inspires me to nap more.

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

The future, anywhere in the solar system, at least 200+ years. That or 1907 Stockholm, to work with my best buddy August Strindberg on building his Intimate Theatre. We’d eat herring and discuss fantastical things that can be done on a 6×9 stage. He’d probably let me get away with some of my theatrical ideas.

Describe your perfect day.

I wake up. Everyone’s still there.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Le joie de vivre

What’s your favorite Chicago pizza place?

Rosatti’s in my suburb, Villa Park. Been going there since I was 8. Amazing sauce.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

DOTA (custom map in Warcraft 3): only at night, only after midnight, and only for a few rounds. I’ve been playing it for 10 years and it still doesn’t get old.

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

When they were making boxes to put people in, I think I was dozing…but I keep revolving through each one of those. Except activism; I’m actively passive on issues.

Zach graduated from Loyola in 2008 with a BA in communication. During his senior year, Zach enrolled in a class called Solutions to Environmental Problems (STEP): Biodiesel. The class allowed students to work on enacting real change by solving environmental problems the University was facing. He notes “it was the best class I had ever taken” and as a result he found himself spending extra time in the lab each week. After graduation, he was offered a job as the biodiesel lab manager in the Center for Urban Environmental Research and Policy, a position which he currently holds while also working on his MBA in the Graduate School of Business.

What is the most enduring lesson you learned at Loyola?

Have fun! Whether I’m hanging out with friends, in class, or at work, I try to make it fun. My barista at Starbucks put it well recently after he slipped and almost fell, “If you can’t laugh at yourself and have a good time, you’re going to live a rather sad life.” I have to constantly remind a certain friend of mine to calm down, smile, and just enjoy the day.

What is your favorite memory of Loyola?

Midnight Football – On Thursday nights at midnight we would go play tackle football out on Halas Field under the lights. Middle of the winter, sliding through mud pits, getting speared by a girl outraged at your 20-yard gain…those are my best memories and they are still my best friends. P.S. I’m dating that girl!

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

I am actually in the Graduate School of Business right now. But if I could take an undergrad course it would be a dance class. I took modern dance pass/fail senior year and had a blast.

Where was your favorite place on campus?

For a student film project I got access to the green roof on top of the Quinlan Life Science Building and the roof of Damen Hall. Those two places tie as my favorite.

What is your favorite place in Chicago?

The small garden just south of the entrance to the Art Institute on Michigan Ave. In summer the low trees, stone paths, and fountains make a great location to escape the heat and read a book.

Why did you decide to become a biodiesel lab manager?

I love plumbing and power tools, plain and simple. That and the fact that I get to work with a great group of people at Loyola to create a truly unique biodiesel program that was built and still run by students is just amazing. I love going to work everyday.

What is the most interesting part of your job?

Almost everyday I do something new, different, and strange. To sum up a typical day, I pull a wagon around the neighborhood collecting used cooking oil to turn into biodiesel and then make soap from the byproducts. I am the only professional I know that gets to pull a wagon on a regular basis.

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

“It’s a magical world, Hobbes, ol’ buddy…let’s go exploring”–Bill Watterson Calvin and Hobbes from the final strip of the legendary comic strip.

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

Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol. I think this book has everything I could ask for: secret societies, murder, spy agencies, and historical facts built in.

What (or who) inspires you?

My mother inspires me. After my dad died 10 years ago she managed to send four children to Jesuit high schools and universities. She has been our rock and a great friend.

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

I would like to go back and witness the invention of something completely useless and then stick around to see the inventor’s face when they made millions, like the guy who invented pogs … it’s cardboard for heaven’s sake.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

90′s music blasting out of my cell phone every other minute after snoozing a minimum of eight times.

What’s your favorite Chicago pizza place?

Lou Malnati’s – There’s no arguing this one, hands-down winner.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Singing awful, truly awful music at the top of my lungs with my sister while we drive around. We have similar musical taste, but for some reason choose some horribly catchy tween hits to rock out.

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

I think intellectual would be the best fit, if only because I wasn’t at work when Jeopardy was on and I love the History Channel. School had little to do with it.

Sadia Ashraf graduated from Loyola University Chicago with her master’s in English, specializing in postcolonial studies, in 2000. Currently, she is the outreach coordinator and fundraising specialist for Central Asia Institute. Founded by Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, Central Asia Institute is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports community-based education, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Prior to joining Central Asia Institute, Sadia worked as an art history research director, a public mural artist, and a freelance writer. Sadia and her husband live in Illinois with their two children.

What’s the most enduring lesson you learned at Loyola?

My professors challenged us to exceed our own expectations and pushed us harder by never being thoroughly satisfied. My sometimes quick or lethargic output halted and I began to question the validity of my own research. Ultimately, for my professional work it was an enduring lesson and taught me to be more meticulous.

What’s your favorite memory of Loyola?

Once, Dr. Janangelo asked me write something during a pedagogical presentation in my native language, Urdu, it got my fellow grad students really interested and they had me fill the board with various sentences–some were downright silly.

Why did you decide to become an Outreach Coordinator?

I read Three Cups of Tea in 2006 and had an epiphany. I had hitherto always been critical of the educational system in Pakistan and the solutions Greg Mortenson provided to building bridges of peace across cultures inspired made me to get on board.

What’s the most interesting part of your job?

I get to travel internationally and nationally and meet the most intriguing people in the world: whether they are authors, politicians, celebrities, readers of Three Cups of Tea, or primary students that study in the schools in Central Asia.

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

My husband said to me when we were newly married (11 years ago): “Look inside yourself for life’s direction: not outside.”

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

The Alchemist and Mirror to the Blind by Tehmina Durrani. I would highly recommend the latter to anyone interested in humanitarianism and peace.

What (or who) inspires you?

Pakistani philanthropist/rock star Shehzad Roy and, of course, my boss Greg Mortenson. I feel blessed to have them as real-life inspirations and mentors.

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

Be a part of the secret society of Pre-Raphaelites.

If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, action film, or science fiction?

It would be a drama-romantic comedy, action- documentary.

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

Mauritania [a country in northwest Africa] – I grew up there and have lots of childhood memories.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

The thought that every action we implement at our organization helps a child in the developing world.

What’s your favorite Chicago pizza place?

Lou Malnati’s. I love sushi though ….they should make sushi pizza.

Who would you want to be for a day?

The curator at Louvre.

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

Activist

Joe Schlipman is originally from Denver. He graduated with honors from Loyola University Chicago with a BBA in 1996 and earned his MBA at the University of Miami. Upon graduating from Loyola, Joe and his wife moved to Miami and he started working for Royal Caribbean Cruises, LTD, where he is currently the director of onboard revenue. Joe has worked for Royal Caribbean for the last ten years. He has held various leadership roles within the sales organization, including a quick relocation to Charlotte, where he was in charge of the Mid-Atlantic sales region. In addition to a hectic work schedule, Joe is also a father of two children, Claudine, age 5, and Balen, age 2. He and his wife recently renovated a historic Spanish home in Coral Gables, Florida, which they now call home.

What’s the most enduring lesson you learned at Loyola?

I went to a Jesuit High School (Regis in Colorado) and Loyola University Chicago and am confident that I got one of the best educations possible not only because of the institution, but also because of the role models that I met there.

What’s your favorite memory of Loyola?

Every Tuesday afternoon, Father Jerry Overbeck and I had a standing racquetball reservation and would enjoy dinner afterwards. I still miss the days that I would occasionally win!

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

Spanish. Even after living in Miami, I still can’t pick up Spanish! Can you believe my wife and her family speak Spanish fluently, and I still can’t seem to learn? So frustrating… I guess some people just have a knack for that.

Where was your favorite place on campus?

Halas Sports Center was great, but I always enjoyed my Wednesday nights at Cheers (this is definitely dating me) and Thursdays at Hamilton’s.

What’s your favorite place in Chicago?

Wrigley Field on any afternoon

Why did you decide to become a director of onboard revenue?

This is the type of job that you don’t set out to “be” one day. In 2007, I was asked to work on a struggling joint venture project between Magic Johnson Enterprises, GOGO Worldwide Travel, and CruiseshipCenters to bring travel franchises to Urban America. Unfortunately, due to many circumstances, the project did not get off the ground and within six months I launched and closed down a business. It happened to be perfect timing as a position was just opening in the hotel operations division at Royal Caribbean under the same executives who asked for my help the year before…and here I am!

What’s the most interesting part of your job?

I recently played a large role in the retail areas onboard the new Oasis of the Seas, which has received media attention around the world. It has been an incredible project to be a part of. Our maiden voyage was on December 1, 2009.

Essentially, my job involves the money our guests spend onboard our ships: gift shops, spa and fitness areas, photography, Internet, cell phone, art auctions, weddings, temporary tattoos, and our port shopping guides, so my day never has a dull moment. I get to work with some incredible partners in the industry and get to make the company money while providing great services to our guests. It’s the perfect job!

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

I have received so much great advice from friends, family, and colleagues over the years! I credit them for making me the individual that I am today…but they’ve all given the same “themed” advice, which is “don’t rest on your laurels.” Too many times, people can get complacent and just rest on their previous achievements and not continue to push themselves further.

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

For non-fiction readers, I continue to reread the book Prioritize! by Joe Calhoon and Bruce Jeffrey. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for inspiration to lead a successful business.

For fiction readers, I recently jumped on the vampire bandwagon and read the Twilight series. The movies have been quite popular, but the book by Stephenie Meyer is a wonderfully entertaining novel.

Describe your perfect day.

Just returned from an inaugural voyage on Oasis of the Seas with my wife, and I must say it was quite an experience and a perfect day. Is it bad that a vacation without the kids is a perfect day? That’s going to sound awful in print….

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

There are so many places to list. (I am all about experiencing a new place on each vacation selection)…If I had the time, I would love to go on an around the world cruise that stopped all over Asia, Africa, and Europe… just live aboard the ship and let it take me from destination to destination.

Describe yourself in three words.

FULL OF IT!

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

My 20-month-old son who (like clockwork) is up at 6:30 a.m. everyday without fail! I haven’t used an alarm clock in five years since I have two very young children. Luckily, my daughter likes to sleep in, like “Daddy!”

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

That is difficult. I would say a mix between young professional, athlete, and social butterfly. I was working various jobs for the majority of my junior and senior years and had some great times my freshman and sophomore years. But all four years I enjoyed my time playing intramural sports and met some great people as a result. I was on one of the first rugby clubs and played on all kinds of intramural teams like basketball, football, and softball.