Guess what guys… after many years, Loyola’s annual two-night show, which often featured a musician one night and a comedian the other, won’t continue.
The event has been cancelled since May, current and former Department of Programming (DOP) students said. While DOP is student-run, the decision came from the top of Loyola’s Student Activities and Greek Affairs (SAGA) department without any input from students, according to the DOP students.
The decision was made after Colossus 2018 on March 17. On its second night, comedian Hannibal Buress, told a joke about Catholic priests molesting children. His microphone was cut. The restrictions banned content related to rape, sexual assault, race, illegal drug use and sexual orientation.
While university officials cited financial reasons for Colossus’ cancellation, the students at Loyola said they thought the Buress incident also played a factor.
Now, DOP can’t have a two-night event that weekend and feature a comedian and musician, the students said. It also can’t be called Colossus.
Instead, the students said DOP aims to spread out events featuring big-name guests across the academic year. Having musicians and comedians perform at Loyola is still an option, the students said.
That doesn’t mean an event that holiday weekend is off the table. Because of DOP’s “alternative programming” philosophy, the students said they’ve been brainstorming ideas for another type of event for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, but nothing’s been approved yet.
Loyola Opens Up 2018-2019 Basketball Season With a Win
What a memorable Final Four run we had that captured the nation’s attention a few months ago. Now, Loyola is back at it again with its 2018-2019 season!
The Ramblers opened up with a home game at Gentile Arena against UMKC on Tuesday night! Loyola commemorated the Final Four Season to make the opening game as special as the sentiments were during the heat last semester! Loyola raised its Final Four banner, which joined the team’s 1963 national championship banner and others in the stadium rafters.
“The pregame banner for me was emotional,” Townes said. “Just seeing that banner go up and thinking about last year and what we’ve done to get that banner raised in this arena with all these fans here, the community of Chicago, it meant a lot. I almost started tearing up a little. Me and [Custer] were talking about we wanted to tear up.”
Loyola came off of a 32-6 season that saw them win the Missouri Valley Conference by four games before taking the country by storm with a memorable run in March.
Ramblers Donte Ingram and guard Ben Richardson will not be in season but much of the team’s core is back for another potential run.
Reigning MVC Conference Player of the Year Clayton Custer is back at point guard for Loyola and the senior is flanked by returning double-figure scorers like senior guard Marques Townes and sophomore center Cameron Krutwig. Loyola is also expecting some role players from last season to make a leap, as expectations are high for sophomore Lucas Williamson entering the season.
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, Loyola’s 99-year-old team chaplain who became an international celebrity during the team’s NCAA tournament run, attended the game and delivered a short speech and the pregame prayer, asking God “to remind the referees to call plays as they see them.”She told the crowd, “We all want the same thing tonight, so go Ramblers!”
Fortunately, Loyola took the win! With a lead of 76 to 45 against UMKC!
“It’s who we are,” Moser said. “You have this shared vision of what you are. The guys believe that together we can be higher than we are individually. When you’re together defensively, when you’re together offensively, you can go a lot higher than you can individually. It’s at the core of our culture.”
During the month of October, EcoChallenge takes place, which is a 21-day sustainability engagement program. The challenge takes place October 3 – October 24, 2018. Participants track and share their progress online in a robust platform and earn points for taking action. The combination of collective action, camaraderie, and friendly competition makes change a little easier — and a lot more fun.
During this challenge that took place and ended a few weeks ago, Loyola was on top! Loyola ranked #1 in Illinois and in the top 60 overall!
EcoChallenge provides tools and inspiration to turn intention into action, and gives participants a fun and social way to think about and act on proven solutions that make a difference for you, your community, and the planet. Over 100 actions within nine Challenge categories provide participants with diverse options to take action.
First and foremost, for those of you who don’t know me, I am Husna and I have been working in Loyola’s Undergraduate Admission’s Office since I was a Freshman so this is quite bittersweet, being my last year here. Just to get a little background, I am from Chicago, IL, I love to shop, travel, explore the beautiful city of Chicago, weight lift, and play soccer. Now you’re probably wondering why I decided to come to Loyola and not go out of state for college, but let me tell you… it was definitely the best decision I’ve made. I am also not just saying this because I go to Loyola, or else I would have not been here! I really wanted to go to Loyola all throughout high school and I don’t doubt that one bit till this day.
I love Loyola because the moment I had my first class, I felt so welcomed and comfortable in the environment I was learning in, which was one thing that was super important for me. The intimate class sizes make learning so powerful and that was definitely the moment I knew that I was the type of person who preferred small classes, where my professor knows who I am as a person and I know my professor as well. It is definitely a personal preference, but to my knowledge, a lot of other universities tend to have large lectures, which vary from about 200-300 students in one hall or even like 500-600 for the bigger core classes. Smaller classes are better for me because I like when the professor knows me and its a better chance of getting recommendation letters, more resources, easy participation points (so its not all dependent on exams sometimes) and asking questions in general helps with learning. In this way, if you are the type that is afraid to speak in big crowds, this would be a great chance for you to engage in an environment comfortable for you.
Also, Loyola is a popular school so a lot of students are from out of state, which I think is super cool to have friends from different states so you’re not stuck with the same people from high school intend on meeting new people. Not to mention, Loyola has made it to top universities many times throughout the years, so be sure to check out my older blog posts on that as well!
I don’t live on campus; I commute which is about 45 mins-1 hr, and it is honestly not that bad (to all my commuters). We get a Ventra card so I must say, it is quite tempting to go downtown all the time because of the Loyola campus on Michigan Ave, right by the Water Tower Place. It can be so much fun because not only do we have Ventra cards to take L, we have a shuttle service right on campus so we can go anytime and explore.
Most commonly known for is our lake, of course, but that wasn’t my decision maker. It definitely is a plus because studying there is THE BEST. Our library is so peaceful and aesthetic, which also includes The Harry Potter Room, and besides the library, Loyola has so many cool places to study and chill.
Loyola has lot of programs, whether they are the pre-professional programs offered (such as pre-physical therapy, pre-medicine, pre-dental, pre-law, etc.) and it is very easy to be involved with the hundreds of organizations, clubs, sports, etc. which can build an overall great reputation. Our success rate for careers and graduate schools are really high, so it is evident that our education is of great importance and it definitely pays off within the 4 years.
As a senior (finally) reflecting on my four years at Loyola, I can say it proudly of how grateful I am to be a part of this institute. I’m majoring in Psychology right now with a minor in Exercise Science and not only are my classes so much fun, the professors are extremely helpful and caring. I did get a scholarship which helped a lot, and became involved with the Muslim Student Association and Pakistani Student Association. Through this involvement, I met a lot of my friends and connections and it’s an unforgettable experience.
The last things I would like to mention is that we get an Easter break as well as a mid semester break (fall break) which not a lot of other schools have… so it definitely is a plus and bragging privilege (haha). There are many on campus job opportunities that are offered if you are interested in working as well!
I hope my experience is able to help many of you, and if you do have any questions, please let me know at hafzal@luc.edu and I would be glad to give you some more feedback based on my experience at Loyola!
Can you believe it’s already November? With midterms over, and finals slowly approaching, I’m sure many of us need any break we can get! The good thing is, Presidents Ball is approaching! On November 2nd, 2018, Loyola will hold an annual semi-formal event, which celebrates the accomplishments of the President’s Medallion recipients. One medallion recipient is selected from each of Loyola’s 14 colleges; Arrupe College, Continuing Studies, School of Business, The Graduate School, School of Medicine, School of Law, Pastoral Studies, School of Education, School of Communication, Arts & Sciences, St. Joseph Seminary, Institute of Environmental Sustainability, School of Nursing, and School of Social Work.
Originally, the President’s Medallions were presented during the President’s Ball, a semi-formal dance held in November of each year. The custom has now evolved to presentation of the President’s Medallions earlier in the day at a private reception, dinner, and ceremony. Following this ceremony, the President’s Ball is held to honor President’s Medallion Recipients.
You may wonder, what is the President’s Medallion? Well, the President’s Medallion is one of the most prestigious awards conferred by Loyola University Chicago. A medallion is presented to a single student in each college, school or institute of the University each year. This is quite an accomplishment!
President’s Medallion recipients must meet the following qualifications:
Currently enrolled student expected to graduate in the 2018-2019 academic year;
Rank academically in the upper 25% of his/her class;
Best exemplify a combination of outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service;
Person of integrity and good reputation;
Manifest leadership in serving others through involvement in student organizations or volunteering in community settings.
Loyola University Chicago has awarded the President’s Medallion annually to its most outstanding students for almost 50 years! The President’s Medallions and President’s Ball are longstanding Loyola traditions.
Historically, the President’s Ball has provided an opportunity for student leaders to celebrate the founding of Loyola University, then known as St. Ignatius College, by Jesuit Father Arnold Damen and four other Jesuit priests more than 140 years ago. The spirit of Father Damen has endured to this day and is represented by the recipients of the President’s Medallion.
I hope to see many of you there on a fun and incredible night!
What a weekend it has been! From Nick Jonas performing a burnin’ performance, to Loyola making it to the sweet sixteen, to Loyola’s Pakistani Students’ Association holding an amazing event, to Hannibal Buress getting kicked off of stage! It all happened this weekend, and it couldn’t have been better.
Nick Jonas came to Loyola and fans were in so much excitement. Nick Jonas performed old classics to new ones and the crowd went wild, singing along to every lyric.
The next day, comedian Hannibal Burress was kicked off the stage here at Loyola University after joking about priests molesting kids. Before getting kicked off, the comedian shared an email he received asking him to refrain from cursing– topics including sexual assault. After an extended 15 minute break, Buress was allowed to return to the stage and continue his set. Students expressed how they were “shocked how he can say this at a university performance even after told not to.”
In addition, Loyola University’s Pakistani Student Association held an event called “Explore Pakistan” on Saturday evening. Over 200 students attended and enjoyed the celebration of Pakistani culture. Pakistani food, music, and colorful decorations done by Afrin Designs captured the bursts of colors and blooming of Spring time. All proceeds went towards Doctor’s Hospital in Pakistan. The event had live food stations, performers, dinner, and dances. “It was truly an unforgettable night.”
Students at the event were also in attendance at Loyola’s incredible win! Cheers ran across the entire campus as all students celebrated the win and making it to the sweet sixteen! Clayton Custer’s jumper took a friendly bounce off the rim and in with 3.6 seconds left, and 11th-seeded Loyola beat Tennessee 63-62 in a South Region second-round game Saturday night. The Ramblers (30-5), who won the Missouri Valley tournament, broke the school record for wins set by the 1963 NCAA championship team.
Loyola will play the Cincinnati-Nevada winner in the regional semifinals Thursday in Atlanta.
Loyola is headed to the round of 16 for the first time since 1985, when it lost to Patrick Ewing and Georgetown.
That was also the last time the Ramblers made the NCAA Tournament.
Loyola University Chicago’s Pakistani Students’ Association presents to you the third annual Explore Pakistan. With this year’s theme of “Jashn-e-Bahara,” we are celebrating the season of Spring, bursts of color, new blooms, and Pakistan. Join us in the celebration of Pakistani culture with Pakistani food, music, colorful decorations, and more!
This event will have live food stations, performers, dinner, and dancing.
All attendees must have a ticket to gain entrance.
Loyola Students: FREE tickets w/ID
Non-Loyola Students: $10 [Non-refundable]
Tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis.
Dress to impress: Formal attire is required!
Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m.
Open dance floor at 8:30 p.m.
Doors will close at 8:00 p.m.
All profits will be donated to Doctors Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to a PSA Executive Board member.
***Do not bring and/or come under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If any issues occur, Loyola University Campus safety will strictly and promptly escort you out and will take legal action if necessary***
BE GAME FOR GAME NIGHT!!! Be sure to stop by Palm Court on February 7th 6pm to play Pakistani games and meet the E-board members. Food and drinks will be served!
Come enjoy a night full of fun and games! Meet our E-board members and challenge your friends to your favorite board and card games including Ludo and Carrom! Ludo and Carrom are very popular games played in the Pakistani culture, and if you’ve never played, you’re in for a treat, and a challenge! Stop by for PIZZA, drinks, and to learn about our upcoming events!
Games include:
Ludo
Carrom
Playing Cards
Twister
Uno
Taboo
Jenga
Cards against Humanity
WEDNESDAY February 7th at 6 PM
Mundelein Center, Palm Court *This event is for Loyola Students only*
Be sure to check out the promotional videos for this event on Loyola Pakistani Students’ Association Facebook page!
It’s crazy to think that 2018 is already here. It feels like just yesterday I was in high school with my 5 minute commute back home. One more year to graduation, deadlines approaching, anxiety rising, and one last year of my journey at Loyola.
Winter break was not as eventful as I thought it would be, not to say I didn’t enjoy it. Most of the time, I was trying new recipes, studying for the GRE, attending weddings and parties, volunteering at Community First Medical Center, and stalking LOCUS to check for open classes. It was the time I was able to actually reflect on my 3 years at Loyola and realize how quick things are approaching.
I was able to positively reflect on things as well. As stressed as I am about the graduate school deadlines, GRE exam, taking 19 credit hours, and my overall health this year, I am motivated to strive and do my best in all of these things; one thing for sure though, is that I must prioritize my health. A lot of times, we get so carried away with school or work that we forget to take care of ourselves or don’t really care at that point, but please, if there is anything I would like for all of my current/past/future Ramblers to do this year is to always prioritize your physical and mental health. It is something we don’t talk about often, and don’t realize until it is at toll. There will be moments where you stress, or are unhappy; that is not to say that everything will always go in the direction we don’t want them to, but when they do, let them. I have accepted that things do happen the way they are planned to happen, and rather than hurting myself or my health, do something fun. Get your mind off of it, and just go with the flow. I had many moments where I would start panicking and stressing, but instead of sitting there crying and looking at the thing that was stressing me out, I went out, bought myself some ice cream or went to the gym and got my mind off of it. Sometimes, I would just face time a friend too, as long as I find some sort of distraction.
Take care of yourself first; it won’t be worth it, trust me. I made the mistake before during my 1st and 2nd year of College where I wouldn’t take care of myself and just did whatever was needed to be done. I realized, in those moments, I wasn’t truly happy, nor was I myself. I was forcing and convincing myself to be something or doing something that wasn’t me, and in the end, all I got of it was MORE stress and complications as a consequence of not taking care of myself first.
Be smart, but in the sense that will benefit you first. Trust me, you’ll live a more experiential and happy life if you live life like Dory from Finding Nemo 🙂
Semester is Near the End, Don’t Leave Chicago Just Yet!
Christmas festivities are always fun in Chicago. Christmas vibes are personally my favorite and although finals are coming up, it also means Christmas is! A lot of students at Loyola are not from Chicago, and something to definitely check out before you leave for the holidays is the 22nd Annual Christkindlmarket in Downtown Chicago! This market is inspired by the Christkindlesmarket in Nuremberg, Germany, which began in 1545. The Christkindlmarket Chicago brings a cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm to Chicago. Chicago’s largest open-air Christmas festival was first held on Pioneer Court in 1996. By special invitation of Mayor Richard M. Daley, Christkindlmarket Chicago moved to Daley Plaza in 1997 and has become a staple event on the plaza ever since. With the support of the City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Christkindlmarket Chicago has grown to become one of the most popular winter attractions for locals and tourists alike.
Each year, people from all over the world visit the Christkindlmarket. The outdoor market in the Chicago Loop has become so popular and loved by everyone that any Chicagoan will tell you that they could not imagine the city without it. The Christkindlmarket is no longer just a German tradition, it has become a Chicago institution. The unique shopping experience, typical German food and drinks, as well as diverse holiday entertainment make the Christkindlmarket Chicago a preferred and popular destination.
The best part of it, is that admission is FREE! The Christkindlemarket also has 2 other locations in addition to the one at the Daley; there is one in Naperville and at Wrigley!
There are also educational opportunities as it is the perfect event for teachers and professors of the German language to take their students. At the Christkindlmarket, students have the opportunity to practice skills at the market with numerous German speaking vendors. Several educational activities for students visiting the market include:scavenger hunts, interviews with vendors, or singing German holiday songs for all to enjoy. At the market, students get to experience authentic German traditions without having to travel any farther than the city of Chicago or Naperville. Children can become members of the Kinder Club, a program that gives them opportunities to win prizes as well as get more involved in the history and tradition of the Christkindlmarket. From Kindergardeners to graduate students the message is loud and clear: The Christkindlmarket is fun!
The market is open from November 17 – December 24, 2017 and is open daily:
Sunday – Thursday 11am – 8 pm
Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm
Enjoy yhe wide range of articles include eclectic ornaments that are hand-blown and painted, and cannot be found anywhere else besides the market. Classic German products like nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, and beer steins are always popular items with visitors, too. In addition, the vendors offer toys for all ages, jewelry, clothes, home décor, and wooden handicrafts. Some vendors even demonstrate how their handicrafts are made at the market, for example, a wood carver demonstrates his unique carving technique and visitors can purchase his creations directly from the workbench.
The most popular bits and pieces offered by the vendors are the large assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks and candied treats. Visitors can smell the tempting aromas from the sausages, potato pancakes, Strudel, and many other delicacies throughout the market. Glühwein, a traditional German holiday market hot spiced wine, has been perfected to please the palate and warm the heart. This beverage is so special that it comes in a souvenir cup shaped like a boot, decorated with the market’s signature logo and year. German beer that will quench any thirst also flows from the vendors’ tap. The assortment of roasted nuts, sweet cakes and pastries, or German chocolates and candied goodies are sure to leave all sweet-toothed visitors satisfied.
