Tag: Lake Shore Campus

Spring on Campus

Spring on Campus

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There is nothing better than Spring time on campus when all of the snow has melted away and the flowers begin to bloom. Even on a cloudy or rainy day, Loyola’s campus looks beautiful. Below I’m sharing some of my favorite photos of campus this season:

Photo Credit: Lindsy Fagerstrom
Tulips bloom near the Mundelein Center Fountain at Lake Shore Campus. Photo Credit: Lindsy Fagerstrom

 

Photo Credit: Lindsy Fagerstrom
View of Chicago’s historic Water Tower from Loyola’s Water Tower Campus. Photo Credit: Lindsy Fagerstrom

 

Photo Credit: @marcellobdm via Instagram
Taking in the view of the East Quad at the Lake Shore Campus. Photo Credit: @marcellobdm via Instagram

 

Photo Credit: @m1ggyy via Instagram
Enjoying the view of the Information Commons at the Lake Shore Campus. Photo Credit: @m1ggyy via Instagram

 

Photo Credit: @wheresjennau via Instagram
Trees being to bloom outside of Cudahy Hall at the Lake Shore Campus. Photo Credit: @wheresjennau via Instagram

 

Photo Credit: Christina Hernandez
The sun reflects over Lake Michigan at the Lake Shore Campus. Photo Credit: Christina Hernandez

 

If these photos haven’t sold you on Loyola, come visit campus for yourself! If you’re an admitted student who’s ready to commit to Loyola, submit your deposit now before May 1st!

 

 

Employee Appreciation Day

Employee Appreciation Day

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Walking into my exam, last Thursday I realized that I needed my coffee fix.  I am a coffee drinker, yes.  Coffee is on deck 24/7, like almost every other fellow rambler!  I decided to stop and get a coffee when I saw Brenda!  I have known Brenda for a long time, like Rambler Room long time!  She has always been so welcoming and friendly.  When I saw her, I had to stop her and congratulate her for Employee Appreciation Day.  I only knew about it because I heard another worker talking about it.

The coffee shops were decorated with balloons and the employers were wearing beads.  I thought it was a very nice gesture, and I hope they were thanked by all of their hard work!  Brenda and I talked for a while about the new shop and how much Loyola has changed.  We were both reminiscing about the Mertz dining hall and Rambler room.  These memories made me feel so sad that I was graduating!  It has been a long time coming and Loyola became my home.  It is so difficult to wrap my head around the fact that I will never step foot as an undergraduate, again.

Brenda congratulated me for graduating and asked me what my future plans were.  She told me that she was excited for me and that she hopes to see me again, some day!  I think I will.  The friends that you make at Loyola become lifetime friends.  I never realized how true this was: you meet your best friends in college.

Thank you for the friendships, Loyola!

Southside Market

Southside Market

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May 8th is quickly approaching and so are the final papers, presentations, research labs, and exams.  As I was walking through Damen, I decided to stop at the smoothie stop.  I figured why not?  I am going to graduate soon, and I have not had the luxury to look at all the new buildings.  I tried a sample of the smoothie, and it was delicious!

Then, I decided to visit my first dormitory as a freshman: Simpson.  It brought back so many memories!  It was bittersweet, as I saw all the new freshman walking into the dining hall.  That used to be me.  Time flies so fast that it is absolutely nerve-wrecking.  However, I saw something that made me utterly upset!

The Southside market was gone.  New offices have taken the place of the small, but efficient market.  It was sad to realize that Loyola is everything that it used to be, but with newer buildings and people.  Therefore, it is but it isn’t the same.  Does that make sense?

It made me upset that new students will never know what the Rambler Room or the Southside market was.  However, I understand that they are going to have many new memories with the new market on Sheridan Rd., Potbelly, and Damen.  However, this is metaphorically what happens when you grow up right: everything around you seems to change.

RIP Southside: you were very convenient during finals week. ;(

 

A Short Ramble (no pun intended)

A Short Ramble (no pun intended)

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35 days until Graduation Day, but no one is counting.  Wow, Class of 2015, we did it!  Guys, it is so hard to not make this a mushy post.  I really don’t want to, but I might have to.  The other day, as I was walking to my Tu/Thur 10 am class, I ran into an old friend who was just leaving Biochemistry class.  I spoke to her briefly and we caught up on our plans.

She asked me why I was not pre-medicine anymore, and I told her my interest in pursuing a graduate degree in something else.  She has always been so sweet and when I found out that she was still pre-med, I was so excited!  She has worked so hard and has gotten exceptional grades.  You want to know how?  She did not have to tell me for me to realize her smart techniques!  I know she tried very hard in each class, but she always…ALWAYS…made study groups.

If you are new to Loyola, or if you are already a Rambler, listen carefully: make study groups.  Besides the fact that it is much more fun (avoid going with your best friends because you will just end up having rap battles – true story), it is very helpful!  I am not sure why this makes us remember information better.  Perhaps because we are making connections between the time when Amanda sneezed while she was explaining the Krebs cycle?  (What is this: true story #2?)  All I know is that this is how I made many of my friends, as well!

I am going to get mushy, now.  When my friend told me that she was studying every day for the MCAT, it made me feel so proud and happy about being a Rambler.  I did feel sympathy because I remember studying for the MCAT, but the sole fact that she was studying was what made me happy.  I am so appreciative that I had the opportunity to study in such a prestigious University; nonetheless, the people here are beyond smart and helpful.  My peers are amazing people and it is such a great feeling to share a passion for education with all of these people.

If you are debating between which university to attend, let me give you a hint: pick Loyola.  You will not be disappointed! 🙂

Until next time!

 

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias at Loyola!

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias at Loyola!

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Saturday night was epic.  I mean I’m a girl that always cracks up jokes, even when I’m the only laughing time after time.  So for me to see Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias live was beyond perfect!  I am so glad that my boyfriend talked me into buying tickets!  After a crappy week of feeling super sick it was nice to feel better and laugh my tears out!

Before the show started there were already many, many people lined up at the entrance of the doors.  It was worth the cold wait, as we were not too far behind!  We were able to get floor seat, but TO MY LUCK I sat next to a tall person (I’m only 4’11).  Even though, I couldn’t get a direct view of Fluffy, I was still able to see him perform via the screens.

His friend and the famous “Maaaaaartin” kicked off the show!  Following him were two other comedians until Fluffy came out.  I cannot express how funny he was!  At one point my boyfriend was in tears.  Unfortunately, we were refrained from taking pictures and/or videos.

My favorite part was when one student “booed” Fluffy when he stated that hybrids were a good example of doing “good to nature.”  Fluffy just said “Oh, really?” and went through an entire joke to shut him up.  He picked on him for the rest of the night.  Actually, I do not think that he ever got to the hybrid joke because he trailed off saying other ones.

He truly is a stand up comedian because he would just start talking about anything and everything.  His jokes were effortlessly!  Fluffy went an hour past what he said he was going to perform.  At one point he was so fed up with the time he unplugged the timer!

He ended the show with old, classic jokes.  He did say that he didn’t like to repeat old material, but everyone was chanting out that they wanted the old jokes!  He sighed and said: “Fine, y’all better still laugh, though!”  Once he started it seemed like a unified chorus.  Everyone knew what he was going to say, and it was so funny!

I am so happy that Loyola brought him to Colossus 2015! The DOP staff at Loyola did a great job; it was such an organized event. I had SO much fun!  I cannot wait to see him again.

“Frankie, where’s ma?”

Supporting Special Olympics

Supporting Special Olympics

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I absolutely love the placing of Damen.  It was my lifesaver during winter when I needed to catch the L.  Its placement is perfect, and it allowed me to stop for a coffee during those chilly, chilly days! I do have to admit that sometimes I try to avoid all of the people by the desk, who are trying to stop you, for the merely reason that we can all be a little socially awkward.

Sometimes the guy handing out stuff is way too cute, but I am having one of those bad hair days, didn’t do my nails, raccoon and baggy eyes day.  So, yes, forgive me, but I will avoid eye contact and walk past you.  However, on most occasions, I still take the time to talk and receive whatever they are handing out!  This past week, I am so glad that I did just that.

They used a medal to catch my attention and it did because it definitely made me stop.  ASA is hosting a Ladybug Olympics to support Special Olympics.  I thought this was very thoughtful and original.  I enjoy seeing how active the sororities are with their philanthropies!  I wish I had a team to participate, so if anyone is up for it, I would love to be part of a team!  The event is on March 20th at 4:30 P.M.  It is a volleyball tournament with games, prizes and food! If you want to make a team email: gchan@luc.edu for info.

9 Loyola Myths

9 Loyola Myths

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Over the past 3 years in admission, I have noticed there are A LOT of misconceptions about Loyola University Chicago. I am going to use my blog this week to set the record straight. Here are what I consider to be the top 9 Loyola myths:

  1. We are not the same school as Loyola Maryland, Loyola New Orleans or Loyola Marymount. We are all completely separate schools. The only thing we have in common other than our name are our Jesuit background and values. So no, you cannot study at another Loyola in the U.S. However, you can Study Abroad at other universities all over the world or at one of our three campuses in Rome, Beijing or Ho Chi Minh City, which are in fact run by Loyola University Chicago.
  2. You do not have to be Catholic (or even religious) to go to a Jesuit University. About half of our students identify as being Catholic and as a Catholic University, we do offer regular masses, Taize prayer, resources and mentors for our Catholic students. Loyola has the only student-run mosque in Illinois and we have an incredibly strong Hillel Community on campus. We also have several different prayer spaces in our Student Center including a Puja Prayer Room. We are a home to all faiths and encourage interfaith dialogues and for students to lead their own spiritual path with assistance from Campus Ministry which provides resources, services, and mentors on-campus. I also want to throw out that you do not need to be Catholic to attend one of our Retreats at the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus, these retreats are awesome and open to everyone.
  3. We are actually in the city of Chicago (not a suburb) and are right next to Lake Michigan (not a block away, our buildings are a foot or two from the lake).
  4. We are not a commuter school. Yes, in the past, a lot of students did commute to Loyola, but not in recent years. Now all first and second year students are required to live on-campus and while upper-classmen have the option to live on or off-campus, most stay on campus or live within a block or two of campus. However, the students exempt from the housing policy still have a community and home on campus thanks to Off-Campus Student Life.
  5. Housing is not hard to find on or around campus. As mentioned above, we require that 1st and 2nd year students live on-campus and we have several upperclassmen residence halls at both the Lake Shore Campus and the Water Tower Campus. There are also hundreds of non-Loyola owned or operated apartments near campus.
  6. Our acceptance rate is not 92% or 98%. It is closer to 63%. This is one of those cases where you can’t believe everything you read on the internet so if you’re questioning something you read, call or email your admission counselor!
  7. We are not a school that lacks athletic success, spirit, or history. We are a Division One school in the Missouri Valley Conference and last year our Men’s Volleyball Team won the NCAA National Championship on our very own campus. Go Ramblers! We are also the only D1 School in Illinois to ever win a NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship, which we did in 1963, but we are still proud of the win and of our contribution to NCAA history via the Game of Change.
  8. Chicago’s weather isn’t always horrible. Our fall is actually warmer than most of the Midwest thanks to the wind blowing warm air off the lake. Most of the time, we don’t see snow or really cold days until late December when students are already home for Winter Break. Yes the beginning of the spring semester is cold and has some snow, but harsh winters build character and stories you’ll be telling the rest of your life. And don’t forget how much of the year (typically March – November) brings truly amazing weather to Loyola. During these nice months you can find our students hanging out at street festivals, enjoying the great outdoors that you CAN find in the city, and by hanging out at “Loyola Beach” (really called Hartigan Beach).
  9. We are not “the wolves”. We are the Ramblers! However, Lu Wolf is indeed the name of our mascot.

 

Defining Different Types of College Visits: Which visit is right for you?

Defining Different Types of College Visits: Which visit is right for you?

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Enjoy your Campus Visit

30 Reasons Why We LOVE Loyola

30 Reasons Why We LOVE Loyola

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With Valentine’s Day approaching and everyone talking about love, it only seemed appropriate to talk about what Loyola staff and current students have to say about their relationship with Loyola.

Here are 30 reasons staff and students love Loyola:

  1. The ability to go abroad to the Rome center. – Ellen
  2. The incorporation of social justice into academics. – Judy Kyrkos
  3. The small campus feel with access to the city. – Lexy Rux
  4. Being in Chicago. – Maggie
  5. The small class sizes; it really feels like you get one-on-one time with the professors. – Patrick
  6. Being on a beautiful campus with access to downtown. – Adam Buller
  7. Living in Mertz and the chicken tenders from Damen Dining Hall. – Katie
  8. The sense of community. – Ricky Mott
  9. The beautiful campus and social justice focus in all of my classes. – Kara
  10. The small campus feel. – Shaniqua
  11. How the core classes make us a well-rounded person. – Elise
  12. How self-aware the student body is. I’ve never encountered an impolite person on campus. – John
  13. The community feel, size of campus, friendly/welcoming environment, and small class size. – Christy Vargas
  14. How there are Vegan and gluten-free options in the dining halls. – Sarah
  15. Dynamics of taking class on the lake shore campus and downtown. It’s nice to experience the best of both worlds. – Claire
  16. Class sizes, pretty campus, and nice/passionate professors. – Carlee
  17. Diverse community. – Samantha
  18. Friendly environment on campus. – Brittney
  19. Approachable teachers who seem to enjoy their jobs and always want to help you do your best. – Gabby
  20. The view of the lake. – Shannon
  21. I feel safe on campus. – Adrian
  22. Loyola has always given me the opportunity to succeed. – Aaron Brunmeier
  23. The architecture of campus. – Brian
  24. The sense of community. – Aliyah Jervier
  25. I love that Loyola offers something for anyone and everyone who attends so that they can be a part of something and feel included. – Hiba Abbas
  26. I LOVE that every time I step outside and see our beautiful campus I get excited for my day no matter how stressful it is. – Lucy Mooney
  27. I love that Loyola has so many things to offer to their students. Whether it be information on study abroad, fairs talking about feminism, or tutoring for certain classes, Loyola does an amazing job providing us with tools for success. I think that since there are so many resources offered, any type of student can feel like this school is a perfect fit for them. – Katherine Weir
  28. Loyola fosters education both inside and outside the classroom enabling YOU to grow immensely. Upon graduating from Loyola in the spring of 2015, Loyola has taught me that the aim of my education is not the facts, but rather of values. –Joe Sadofsky
  29. How connected students are to the Loyola community. – Callie Short
  30. How Loyola shares the same values as myself. – Alyson Crutchfield

Happy Valentine’s Day from Loyola University Chicago!

Grateful for this City, Grateful for this School

Grateful for this City, Grateful for this School

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Thanksgiving is quite obviously a time to give thanks. I could go on and on about all the things I am grateful for, but I wanted to give a little extra thanks to the city and school I’ve come to know and love over the past year.

CHICAGO, Thank you for:

  1. The skyline. It always brings a smile to my face and usually a jaw drop. Whether I catch a glimpse from the Lake Shore path during the day or when it’s all lit up at night, I’m certainly grateful for the view.
  2. Free things to do. Zoos, concerts, parades, or tours, Chicago knows how to keep college kids happy, and we are all thankful to be able to enjoy the city without having to spend money.
  3. Lake Michigan. Whoever decided to build a city on the shores of Lake Michigan has all my gratitude. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of running on Lake Shore Path or driving on Lake Shore Drive.
  4. The food. This is one city that knows how to eat—deep dish, popcorn, hotdogs, plus cuisine from nearly every nation—I won’t get bored of all the options Chicago offers.
  5. The parks. I love getting to spend time wandering through Chicago’s parks, especially along the lake or downtown. They don’t qualify as full blown state parks, but a little controlled nature still works for me.

LOYOLA, Thank you for:

  1. My professors. Even in classes as large as 200 students I have felt cared for by my professors. All of them have their quirks, but always teach me more than the required material.
  2. U-Passes. Including CTA all access U-Passes in our tuition is something all of us are definitely grateful for. Our campuses put us in the perfect position to explore the city and not having to buy tickets every time we use public transit is a huge blessing.
  3. Lake Michigan. Well, I had to put this one on the thankful list twice because I could not be happier that our Lake Shore Campus bumps right into the lake shore. Our location makes for the most beautiful sunrises and calming study spots on the north-side of the city.
  4. The students. At first I was a little intimidated by a student body of 10,000 undergrad, but I have come to really love it. I’m glad to go to school with a diverse range of students who all come from different places and are interested in different things. But amidst all these people, I have found people I really click with. I know some of these are friendships I will cherish for a long time.
  5. Two campuses. I love having both a city campus and a “typical college campus”. Coming to the city I didn’t want my school to just be skyscrapers on a city block. Loyola provides more than what I was looking for–a spread out campus on the lake and some pretty cool skyscrapers downtown, and I couldn’t be happier.