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Since 2009, Loyola students have begun and completed their undergraduate careers by entering and exiting through the green doors of the Cudahy Library. This symbolic passage has come to represent new beginnings in student life.
Ann Marie Morgan (MA ’07), who served as associate dean of students in 2009, developed the idea with then-Director of Student Activities Kimberly Moore (MEd ’06) and former Student Activities Coordinator Ellen Wehrman (MEd ’07).
Morgan still recalls exactly where this dream team met in the Old Centennial Forum Student Union to brainstorm the new tradition.
“We wanted to invite the students on that walk to really reflect on their future goals and dreams,” says Morgan. “In the language of Ignatius, they were walking with their companions.”
All freshmen and new transfer students are invited to enter through the green Cudahy doors in a procession during New Student Convocation. Graduating seniors exit through the doors after the Senior Toast, which kicks off the commencement season. The doors open just twice a year for these two events.
As the tradition continues in its 15th year, Morgan is proud of her contribution to this rite of passage connecting students with Loyola’s Jesuit values.
“It really is heartwarming and gratifying to know that I played a part in helping to create a tradition that means so much to students at Loyola,” Morgan says. “Because Loyola continues to mean a great deal to me.”
