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More than 150 faculty and staff gathered on May 15 for the 2025 READIs, hosted by the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (OIDEI). The event marked the end of the academic year by honoring the individuals and teams advancing inclusion across the university.
Inspired by the spirit of major awards shows, the READIs recognize the campus changemakers whose work brings Loyola’s mission to life—fostering an inclusive, human-centered culture of belonging.
Launched in 2023, the READI Impact Awards spotlight faculty and staff teams who demonstrate leadership, creativity, and collaboration in support of Racial Justice, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusive Excellence and the university’s enduring values.
This year’s winners exemplify “equity in action”:
Contemplatives in Action Award
Loyola Engineering BELONG Team
For embedding social justice into the foundation of Loyola’s engineering program and significantly increasing graduation rates for women in engineering, the BELONG Team, founded by professor Gail Baura, is recognized for their inclusive vision and measurable impact on the future of STEM education.
Co-Conspirator Award
Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility and the Institute for Racial Justice
In partnership with the Institute for Racial Justice, the Baumhart Center is recognized with this award for their bold and sustained efforts to promote inclusive excellence across every level of its programming and organizational strategy. Through intentional collaboration with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners, the Center has created transformative, accessible leadership programs.
Catalyst Award
Undocumented Student Programs Team, Center for Diversity and Inclusion
This team is recognized for their transformative efforts to reduce barriers and foster belonging for students at Loyola. Through initiatives like Share the Dream Ally Trainings and Know Your Rights resources, they continue to create spaces for education, support, and belonging within the Loyola community.
Community Award
School of Nursing Service Immersion Program–Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
This new award honors the team behind a powerful immersion experience with Indigenous communities in rural South Dakota. By guiding nursing students in hands-on engagement and reflection, this program exemplifies what it means to bring Loyola’s Jesuit identity into the world—building bridges, deepening understanding, and creating lasting impact beyond campus.
Together, these awardees reflect Loyola’s ongoing commitment to creating a campus where every Rambler feels seen, supported, and valued.
