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Before the Class of 2025 crossed the stage to receive their degrees, the Division of Student Development (DSD) and campus partners collaborated on a series of events rooted in joy, tradition, and community building up to the pomp and circumstance of Commencement.
In honor of the city we call home, Loyola kicked off its annual celebrations in April with two uniquely Chicago experiences.
On April 8, Ramblers braved the cold to watch the Chicago Cubs battle the Texas Rangers at Wrigley Field. Students and alumni gathered in Gallagher Square before heading inside to cheer on the Cubs as they triumphed over the Rangers at 10-6.
Later this spring, seniors played tourist for the day aboard the Chicago Architectural Boat tour. Ramblers cruised the Chicago River and admired the blend of historical and innovative architecture that forms our iconic skyline.
As classes ended and final exams began, Ramblers joined DSD for a series of community-centered celebrations on Lake Shore Campus.
All Ramblers were welcome to join their peers and invite loved ones to campus for the festivities, which included the Latinx Familia Celebration, Sankofa Celebration, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Celebration, and the 17th Annual Legacy Celebration. New to this year’s festivities were the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) and Jewish celebrations.
It is a joy to cultivate an environment for our students to celebrate and have pride in who they are and what they have accomplished.
— Astrid Beltrán, assistant vice president for Diversity and Student Engagement
“We are thrilled to begin two new traditions focused on the experiences of SWANA and Jewish communities this year,” says Keith Champagne, PhD, vice president for Student Development. “Guided by our mission and Ignatian values, we are committed to continually seeking and developing new opportunities that foster inclusion and belonging for all of our students.”
At each event, students, their loved ones, and Loyola staff, faculty, and alumni gathered to recognize the Class of 2025’s academic achievements and share in their joy through music, dance, food, and community.
“The journey was never meant to be walked alone,” says senior Alejandra Sotelo (BA ’25), who studied political science and criminal justice and criminology. “Every late-night study session, every moment of doubt, every triumph and defeat — each moment was shared by a community of people who believed in us when we couldn’t always believe in ourselves.”
Reflecting on these celebrations, Astrid Beltrán, assistant vice president for Diversity and Student Engagement, remarked, “We are immensely proud to honor our students and the communities who supported their success. It is a joy to cultivate an environment for our students to celebrate and have pride in who they are and what they have accomplished.”
On the eve of Commencement, students and families of all faith traditions were warmly invited to the mass and blessing of graduates to gather in prayer and song and give thanks to God for the experiences, people, learning, and growth they encountered at Loyola.
T. Derrick Witherington, assistant director of Campus Ministry, reflected, “As our graduates leave and enter a world filled with much uncertainty, questions, and fears, my hope is that they are emboldened to always bring the light of mercy and peace to all situations, even if it seems that such a response is too small to make a real difference.”
Graduating students received a commemorative champagne flute for their respective toast celebrations. Graduate, professional, and adult students gathered with family, friends, and faculty in the Damen Student Center atrium to toast to their accomplishments.
The Senior Toast, one of Loyola’s longest-standing graduation traditions, welcomed over 2,500 Ramblers and their guests. Graduates once again exited through the green doors of Cudahy Hall to symbolize the completion of their undergraduate academic careers before gathering on the East Quad.
As the Class of 2025 raised their glasses in a toast to one another, the air swelled with a palpable sense of excitement and pride as they reflected on the journey that led them to this moment and the bright future that lies ahead.
“It is profoundly joyous to celebrate the Class of 2025 and those who supported them throughout their journeys,” says Champagne. “As they go forth and set the world on fire, I hope they continue to be guided by the Ignatian values that served as the foundation of their Loyola experience.”
