Summer news from Loyola
Welcoming a new pope, art exhibition opens, and more
August 13, 2025
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Throughout summer 2025, Loyola celebrated the appointment of a new Catholic spiritual leader, announced major new campus facilities projects, and welcomed new faculty and staff to the University. As Ramblers prepare for the fall semester, we take a look back at stories you may have missed over the summer.
Faith and art
Loyola welcomes Pope Leo XIV as first U.S.-born pope
In May, Loyola joined the global Catholic community in celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV, and reflected on the University’s close spiritual and cultural connections to the papacy. To honor the historic election of the Chicago-born pope, Loyola representatives gathered with Chicago-area Catholics and the Archdiocese of Chicago for a Mass on June 14 at Rate Field, home of the White Sox. READ MORE
Freedom in Form: Richard Hunt opens at LUMA
The Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) opened Freedom in Form: Richard Hunt on July 11 to celebrate the life and legacy of the renowned Chicago sculptor. Hunt’s abstract works explore themes of liberty, freedom, and the struggle for equality. The exhibition will run through November 15, and is free to attend for all Loyola students, faculty, and staff. READ MORE
Campus developments and leadership updates
Nancy Tuchman retires, Malini Suchak joins as new Dean of the School of Environmental Sustainability
Dean Nancy Tuchman retired as the founding dean of the School of Environmental Sustainability in June, after decades of advancing Loyola’s leadership in sustainability. The Nancy C. Tuchman Scholarship Fund was created in her honor.
Malini Suchak joined the Loyola community as the new Dean of the School of Environmental Sustainability on July 1. READ MORE
New building expands facilities for nursing and science students
Loyola has announced early plans for a new academic facility on the Lake Shore Campus on the former site of Campion Hall, slated for completion in fall 2028. The building will serve as a hub for nursing and science education, creating modern spaces for students in the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and the College of Arts and Sciences. READ MORE
Higher Learning Commission reaffirms Loyola’s accreditation
After a comprehensive evaluation, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reaffirmed Loyola’s accreditation. This reaccreditation is essential for the University, reflecting the University’s commitment to academic excellence and adherence to institutional standards. READ MORE
Loyola elects new and returning members to the Board of Trustees
The Loyola University Chicago Board of Trustees elected new members Pablo Di Si (BBA ’94) and Thomas M. Schoewe (BBA ’74), and returning member Stephen P. Squinto (BA ’74, PhD ’84) in May. Di Si and Schoewe will serve initial three-year terms and Squinto was reelected to a new three-year term. READ MORE
Community and campus activity
In June, incoming first-year students explored the Lake Shore Campus to learn more about life as a Rambler, while Arrupe College students prepared for final exams ahead of commencement in August. READ MORE
In July, faculty and staff celebrated the Feast Day of St. Ignatius on the Lake Shore Campus with Mass and a picnic with games, and prizes. Each Monday of the month, students from the School of Environmental Sustainability sold produce grown at Loyola’s Urban Agriculture Program at the Edgewater Farmer’s Market. READ MORE
Research and academic advancements
In May, students from the School of Environmental Sustainability lived and studied at Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus (LUREC) for Maymester classes, blending academic lectures with hands-on ecology training. READ MORE
From creating a new way to treat dry eyes to evaluating the effectiveness of politicians, Loyola researchers are challenging common understandings and providing solutions to real world issues:
Loyola voices in the news
Loyola’s faculty and staff remained busy throughout the summer, even when class was out of session.
Experts from schools, colleges, and institutes spoke with the media to explore important topics and share their expertise.
- AXIOS: Michael Canaris explained the background and significance of Pope Leo XIV’s name choice. READ NOW
- BORDERLESS: Ricardo Camacho led conversations with Chicago’s immigrant community to break down barriers around mental health. READ NOW
- CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS: Emily E. Anderson discussed how recent NIH cuts have eroded public trust in medical research. READ NOW
- AP NEWS: Emily Hallett explored human adaptability to varied global climates. READ NOW
- CHICAGO TRIBUNE: LUMA’s new exhibit Freedom in Form: Richard Hunt explores Chicago artist Richard Hunt’s personal and artistic life. READ NOW
- U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT: Jennifer Gettings, assistant dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, comments on the value of online learning for adults returning to school. READ NOW
- WBEZ: Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, discusses sustainable alternatives to traditional turfgrass. LISTEN NOW
