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This summer, Loyola welcomed new leaders, traveled to Rome for private audiences with the Pope, and advanced major campus development projects. Here’s a look back at what you might have missed.
Faith in action
President Mark C. Reed Joins Chicago Delegation to the Vatican
In May, Reed joined a Chicago delegation for a private Vatican audience with Pope Leo XIV, calling it “a grace-filled moment.” Read more in the Chicago Sun-Times.
President Reed Meets with Pope Leo at AJCU Vatican Audience
The president returned to the Vatican in June with leaders from other Jesuit colleges and universities for an audience with the pope. Reed and Senior Vice President Fr. Thomas Neitzke, S.J., presented Pope Leo with a bust of St. Ignatius of Loyola and a collection of archival materials related to his mother’s college career at Mundelein College in 1930s. Explore a digital version of the gift . READ MORE
Loyola Faculty Respond to Pope’s First Encyclical
Back in Chicago, following the May 25 release of Pope Leo’s first encyclical on artificial intelligence, three Loyola professors discuss the intersection of faith, technology, and ethical solutions for the future. READ MORE
Members of the Discerning Leadership Program Meets with Pope Leo at Castel Gandolf
In July, 15 senior Vatican administrators and members of Loyola’s Discerning Leadership Program (DLP) met with the pope at Castel Gandolfo, where DLP members shared their experience in the Jesuit Curia-guided program. READ MORE
Campus developments and leadership updates
Loyola Announces Plans for St. Ignatius Campus Redevelopment
In partnership with the Ignatian Mission Center, Loyola proposed the redevelopment of the St. Ignatius campus on Chicago’s North Side that would include housing for over 200 upperclassmen and graduate students and Spanish-speaking social services center. Read more in Block Club Chicago.
Board of Trustees Elects New Members
The Loyola Board of Trustees elected Rocco J. Martino (MBA ’78) as Board Chair and Molly E. Cullum and Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, as Trustees, as its Annual Meeting on April 30. READ MORE
Executive Director Named for Institute of Pastoral Studies
In July, Father Dempsey Rosales Acosta joined Loyola as Executive Director of the Institute of Pastoral Studies. Fr. Rosales Acosta brings nearly two decades of experience in academic administration, most recently as a tenured Professor of Theology and Director of the Center Semillero for Hispanic/Latino Theology at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. READ MORE
Community and campus life
The Arrupe Class of 2026 Celebrates Commencement
Arrupe College graduates, their friends, and family recognized their academic achievements and looked ahead to their future careers at the 2026 Commencement ceremony. SEE PHOTOS
Faculty Share What’s on Their Summer Reading List
From anthropological surveys and rap artist autobiographies to Victorian literature and high fantasy, six Loyola faculty members shared their reading recommendations for the summer and offered a glimpse into their summer research projects. READ MORE
Player Safety, Bison Ranches, and the Brain on Media: New LOYOLA Magazine
Loyola released the summer 2026 issue of LOYOLA magazine, highlighting alumni leadership, interdisciplinary research, and community. The cover story follows alumni John York (MD ’75), co-chair of the San Francisco 49ers, as he works to improve player safety through helmet technology. Explore all magazine stories here.
Campus excellence
Loyola receives top rating for sustainability performance
The University earned a STARS Platinum rating, the highest honor in higher education sustainability, in recognition of Loyola’s community-wide efforts toward a more sustainable campus environment. READ MORE
Over 150 Athletes Named to A-10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll
In July, the Atlantic 10 Conference announced the 3,944 student-athletes named to the 2025-2026 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, including 150 Rambler athletes. The award recognizes student-athletes with a combined fall and spring semester grade point average of 3.0 or higher for the academic year. READ MORE
University Marketing and Communication earns 10 national awards
Loyola received 10 national awards for excellence in photography, writing, and social media on stories including Sister Jean’s funeral and visitation, Loyola’s faith communities, law students visiting the U.S.-Mexico border, and more. READ MORE
Loyola voices in the news
Even as classes concluded for the semester, Loyola faculty and staff remained busy throughout the summer. Experts from the University’s schools, colleges, and institutes appeared in local and national media to share their expertise and speak on important topics.
- CHICAGO TRIBUNE: Eric Hansen, College of Arts and Sciences, discusses how low compensation for suburban mayors can influence who is able to pursue local office. READ NOW
- ROLLING STONE:
READ NOW - WBEZ: Justin Harbison, Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, helps listeners answer mosquito questions.
- WTTW: Jonathan Singer, School of Social Work, comments on efforts by Chicago-based organizations to provide targeted support and resources to improve mental health outcomes for Black youth in the community. READ NOW
- NBC CHICAGO: Michael Murphy, Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage, comments on Cardinal Blase Cupich’s significant influence in U.S. Catholic Church leadership. READ NOW
- FORBES: Tikia K. Hamilton, College of Arts and Sciences, earns national acclaim for challenging assumptions about the fight for educational justice and for highlighting the individuals who shaped that history. READ NOW
Explore more stories on Loyola Today and keep up with Loyola on social media all year long.
