Pack Press and Alumni News
5/1/24
Tom Gruber '81, AI Pioneer and Co-Creator of Siri, Gives Lecture on Campus
Tom Gruber ’81 is a product designer and entrepreneur who uses AI technology to augment human intelligence, individually and collectively. He was co-founder, CTO, and head of design for the team that created Siri, the first intelligent assistant for everyone. In 2010, Siri was purchased by Apple and remains central to the user experience of all Apple products. Today, Siri is used more than 25 billion times a month in dozens of languages around the world. Throughout his career, Tom has pursued how technology can help us live better lives. Applying ideas from artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and design, Tom’s work explores how connecting people and machines can foster collaboration, learning, knowledge sharing, and getting things done. Please join us this evening, Wednesday, May 1, for a lecture by Tom Gruber ’81 on AI, Big Data, and Humanity as part of the Fr. Carter Lecture Series.
4/3/24
Dr. Robert Gnuse Receives 2024 Dux Academicus Award
Religious studies professor Dr. Robert Gnuse was presented the 2024 Dux Academicus Award during this year’s faculty convocation. The Dux Academicus Award is the highest honor a professor can receive for excellence in teaching and scholarship. Dr. Gnuse has been a professor at Loyola since 1980. Before teaching at Loyola, he was an ordained minister in the Lutheran Church and received his Ph.D. in the Old Testament from Vanderbilt University. He recognizes the importance of acknowledging historical settings and context when interpreting the Bible. In the classroom, he focuses on how the Bible applies to modern issues. In his 44 years at Loyola, he has served on nearly all department committees, including four terms as a faculty senator and nine years as chair of the religious studies department. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Robert Gnuse!
3/7/24
Karen Nabonne Coaxum '77 Receives 2024 Alden "Doc" Laborde Award
The College of Business is proud to announce Karen Nabonne Coaxum '77 as the recipient of the 2024 Alden “Doc” Laborde Award for Ethical Entrepreneurship. Coaxum graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a degree in Journalism and currently serves as the Director of Communications at Coaxum Enterprises, Inc. She and her husband, Henry Coaxum, dedicate their time and efforts to the economic development and improvement of the New Orleans community. Coaxum Enterprises owns and operates three McDonald’s restaurants which provide employment, instruction, and education assistance for hundreds of employees. Join us in celebrating Karen at the Business Alumni Networking Reception on April 11 at the home of Interim Dean of the College of Business Dr. Bobby, M.B.A. '81, and Lori Kent Savoie.
2/7/24
Henry R. Muñoz, III, '81, '14 Honored at the 75th Emmy Awards
Alumnus and former Board of Trustees member Henry R. Muñoz, III, '81, '14 was honored with an Emmy at the 75th Emmy Awards. He served as the executive producer of "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story," which was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie of 2023.
1/3/24
Bill Quigley, J.D. '77 Selected as St. Ives Award Recipient
The Loyola College of Law and Law Alumni Board will present the St. Ives Award to Law Clinic Director and Professor Emeritus Bill Quigley, J.D. ‘77 for his distinguished career as a public interest and human rights lawyer, an academic, and an author. The award recognizes graduates who serve the college and represent the profession's highest standards. Quigley served as director of the Law Clinic and the Gillis Long Poverty Law Center at Loyola for more than 30 years and has also litigated numerous cases with various organizations. He has authored several books and has been recognized for his service through numerous scholarly awards. The award ceremony will be held at the 2024 Loyola College of Law Alumni Luncheon on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans at 11 a.m.
12/6/23
College of Law Professor Andrea Armstrong Named 2023 MacArthur Fellow
Congratulations to Andrea Armstrong, Dr. Norman C. Francis Distinguished Professor of Law, on being named a 2023 MacArthur Fellow and a recipient of a “genius grant” by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The prestigious fellowship is awarded to “talented individuals in a variety of fields who have shown exceptional originality in and dedication to their creative pursuits.” Professor Armstrong is an incarceration law scholar bringing much-needed transparency to incarceration practices in the United States. She is the creator of the Incarceration Transparency project, which hosts the first publicly available statewide database that tracks the deaths in every prison, jail, and youth detention facility in Louisiana since 2015.
11/1/23
Loyola Renames Ideation Lab to Honor Dr. Bobby and Lori Kent Savoie
Loyola’s College of Business recently renamed the Ideation Lab in honor of Dr. Robert "Bobby" (M.B.A. '81) and Lori Kent Savoie. The newly named "Dr. Bobby and Lori Kent Savoie Ideation Lab" will continue to serve as a hub for innovation, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration and the home of the Entrepreneurship Club and Innovate.LOYNO speaker series. The state-of-the-art facility provides students and faculty with an environment to foster experiential learning and venture development while engaging with the local business community. The Savoies are long-time supporters of the university, and they have contributed greatly to the success of the entrepreneurship program at Loyola.
10/4/23
The Maroon Won a National Edward R. Murrow Award for Engulfed: St. John's Fight Podcast
The Maroon recently won a national Edward R. Murrow Award for their work on the Engulfed: St. John’s Fight podcast. The podcast series focuses on the environmental challenges faced by Southeast Louisiana residents. This award is one of the highest Journalism honors, and this is the first time Loyola New Orleans students have earned this distinguished recognition. Journalism student Domonique Tolliver joined the Fox 8 Morning Show to speak about the podcast and the award. Rae Walberg ‘23 and seniors Domonique Tolliver and Brendan Heffernan will be recognized at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on October 9, 2023.
9/6/23
Loyola Alumna Kayla August '10, M.P.S. '16 Featured as First Female on America Media's Podcast, "Preach"
Kayla August was recently the first female to be featured on America Media's new weekly podcast, Preach. In her interview, she shares the gifts of lay preaching and talks about how we can make the kingdom of Heaven a reality on earth. As a student at Loyola, Kayla was the recipient of the 2010 Ignatian Graduating Senior Award and completed her Master of Pastoral Studies in 2016. She is currently a doctoral student at the School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College.
8/2/23
Loyola Alumnus Myles Burns '22 Joined the Dallas Mavericks for the 2023 NBA Summer League
Last month, Myles Burns '22 joined the Dallas Mavericks for the 2023 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. As a student at Loyola, Myles helped to lead the men's basketball team to the 2022 National Championship and was named the tournament MVP. During his senior year alone, Myles was named NAIA Second-Team All-American, SSAC Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-SSAC, SSAC Championship Tournament MVP, received the Marques Haynes Award, and more. After graduating from Loyola, Myles spent the 2022-2023 academic year in Oxford as a forward on the Ole Miss men's basketball team.
7/5/23
Loyola Alumna Lori Lyons '87 Selected as Inaugural John Biguenet Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
The English Department honored alumna Lori Lyons '87 with the inaugural John Biguenet Distinguished Alumni Award in April at its annual awards ceremony on Loyola's campus. The award recognizes a Loyola English graduate who, through their professional accomplishments, has distinguished themself and the department. Named after a Loyola English alumnus, beloved professor, and former department chair, this award honors alumni who have applied their Loyola English education to make significant contributions to their chosen field, creative endeavor, and/or their local community.
6/7/23
Loyola Alumnus Joseph A. Barreca '51, J.D. '54 Recognized as 2023 Glass Honoree
Congratulations to our 2023 Glass Honoree, Joseph A. Barreca '51, J.D. '54! We honored Joe earlier this month at the College of Law Alumni Board Meeting among family and dear friends. Described as a "worker among workers" by his peers, Joe represents the highest standards of the profession of law and Jesuit teachings. We are grateful for both his and his wife Joy's steadfast attendance at events, selfless volunteer service, generous giving, and avid support of all things Loyola throughout the years.
5/3/23
Loyola Alumna Janeicia Neely '15 Selected to Receive Inaugural Kim Crabbe Game Changers Award
After being inducted into the Wolf Pack Athletics Hall of Fame in January, Loyola alumna Janeicia Neely '15 received a special honor from U.S. Soccer in March: the inaugural Kim Crabbe Game Changers Award. Former women's basketball star, Neely has not only left an impact on the Wolf Pack athletics department, but she continues to shine in her community. In her role as the executive director for The 18th Ward, she designs and manages 12 youth development programs and leads the organization's efforts. In 2023, the program created more than 4,000 opportunities for youth players.
4/5/23
Loyola Alumnus Tom P. Daly, II '92 Selected to Receive Alden "Doc" Laborde Ethical Entrepreneurship Award
The Loyola University New Orleans College of Business has selected Tom P. Daly, II '92 as this year's recipient of the Alden "Doc" Laborde Award for Ethical Entrepreneurship, an award given to an individual who embodies such talents and virtues and is motivated not by wealth but the desire to respond human need and cultural challenges.
2/1/23
Loyola Alumni Named to the "New Orleans 500"
The "New Orleans 500," an annual publication from "Biz New Orleans" magazine, profiles the business leaders who are driving the greater New Orleans economy today and making decisions that will shape the region’s future. Several Loyola alumni, faculty, and staff were featured on the 2023 list in the following industries: Energy, Food/Beverage, Retail, Technology, Arts/Entertainment, Hospitality/Tourism, Restaurants, Sports, Banking, Financial Services, Real Estate, Healthcare, Education, Economic Development, Nonprofit, Advertising/Public Relations, Insurance, Law, and Professional Services.
11/2/22
Madison Bates '21 Named LGA Women’s Player of the Year and Mid-Amateur Champion
Madison Bates '21 is a Loyola University New Orleans alumna, returning to pursue her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and obtain her Ph.D. in Sports Psychology. Madison graduated from Loyola New Orleans in the Spring of 2021, majoring in Psychology with a focus in Neuroscience and minoring in Business Administration. She has been a member of the Women's golf team for four years and is currently taking her extra year of eligibility. In 2021, she was named first team All-American by the NAIA and the Women's Golf Coaches Association. Recently, she was named LGA Women’s Player of the Year and Mid-Amateur Champion. In all aspects of her life, Madison finds passion in helping others achieve their goals and motivating them to perform at their highest potential.
10/5/22
Kristen Rome, J.D. '11 Named Louisiana Center for Children's Rights Co-Executive Director
Loyola University New Orleans alumna Kristen Rome, J.D. '11 has been named Co-Executive Director for Louisiana Center for Children's Rights (LCCR), sharing responsibility with Aaron Clark-Rizzio, who has led the organization for the past six years. Previously, Kristen served as LCCR’s JLWOP Legal Representation Director.
In her new role, Kristen will focus primarily on policy, advocacy, and communications. In addition to being a defense attorney and Loyola New Orleans alumna, she is a mother and New Orleans native. Deeply rooted in our community, Kristen is dedicated to expanding possibilities for Louisiana families.
9/7/22
Lily Cummings '20 Wins DEI Category of Heartland Emmy Awards
Loyola University New Orleans alumna Lily Cummings '20 is an award-winning multimedia journalist and reporter at WWL-TV. During her time at Loyola New Orleans, she worked behind-the-scenes at WWL part-time. Fittingly, WWL or "World Wide Loyola" launched from Marquette Hall on March 31, 1922.
While working as a nightside reporter for KTUL-TV in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, she won the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category of the Heartland Emmy awards for shining a light on the 1921 Booker T. Washington High School yearbook that came out weeks, if not days, before the Tulsa Race Massacre. When she's not on air, she serves on Loyola's Young Alumni Pack Board. She said, "I'm looking forward to connecting young alumni to social, charitable, and professional opportunities in the coming year!"
8/3/22
David Zelaya '12 Named Young Alumnus of the Year
Loyola University New Orleans Alumnus David Zelaya '12 has been selected as the 2022 Young Alumnus of the Year. This award honors one young alumnus who has given most generously of their time, talent, and philanthropy to their alma mater and community.
As he wraps up his post-doctoral research at Brown University School of Public Health, he will join the faculty. David exemplifies the characteristics Loyola seeks to form in all of its graduates – moral character, service to humanity, and unquestionable integrity.
7/6/22
Annie Phoenix, PhD, Joins Jesuit Social Research Institute as Executive Director
In April, Annie Phoenix, Ph.D. joined Loyola University New Orleans as the new executive director of the Jesuit Social Research Institute (JSRI).
Annie specializes in supporting social justice organizations to identify needs, design programs, and secure funding. She is an experienced advocate who has written and helped pass multiple laws in Louisiana and supported federal legislation to restore the Pell grant for incarcerated students. Annie is thrilled to be in a position where she will get to integrate her faith into her work for social justice.
Learn more about Annie and her work by listening to her recent interview on "AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast" here. You can reach Annie via email at alphoeni@isimao.com or phone at (504) 864-7746.
6/1/22
Professor Emeritus Patrick R. Hugg Recognized as 2022 Glass Honoree
We look forward to honoring our 2022 Glass Honoree, Professor Emeritus Patrick R. Hugg. An adjunct professor at Loyola Law, Professor Hugg is known as the grandfather of Loyola College of Law's Advocacy Center and is credited with building Loyola's International Law programs. This Spring, compelled by the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, Professor Hugg traveled to Poland and Germany to teach his Law of the European Union class from there via Zoom to better help his student understand what it looks like when democracy is a risk. Under his guidance, Loyola's law school community provided financial support to families from Ukraine.
5/4/22
Jorge Altamirano, J.D. '13 Secures Groundbreaking Arbitration Award
Jorge Altamirano graduated from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2013. While at Loyola, Altamirano represented political asylum seekers and low-income clients through the Immigration Section of the Stuart H. Smith Law Clinic. He went on to found Iorio Altamirano LLP, a boutique law firm located in heart of New York City, focusing on securities arbitration, with his business partner August M. Iorio, Esq. Earlier this year, the firm was highlighted for winning a groundbreaking arbitration award for a retail investor against Robinhood for its January 2021 trading restrictions.
4/6/22
Shalanda Young '99 named first Black woman to lead the White House Office of Management and Budget
Baton Rouge native, Loyola alumna, Presidential Management Fellow, mother, first Black woman to be appointed director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) -- Shalanda Young has made impressive strides in her career since graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola in 1999. Her appointment to the Cabinet-level position came with bipartisan support and backing by the Congressional Black Caucus, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and her entire House Democratic leadership team.
3/2/22
Victor Jones, J.D., '12 to receive 2022 Adjutor Hominum Award
Victor Jones, J.D. '12 has been selected to receive the 2022 Adjutor Hominum Award. The highest award bestowed by the Alumni Association, the Adjutor Hominum Award honors an outstanding graduate of Loyola whose life exemplifies the values and philosophy of Jesuit education—namely moral character, service to humanity, and unquestionable integrity.
Edgar "Dooky" Chase, III, '71, J.D., '83 to receive 2022 Integritas Vitae Award
Edgar "Dooky" Chase, III, '71, J.D., '83, has been selected to receive the 2022 Integritas Vitae Award. The university's annual Integritas Vitae Award is presented to a local, national, or world leader who has demonstrated the values and philosophy of a Jesuit education— namely moral character, service to others, and unquestionable integrity.
2/2/22
A Light for Loyola: Iluminada Ronquillo Gabriel ‘59
Affectionately known as "Lumen,” Iluminada Ronquillo Gabriel ‘59 is a woman who wears many hats — mother, grandmother, wife, retired teacher, philanthropist, and Loyola University New Orleans alumna. Illuminada grew up in the Philippines and earned her BSE from Manila University. She taught children in grades two through six, later working in cataloging in the central office of the bureau of public libraries.
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2/2/22
The Honorable Judge Carl Stewart, J.D. '74, H '14 to receive St. Ives Award
After much anticipation, the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and the Law Alumni Board is thrilled to award the Honorable Judge Carl Stewart the St. Ives Award at the upcoming Law Alumni Luncheon. Stewart was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 1994. A graduate of Dillard University and Loyola University School of Law, he served as a captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps. He was a local, state, and federal prosecutor before entering private practice and later serving as a local and state appellate judge in Louisiana. In addition to numerous other civic and community honors, he received the Boy Scouts of America’s highest commendation for his service to that organization. He is an Honorary Master of the Bench, Middle Temple Inn of Court, London, England.
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10/06/21
Dominic Massa ’98 Named Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of WYES
College of Music and Media alumnus Dominic Massa has been named executive vice-president and chief operating officer of WYES-TV in New Orleans. A native of the New Orleans area, Massa attended Jesuit High School and was drawn to Loyola’s College of Music and Media’s strong communication program, particularly its role in the founding, growth, and operation of WWL-TV and WWL Radio.
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7/07/21
Alumni Association Board Presidents: Ruth Katz ’82 and Shercole King ’04
With the upcoming start of a new academic year, the Alumni Association Board of Directors would like to thank Ruth Mikulak Katz ’82 for her service as president of the board this past year and welcome Shercole King ’04 as incoming president for the new term.
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6/02/21
Valeria Ali ’21 Awarded Google News Initiative Grant for Local News Outlet
2021 College of Music and Media graduate Valeria Ali has been awarded a $73,000 grant to establish Al Día, a Spanish-language news service for the Greater New Orleans area. She also runs Imagen Marketing, an agency that provides affordable marketing services to immigrant-owned businesses.
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5/05/21
Eduardo Gonzalez Loumiet ’03 Steers International COVID Data Collection
Eduardo Gonzalez Loumiet ’03 is the CEO of Ruvos, a Florida-based healthcare data technology company that is assisting with international COVID-19 data collection. An award-winning information technology expert, mentor, and recognized speaker, Loumiet is also an adjunct professor at Florida A&M University and Emory Rollin’s School of Public Health.
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4/06/21
Grant O'Brien ’11 Appointed to EPA
Grant O’Brien ’11 has been appointed to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of the Administrator in the Biden-Harris administration. In his role as Advance Specialist for the EPA, O’Brien plans, coordinates, and executes domestic and international travel for the agency in alignment with White House and EPA priorities.
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2/03/21
Loyola Alumni on the Airwaves
As podcasts become a favorite medium, Loyola alumni are adding their voices to the conversation. Alumnus Jacob DeRusha ’16 recently interviewed Loyola University Minister Ken Weber for The Spirit is Lit podcast. Listen here! The God and Other Delicacies podcast devoted an episode to alumnus Jeff Guhin ’03 and his book Agents of God. Tune in here! Have you created or been interviewed for a podcast? Let us know at alumni@isimao.com!
1/06/21
Lauren Landwerlin ’02 Named a Tulsan of the Year
Lauren Landwerlin ’02 was named a 2020 Tulsan of the Year for leading the St. Francis Health System’s PPE public service campaign. As executive director of communications for St. Francis, she has led communications for the State of Oklahoma’s largest healthcare system throughout the pandemic.
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12/02/20
Madeline Janney ’16 Named Young Alumna of the Year
Psychology graduate Madeline Janney has been named the 2020 Young Alumna of the Year for her service to the university through the Young Alumni Board and her service to the community as a volunteer and caring healthcare practitioner and advocate. After receiving her B.A. from Loyola in 2016, Janney earned a master's degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and now works as a speech-language pathologist. She is currently president of the Young Alumni Board and a long-time Ignacio Volunteer.
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11/03/20
The Hon. Christian Weiler, J.D. ’15 Appointed to U.S. Tax Court
The Honorable Christian Weiler, J.D. ’05 was recently sworn in as Judge on the U.S. Federal Tax Court. As a New Orleans native, Weiler earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from Louisiana State University before enrolling in Loyola’s College of Law in 2001. After he completed several courses in tax law, Weiler’s law professors encouraged him to pursue an LL.M. in tax law in addition to his juris doctorate. After completing his law studies in 2005, Weiler practiced at Weiler & Rees in New Orleans for 15 years.
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10/07/20
Bobbby Savoie, M.B.A. ’81 Receives 2020 Laborde Award
The College of Business is proud to announce Robert “Bobby” Savoie, M.B.A. ’81, as the recipient of the 2020 Alden “Doc” Laborde Award for Ethical Entrepreneurship. Named for the illustrious co-founder of Loyola’s Center for Spiritual Capital, the Laborde Award recognizes entrepreneurs who conduct business in accordance with the highest ethical standards.
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10/01/20
The Hon. Robin Pittman Named 2020 Adjutor Hominum Recipient
Loyola College of Arts and Sciences and College of Law alumna Robin Pittman '91, J.D. '96 has been named the recipient of the 2020 Adjutor Hominum Award. The highest award bestowed by the Alumni Association, the Adjutor Hominum Award honors an outstanding Loyola graduate whose life exemplifies the values and philosophy of Jesuit education—namely moral character, service to humanity, and unquestionable integrity. Judge Pittman is a criminal court judge and former assistant district attorney in Orleans Parish. She is also a dedicated and tireless supporter of her alma mater.
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8/20/20
The End of an Era: Celebrating Fr. Carter
After over 75 years as a member of the Loyola community and many years of service to the university, Fr. James Carter is joining the Jesuit community in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, for retirement. Fr. Carter's relationship with Loyola began when he enrolled as a student in 1944. After attending seminary and graduate school, he returned to Loyola in 1960, first as a faculty member in the physics department, then as provost, and president. In honor of his upcoming move to Grand Coteau, the Alumni Association hosted Coffee with Fr. Carter: A Virtual Celebration on Thursday, August 20.
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7/1/2020
Ylan Mui McClintock '02 is a Washington, D.C, Correspondent for CNBC
School of Communication and Design alumna Ylan Mui McClintock '02 has worked as a broadcast news correspondent in CNBC's Washington, D.C., bureau since 2017. Ylan specializes in economic news and policy, and her reporting is featured on television and CNBC's digital platforms.
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6/29/2020
LOYNO Magazine - Summer 2020
The feature story of the Summer 2020 LOYNO highlights the ongoing vital work of College of Nursing and Health alumni and faculty during the COVID-19 crisis. This issue also celebrates the many ways Loyola's Office of Student Life and Ministry provides meaningful experiences and opportunities both on-campus and remotely. Readers will also find alumni profiles, class notes, the latest news from campus, and more.
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6/5/2020
A Time for Change
The Alumni Association calls for Jesuit-based reflection and a commitment to work for racial justice in this time of change.
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6/3/2020
Jodie Sinclair '79 Releases New Book
Jodie Sinclair '79 has released a new book, Love Behind Bars, from Skyhorse Publishing. With a preface written by Sr. Helen Prejean, Love Behind Bars recounts Jodie's 25-year fight to expose corruption in the penal system and save her husband from a lifetime in prison.
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5/6/2020
Lily Cummings '20 Receives a Heart Journalism Award
Graduating journalism student Lily Cummings has won a Hearst Award, the first in Loyola University's history. Lily placed 7th in the nation in the Television News category.
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4/1/2020
Loyola College of Law's Jordan G. McFaull Award is Endowed
The Jordan G. McFaull Editor-in-Chief Award is now an endowed award that will be given annually in perpetuity. The award was first established in 2017 by Lynette Guzzino, J.D. '90, and Rod McFaull, J.D. '75, in memory of their son Jordan G. McFaull, J.D. '14.
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4/1/2020
Kyle Huling, M.B.A., '10, is Co-Founder of Urban South Brewery
Loyola University M.B.A. graduate Kyle Huling co-founded the popular Urban South Brewery in New Orleans in 2016. The local company currently employs five Loyola graduates.
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3/23/2020
Loyola University New Orleans COVID-19 Policies and Updates
Find out how Loyola University is responding to the COVID-19 crisis and how alumni and honors can help.
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3/02/2020
Darcy Courteau '03 Receives 2020 American Mosaic Journalism Prize
Darcy Courteau '03 was awarded a 2020 American Mosaic Prize for Journalism by the Heising-Simons Foundation for her long-form essay "Mireya's Third Crossing," which was published in The Atlantic Monthly.
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