Student Development’s “Discovery” program receives Ignatian Medal
Loyola’s Office of Student Development received the Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Campus Program for “Discovery,” a vocational discernment program for sophomores, at the 2008 Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators Conference in March. The program, which launched three years ago, is coordinated by Loyola’s Department of Recreational Sports. 

The award is presented to institutions that develop creative, innovative and adaptable programs proven to meet students’ needs and address issues that impede their educational process. The Discovery program, held each spring, encourages 10 – 15 sophomores to seek their personal direction through experiential learning, adventure programming and reflection. The week-long program includes kayaking, camping and other adventure activities, helping students gain competency in those areas and develop leadership skills. Students also explore individual gifts and talents, discern their sources of joy and identify ways they can give back to the community and enhance their relationships with themselves and their. Sophomores must apply for the program, which takes place each May in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina.

Loyola has received the Ignatian Medal twice before—in 2001 for its Late Night program and in 1998 for its Collegiate Black Male Summit. The award was established in 1997.

Housing contracts change
This year, Loyola received the largest number of deposits ever for on-campus housing. In an attempt to accommodate students in their preferred housing, students who paid the deposit for housing were eligible to participate in the room selection process in March. Any student who participated was obligated to fulfill the financial obligations of housing for the full academic year, unless studying abroad in the spring. Previously, students were able to reserve a spot by making a deposit but were not required to fulfill the commitment. The change was implemented to discourage students from reserving a space they did not intend to utilize and to ensure a fair and equitable room selection process for those students who plan to live on campus throughout the year. For more information about the housing selection process, visit www.loyola.edu/campuslife/studentlife.

Loyola Relay for Life raises $155,000
On March 15-16 Loyola College held its fourth annual Relay for Life event, raising $155,000 for the American Cancer Society. More than 120 teams comprising some 1,200 participants took part in the all-night event in Reitz Arena. For the past two years, Loyola has been number one in the nation among colleges and universities for donations per capita. This year’s fundraising total topped the Relay 2007 tally of $150,000.

Loyola implements impromptu room inspections
The health and safety of students who reside in the residence halls are top priorities for Loyola’s Office of Student Life. Student Life continues to conduct routine room inspections and recently implemented unannounced spot checks to ensure that students are living in clean, healthy environments that minimize the potential for the spread of disease and hazardous conditions. Rooms are assessed based on general cleanliness, and if rooms are found to be problematic (ie. conditions are conducive to attracting bugs or rodents) the students are notified by the Student Life staff and are given a time frame to address the issues. A follow-up inspection is then conducted, and if problems persist, a judicial hearing is held. Students have been encouraged to discuss living situations and expectations with roommates as well as to clean rooms, bathrooms and kitchens and take out their garbage on a regular basis. As colleges face increased incidents of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and other diseases, good hygiene and clean rooms have become even more important. It is recommended that students (and parents) purchase Clorox brand cleaning products approved to kill germs.

Golfer wins second tournament title
Junior Michael Mulieri fired a final round 69 to win the individual title at the LaCrosse Homes Collegiate tournament at Prospect Bay Country Club on Maryland’s Eastern Shore March 30. Mulieri's charge fueled a Loyola rally as the Greyhounds climbed four spots in the final team standings to place fourth out of 19 teams. Mulieri opened the tournament with a 75 and ended with a 36-hole score of 144. For Mulieri, who was named the MAAC Golfer of the Month earlier in the week, the tournament title is his second this spring. He won the Carlton Oaks Invitational for the Greyhounds in January. For more information on Greyhound athletics, visit www.loyola greyhounds.com.