Dear Members of the Loyola Community,
Welcome to the start of a new academic year! Every beginning offers an opportunity to reflect on the past and set new goals for the future. I hope you can feel the energy and enthusiasm as we look forward to a wonderful semester of engagement and learning.
Historic Opening
With the first day of classes, we are also celebrating the historic opening of our new Miguel B. Fernandez Family Center for Innovation and Collaborative Learning. The Fernandez Center is a brand-new learning space on the Evergreen campus that extends and enhances a completely transformed Beatty Hall.
You can read more about the Fernandez Center and all it offers our community in this news story, and I hope you’ll have the chance to see it in person soon.
Health and Safety
As we enjoy connecting and reconnecting in person, please keep in mind the importance of making the best choices for yourself and for our Loyola community. Wearing a mask indoors—except in private spaces and designated eating spaces—is required on all of Loyola’s campuses. You may also wear a mask outdoors if you feel more comfortable. Remember to use your symptom tracker every day, wash your hands frequently, and avoid large gatherings.
For more detailed information, I encourage you to visit our FAQ for students and FAQ for employees. You can monitor the status of COVID-19 in our community on our dashboard, but I will also keep you informed in a timely way through regular messages.
Conclusion
Last night began the Jewish observance of Rosh Hashanah, a holy time to welcome the new year with reflection, atonement, prayer, and time together with family and faith communities. I want to extend wishes to our Jewish students, faculty, staff, administrators, and our neighbors at Bolton Street Synagogue for a blessed and holy new year.
On Thursday evening, we started a new tradition at Loyola called Light Up the Quad as we filled the Quad with rows of luminaries—one for every new student joining the Loyola family. Each member of our community can truly be a light to others. In this time of beginnings, may you feel the joy that comes with a new start and look for ways to share your light with everyone you encounter.
Let’s make this an outstanding semester.
Sincerely,
Amanda M. Thomas, Ph.D.
Interim President