Contacts for Multilingual Student Support

Students and faculty are welcome to contact the following members of the Loyola community for support and guidance related to multilingual students. To be added to this list, please complete this form.

Birgit Albrecht, Ph.D.

Title: Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Email: balbrecht@loyola.edu
Phone: 410-617-2058
Office: Donnelly Science 328
Other languages known: German
Background: I grew up in Germany but moved to the UK for my undergraduate and graduate studies. While I had some german during my German high school, I was taking university level courses in a foreign language, and I understand the challenges that come with it. I had great mentors that supported me during that time, and now that I am a professor myself, I am hoping to pay it forward.
Areas I can help with: Sciences, pre-health, and resources

David Carey, Jr., Ph.D.

Title: Doehler Chair, History
Email: drcarey@loyola.edu
Phone: 410-617-2893
Office: Humanities 310
Other languages known: Spanish and Kaqchikel Maya
Background: I learned Spanish in Mexico and Chile, and I learned Kaqchikel Maya in Guatemala. I have traveled throughout Central America and parts of South America, including Peru and Ecuador. I have also worked closely with Esperanza Center and Latin American immigrants.
Areas I can help with: History, writing, and acclimating to Loyola.

 

Emily Dillon, M.Ed. and M.F.A.

Title: Assistant Teaching Professor, Writing
Email: epdillon@loyola.edu
Phone: 410-617-5515
Office: Maryland Hall 043N
Background: I have a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, including pedagogical study for second-language learners, and taught second-language learners in the arts for five years in high school. I studied Spanish Language and Literature in undergrad alongside my English degree; though several of my family members speak fluent Spanish (ask me about my middle name, Llansó!), I do not, but I enjoy cross-linguistic comparisons even within different versions of English.
Areas I can help with: I can support WR*100 students, in particular, as a WR*100 teacher in the Writing Department. I can offer graphic organizer support and cross-linguistic grammar comparisons.

Margarita R. Jácome, Ph.D.

Title: Associate Professor, Spanish and Latin American Studies
Email: mjacome@loyola.edu
Phone: 410-617-2364
Office: Maryland Hall 351G
Other languages known: Spanish and Portuguese
Background: Dr. Jácome was born in Colombia of Hispanic-Lebanese descent. In her teaching, mentoring, and research work, she focuses on understanding the social implications of multiculturalism and the stereotypes that stem from them.
Areas I can help with: I will gladly work with multilingual/multicultural learners on using their knowledge of languages as an empowering tool to make their voices heard within the growing diverse student population.

Mary Beth Mudric, Ph.D.

Title: Assistant Dean of the Office of Undergraduate Studies
Email: mmudric@loyola.edu
Phone: 410-617-5547
Office: Maryland Hall 145
Other languages known: Some Spanish
Background: I had the pleasure of working with multilingual students during my work-study position in college, and I believe that this experience gave me the incredible perspective and insight that allows me to do the work I am so passionate about now. We have so much to learn from our multilingual students, and the more time we take to establish relationships with these students, the more robust our Loyola community will become.
Areas I can help with: Transition from high school to college, finding resources, asking for help, and building resilience.

Stephen Park, Ph.D.

Title: AssociateProfessor, English, and Faculty Director of Community-Engaged Learning and Scholarship
Email: smpark@loyola.edu
Phone: 410-617-2497
Office: Humanities 242C
Other languages known: French
Background: I have worked with many, many international students and multilingual students at several universities. Before coming to Loyola, I taught in the Rio Grande Valley, where the majority of my students were either bilingual or native Spanish speakers. My specialty is Hemispheric American Literature, and in the courses I teach at Loyola, I include texts from multiple language traditions.
Areas I can help with: Students should feel free to contact me about any issue, whether it’s related to their academic work or not. Also, I speak French at home with my family, so French speakers are definitely encouraged to reach out.

Dennis Velez, M.A.

Title: Associate Director, the Thrive Center for Student Success
Email: dvelez@loyola.edu
Phone: 410-617-2004
Office: Andrew White Student Center E315
Other languages known: Spanish
Background: Dennis, a proud Puerto Rican man, currently serves as the Associate Director of the Thrive Center and is passionate about supporting students, especially those who identify as multilingual. He enjoys meeting students where they are and approaches his work through an intersectional framework. Stop by my office and say hola! Or feel free to call/email me. Gracias!
Areas I can help with: Anything! But if you need specifics, you can contact me about getting involved in the Thrive Center (whether it’s through programming, getting involved in a student club, our mentoring program, or joining an identity-based space such as MAN2MAN or Sister to Sister), academic support, Empower (a support group for students of color), or getting connected on campus.

Maiju Wetzel, Ph.D.

Title: Director, Pre-Health Programs
Email: mlwetzel@loyola.edu
Phone: 410-617-2218
Office: Donnelly Science 147

Marcia Wiedefeld, M.A.

Title: Director, Disability Support Services
Email: mwiedefeld@loyola.edu
Phone: 410-617-2062
Office: Newman Towers W107
Background: As Director of Disability Support Services, I see a lot of students who are multilingual that can use the same support as students with disabilities (such as note-taking assistance and extra time on tests). I am happy to talk to students to see if they are eligible for accommodations and support through DSS. Please email or call, and we can set up a time to meet!
Areas I can help with: If you have a chronic health condition, anxiety, or a learning disability that makes it difficult to learn or take tests, you might be eligible for accommodations and support. Or, if you suspect you have an undiagnosed learning disability or ADHD, DSS can help you determine if you should pursue an evaluation.