Loyola University Chicago

Achieving College Excellence

Student Academic Services

Event Photos

2018 ACE Continue to Dream Retreat

Some pictures taken at our annual Continue to Dream Retreat! Thank you to the amazing Retreat Leaders for making this retreat memorable!

 

2018 Illinois TRiO Leadership Conference

 

_____________________________________________

Summer Transition Program 2016

Thank you STP Mentors/Mentees 2016.  It is going to be a great start of a new school year!

 Spring 2016 Scholar Recognition Ceremony

The ACE Scholars Recognition Ceremony was a part of the university’s Weekend of Excellence celebration. First-year ACE scholar Andy Soto and graduating senior Marquitta Dixon shared their stories, providing balanced advice and inspiration for our scholars (and staff)! This ceremony is a celebration, honoring the academic achievements of our scholars, particularly our graduating seniors. It's also a happy reminder that the community we foster and the support we provide in ACE can and does make a positive difference in the lives of our scholars! TRiO works!

ACE scholars and staff 

ACE Scholars with our Project Director, Roy Saldana, Jr.

ACE Scholars with Sister Jean

ACE Advisor Kathleen Dillon, Tutoring Coordinator Leah Henning, and Data Management Coordinator Jenna Ofenloch with ACE seniors and tutors

 

 Fall 2015 TRIO Banquet - with ACE and McNair

For our Fall Banquet, we joined with the McNair Scholars Post-Baccalaureate Program since we are both TRiO Programs here at Loyola University Chicago.  This banquet featured two guest speakers.

Dr. Tina Sauerhammer was 2nd runner-up in Miss America and became a doctor that same year; she was 22 years old at the time.  Since then, she's been featured in People magazine as well as in USA Today for being part of the team of doctors who did the nation's first face transplant.  She spoke about her career and gave words of wisdom and inspiration to TRIO students.  

Also, a member of Washington D.C.'s Council for Opportunity in Education, Dr. Nicole Norfles who represents TRIO programs across the nation spoke about the broader TRIO network and importance of lobbying our elected representatives to maintain support for students served by TRIO programs.

Marcella Gallegos (Interim Director of McNair Programs), Dr. Tina Sauerhammer, Dr. Nicole Norfles, Roy Saldaña, Jr (Director of ACE)

At both our fall and spring banquets, we distribute academic achievement awards to recognize our students' prior semester GPA's, and recognize academic achievements, based on the cum laude awards that are distributed by the university at graduation.

 

Univ 101 - First Year Seminar

All first-year students in ACE are in the same Univ 101 class together, which is an opportunity for first-year students to learn more about how to become a successful Loyola student, using strategies for academic and personal success in college to establish unique academic, career, and personal goals.  Part of the class are "chill and chat" sessions with the Peer Advisor who helps students with the transition to college.  In this session, the PA shared "Some words of wisdom were to never let a relationship with anyone change where you're headed and focus on yourself before you think of others. "

 

ACE Fall Retreat - Continue to Dream

An opportunity for ACE students from all class years to gather together, share their personal stories and experiences, and find support in their shared goals and achievements.

 

 

Stritch Medical School Trip - Summer 2015

As one of our programs, ACE took a group of interested students to Loyola University's Stritch School of Medicine.  While there, students met with the Admissions Staff, had a question and answer session with current Stritch Medical Students (two of whom attended Loyola University Chicago for their undergrad!), and toured the medical school.  The drive back to campus allowed for reflection on what ACE students learned about the medical school admissions process and envisioned what it would be like to attend medical school.  

Said one student about the trip:

"Stritch was amazing! I loved how we were able to hear from both an admissions counselor along with 'M1 Students.' They were really able to give us an insight of how things are going to be. It is a scary thought of seeing 10,000 applications being cut to 300 acceptance letters, but I feel like I will be prepared when that time comes. We also toured the campus which was a ton of fun--not as big as the Lake Shore Campus, but still a great size that makes you feel like you're a part of a community. I think this is something that should continue to be done year after year-especially for freshmen and sophomores who have the mindset of attending medial school. This is a great way of showing them what they would experience. "   - Johnny Paolella, Jr.

 

ACE Senior Scholar Recognition Banquet - Spring 2015

To celebrate the end of each academic year and especially, our graduating seniors, ACE holds a banquet during the Weekend of Excellence.  Family members of graduating seniors are invited to join in our celebration and to honor our students' achievements.  We typically have a first-year ACE Scholar and a Senior Scholar give the keynote speeches at the Spring Banquet.  Graduating seniors receive graduation cords to commemorate the momentous occasion for their whole family, as our students are often the first in their family to receive a Baccalaureate Degree.

More photos can be viewed here (links to an external site.)

 

Program: How to Save for Study Abroad with the Office of International Programs

One of many programs that ACE holds, the How to Save for Study Abroad workshop is an opportunity for students to learn specifics about the different study abroad opportunities, which ones are covered through LUC's financial aid, and when students should start planning to study abroad.  Other workshops address topics such as understanding financial aid, how to write a resume, time management, and maintaining mindfulness during exams, among others.

 

Fall 2014 ACE Banquet

Our kick-off to the new academic year is often a catered meal with inspirational speeches from faculty, staff, and ACE alumni.  For Fall 2014, we joined the meal with the since we are both TRiO Programs here at Loyola University Chicago.  At both our fall and spring banquets, we distribute to recognize our students' prior semester GPA's.

 

 

 

 

 

 

‌First Ever ACE Retreat - September 2014 

The ACE Retreat was an opportunity for ACE Community Members to make connections with one another and to reflect on their experiences both at Loyola and beyond campus.

 

‌S‌ummer Transition Program - Start of Fall 2014 

Held for four days immediately prior to the start of the academic year, the Summer Transition Program is for incoming first-year students within ACE to gain information about how to succeed in the collegiate environment, to build connections with other students, and to become familiar with the campus and city.  Sessions are held during the day on topics such as writing skills, study skills, and goal-setting.  Evening activities include trips to sights around Chicago.  In August 2014, students heard from members of the Chicago Cubs' Organization who were also the first in their family to attend college and then enjoyed a baseball game (well, aside from the rain delay!)  Exact schedules are modified slightly each year.

 ‌

Senior Recognition Banquet - Spring 2014

To celebrate the end of each academic year and especially, our graduating seniors, ACE holds a banquet during the Weekend of Excellence.  Family members of graduating seniors are invited to join in our celebration and to honor our students' achievements.  At both our fall and spring banquets, we distribute academic achievement awards to recognize our students' prior semester GPA's.

‌ 

Demystifying Graduate School Speaker Panel - Spring 2014

One of many programs that ACE holds, the Demystifying Graduate School Panel is an opportunity for students to hear from faculty members across campus about basic information about different types of graduate school, how to decide where to apply, how to look for funding to help pay for graduate school, as well as, tips on how to enjoy and excel at graduate school.

  

Summer Transition Program - August 2013

Held for four days immediately prior to the start of the academic year, the Summer Transition Program is for incoming first-year students within ACE to gain information about how to succeed in the collegiate environment, to build connections with other students, and to become familiar with the campus and city.  Sessions are held during the day on topics such as writing skills, study skills, and goal-setting.  Evening activities include trips to sights around Chicago.  

 

Senior Recognition Banquet - Spring 2013

To celebrate the end of each academic year and especially, our graduating seniors, ACE holds a banquet during the Weekend of Excellence.  Family members of graduating seniors are invited to join in our celebration and to honor our students' achievements.  

 

Third Annual Banquet - Fall 2012

Summer Transition Retreat at LUREC - Summer 2012

Second Annual Banquet - Fall 2011

Career Discernment Retreat at LUREC - Summer 2011

Inaugural Banquet - Fall 2010