Loyola University Chicago

University Staff Council

April 2015

Tobyn L. Friar

Title/s:  Associate Director, Financial Aid

Email: tfriar@luc.edu

About

Department/School/Division: Enrollment Management
Campus: 
Lake Shore Campus
Years at Loyola: 
9

What is your favorite thing about working at Loyola?
Being able to get connected with students and staff outside of my day-to-day responsibilities. Loyola provides some amazing opportunities that allow for staff engagement and I’ve been fortunate to be part of some really cool activities and programs around campus.

What is your most memorable achievement as a Loyola employee?
Last year, the Department of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs honored me with the Lifelong Commitment to Social Justice Award. Being acknowledged by my peers is an amazing feeling, but to be acknowledged by the students I serve is a feeling I cannot describe.

What does Loyola's mission mean to you?
Loyola’s mission reinforces my belief that we need to develop the whole person. I take a holistic approach when meeting with students because I value and find meaning and purpose in building community with them. Taking an extra few minutes to listen and learn from students allows me to better assist them with their specific situation. 

What motivates you to succeed each and every day?
The students that I’m able to meet and work with make my job very rewarding. Talking about finances isn’t one of the easiest conversations to have, and sometimes those conversations get really tough, but if I am able to help one student succeed financially or if I’m able to help make Loyola more affordable, it makes those tough conversations a little easier to manage. Having the financial burden lifted and seeing a student walk away with a smile is a great feeling.

Tell us how you show your Rambler pride. 
Some of the ways I try to show my Rambler pride is by being involved. I go on 360 Retreats, and am a mentor in the Brothers for Excellence program through Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. I collaborate with staff and support students in the ACE, Bridge to Loyola, SOAR, and STARS programs. I cheer on our athletic teams, volunteer for the Ignatian Service Day Projects, and have been involved with the LUC & Me mentorship program. 

Tell us something most people at Loyola would be surprised to know about you. 
I come from a very large family. I am one of 14 children and all but the two oldest are adopted. Because adoption played such an important role in my life, my wife and I are fostering two beautiful girls and we are nearing the end of the adoption process with them.