Loyola's Sesquicentennial

Loyola University Chicago celebrated its Sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary in 2020. While the the celebration was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, digital projects were able to continue. These projects include Loyola at 150: Student Life Timeline and the Then and Now: 150 years at Loyola University Chicago.

Both projects were created by the Sesquicentennial Scholars, a team of graduat students working with the Loyola University Archives and Special Collections and the Women and Leadership Archives. These graduate students were supported by the Center for Textual Studies and Digital Humanities and the History department, and were funded by the President's office.

This timeline explores Loyola’s history through the lens of student life. For 150 years, students from a variety of backgrounds have found academic opportunities at Loyola. They have formed clubs and organizations all the while interacting with the changing world around them. Every decade has had its challenges and successes, and each generation of students has pursued Loyola’s mission of social justice to make the world a better place.

Loyola at 150: Student Life Timeline

Loyola's history reflects the broader history of Catholic higher education, the college experience, and Chicago. This digital exhibit presents Loyola's history through the themes of social justice and faith, student life, and Loyola's campuses. It explores how Loyola University Chicago has changed through the years, where it is today, and what it might look like in the future.

Then and Now: 150 years at Loyola University Chicago