President's Medallion
President's Medallion Winners
From the School of Education
Leadership. Scholarship. Service. Those three words are etched onto the President’s Medallion. The President’s Medallion is one of the most prestigious awards conferred annually by Loyola University Chicago to its most outstanding students, one from each of its 14 colleges, institutes, and schools. They are words that neatly summarize all that the University represents. They also sum up the 2024–25 President’s Medallion recipients—students who excel not only in the classroom but also in the world and are dedicated to helping those around them.
Loyola University Chicago has awarded the President’s Medallion annually to its most outstanding students for almost 50 years. Historically, the award has provided an opportunity for student leaders to celebrate the founding of Loyola University, then known as St. Ignatius College, by Jesuit Father Arnold Damen and four other Jesuit priests more than 140 years ago. The spirit of Father Damen has endured to this day and is represented by the recipients.
AWARD RECIPIENTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
- Be a currently enrolled student expected to graduate in the 2023−24 academic year.
- Be a currently enrolled student expected to graduate in the 2023−24 academic year.
- Rank academically in the upper 25 percent of their class.
2024 Recipient
Reese Hyzer
It was an exciting new chapter when Reese Hyzer began her journey at Loyola University Chicago. Coming from a small town in Wisconsin, Loyola’s diverse environment provided a backdrop for self-discovery and growth. What started as a virtual program due to the pandemic evolved into an opportunity for Reese to build a community and leave a lasting impact.
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2023 Recipient
Maeve Donlin
For Maeve, Loyola's Jesuit mission was a calling. The emphasis on social justice and global community implications had transformed her perspective. She aspired to work in urban settings, such as Chicago Public Schools (CPS), to better understand the needs of diverse communities and make informed, impactful decisions.
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2022 Recipient
Erica Whitmore
As a graphic designer, Erica Whitmore found herself daydreaming of one-day teaching and integrating her work into engaging STEM lessons. Her dream came to fruition, and she is now pursuing an EdD in Administration and Supervision.
2021 Recipient
Nathan Petithomme
A product of Chicago Public Schools, Nathan is passionate about making education more inclusive, more equitable, and more just for all students, no matter their background, race, or identity. His sights are set high—aspiring to one day become the Secretary of Education for the United States—and his Loyola education has prepared him to be successful in whatever he sets his mind to.
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