LUCRA hosts a variety of social events, presentations on current issues, discussions of faculty research, as well as off-campus tours and events. Our holiday party and occasional luncheons during the year provide staff and faculty opportunities to catch up with past colleagues and hear more about current Loyola University initiatives. During the pandemic we did hold a variety of Zoom talks and events. We are now generally back to in-person events. Below is a list describing some of these past activities.

 

2021

 

“The Importance of Being Funny: Why We Need More Jokes in Our Lives,” Al Gini Professor Emeritus of Business and Ethics discusses his new book on the same topic. (January)

 

“Lise Meitner: Nuclear Physics Superstar,” Jeff Mallow, Professor Emeritus of Physics, presentation (February)

 

“University-Community Research: Collaboration and Social Change,” Phil Nyden, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and past Director of the Center for Urban Research and Learning. (March)

 

“The American Songbook,” a musical event presented by Janis Fine, Professor Emeritus of Education (April)

 

“The Future of American Politics in the Post-Trump Era: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” Alan Gitelson Professor Emeritus of Political Science.

 

Tour of the International Museum of Surgical Science featuring an Arts Exhibit by nurses organized by Mary Ann McDermott, Professor Emeritus of Nursing, to celebrate the WHO designated International Year of the Nurse. (June)

 

“Teaching Science Through the Lens of Beauty and Awe” presentation by Charles L. Webber, Jr, Professor Emeritus of Cell and Molecular Physiology. (October) 

 

Tour of the School of Environmental Sustainability Facilities, Lake Shore Campus, led by Nancy Tuchman Founding Dean of SES. (November)

 

2022

 

“Bringing African-American Stories and Perspectives into Public History and Museum Narratives,” presentation by Patricia Mooney Melvin, Associate Professor of History and Lauren O’Brien, educator, curator, and public historian whose work was featured in a New York Times article on the Tenement Museum. (January) 

 

“Is the Pandemic Reshaping Chicago’s Performing Arts?” presentation by then-Artistic Director of Victory Gardens Theatre and Kerri Reid, theater and Dance critic for the Chicago Reader. (March) 

 

“The 2022 Midterm Elections: Setting the Course for Government and the Future of U.S. Politics” presentation by Alan Gitelson, Professor Emeritus of Political Science (September) 

 

“The Supreme Court and Privacy Rights: Judicial Legitimacy in the Post-Dobbs Era” presentation by Susan Mezey, Professor Emeritus of Political Science (October)

 

LUCRA Holiday Party, Lake Shore Campus (December)

 

2023

 

Conversation with Dr. Mark Reed, Loyola University Chicago’s new president, Lake Shore Campus. Followed by reception with staff/faculty retirees and their spouses, partners, and plus-ones (March)

 

LUCRA Spring Luncheon, Lake Shore Campus (May)

 

Chicago Symphony Orchestra's rehearsal session Thursday, June 15th, Thursday, June 15th

 

Upcoming: LUCRA Fall Luncheon, Lake Shore Campus, Thursday, Sept. 28, Noon to 2 p.m. in McCormick Lounge.

 

Upcoming: Behind the Scenes tour at the Field Museum organized by Anne Grauer, Professor of Anthropology, October 26. More details will be shared with the LUCRA listserv when available in early September