Student Profiles
WE ARE CALLED
Access to education is a matter of fairness and social justice
For first-generation or under-represented students, succeeding in college depends not just on funding, but on support in navigating college and the world of work: learning to balance school, work, social life, health, and personal development while building the networks and relationships that lead to meaningful careers.
At Loyola University Chicago, deeply dedicated to cura personalis—care for the whole person—students flourish. Founded 150 years ago by Arnold Damen, S.J., “so the diverse talents of [Chicago’s] community could be harnessed to benefit the city, the country, and the world,” Loyola continues a 500-year Jesuit commitment to serve rich and poor alike, without distinction.
Through a $500M initiative that provides both scholarships and intensive support services, Loyola recommits itself to the students who need us most.
Now more than ever, WE ARE CALLED to create a stronger, fairer, richer social fabric. Embrace the call and make a gift.
Hunter Robbins
Finding yourself in focus and hard work
HEARING ABOUT ARRUPE FROM A CO-WORKER, Hunter Robbins’ mother believed the school would offer him an excellent transition to college. Hunter agrees. “This community was so valuable to me; everyone was so welcoming, mature, and respectful. I’m the type of learner who needs to go over stuff multiple times, and Arrupe really supported my learning style.”
Now on scholarship at Loyola, Hunter is studying environmental science, with “more chemistry than I’m used to,” but he’s loving the work and looking forward to working in the School of Environmental Sustainability’s Searle Biodiesel Lab. He’s also interested in agriculture, especially vertical farming, as well as meteorology, which he may eventually pursue as a career.
Don’t stress or panic. Have confidence in yourself. Be the hero of your own story. Hunter Robbins
His current passions are tennis and Japanese language and culture, including manga art, a formalized style of Japanese cartooning. “In grade school, I befriended a Korean exchange student. I’ll never forget her, the impression she and her ideas made on me.” Now living on the Water Tower campus with great roommates, Hunter relishes the completion scholarship “as a testament to my focus and hard work.” The advice he would give to a younger Hunter?
“Don't stress of panic. Have confidence in yourself. Be the hero of your own story.”
Karina Tapia
KARINA TAPIA’S HIGH SCHOOL YEARS were beset with issues. She really wanted to move forward academically but wasn’t sure she could manage college. She was accepted at Loyola, but “the financial aid was nowhere near close.” Loyola’s Arrupe College was the answer.
Staff there helped her identify additional scholarships. Karina started working as a writing tutor, helping freshmen with their papers. “I developed such close relationships with both faculty and fellow students, friendships I will keep forever.”
As Arrupe graduation neared, Karina knew she was ready for success at Loyola and received a scholarship from local supporters. The first year, during COVID-19, was tough. Her family suffered through financial problems, hospitalizations, several deaths, and at one point nearly lost their home.
Everything started because of Arrupe. They gave me a second chance. They saw something in me and knew I could benefit. Karina Tapia
After graduation, Karina hopes to work in a nonprofit in Pilsen and embark on a master’s degree in social work. She’s thinking about a future in school counseling or private practice. She is thankful for her Loyola experience, and especially the “sense of community, everyone caring for each other, and sense of belonging.”
Evelyn Camargo
Called to social justice
FROM THE BEGINNING, Evelyn Camargo had her heart set on Loyola. “The minute I set foot on campus, I knew it was meant to be.” Her mother, who had emigrated from Mexico, wasn’t so sure. Loyola was expensive.
When Evelyn wasn’t accepted at Loyola as a freshman, Arrupe proved “a great solution. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Arrupe.” She was so shy, and at Arrupe she quickly developed relationships with the faculty, who valued her as both a student and a person. Her confidence blossomed. She ran successfully for vice president of student government. Arrupe helped her learn “how to make my presence known.”
My life centers on working to bring change. I once felt I might do this through social work, but now I think more about politics, or perhaps becoming an immigration attorney. Evelyn Camargo
Selected to participate in Bridging the Divide, a University of Chicago program that brought together students from Arrupe and Eureka College to address the political rifts exposed in the 2016 elections, Evelyn was surprised to find Eureka’s students also had concerns about social justice. Now majoring in sociology and political science at Loyola, Evelyn is also completing the courses for the pre-law track.
We are called
Quinlan School of Business
Trevaughn Latimer
Economics
Hometown calling: An economics major leads for change
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College of Arts and Sciences
Loren McCauley
Psychology
Real-world research in Chicago communities
Read StoryFor first-generation or under-represented students, succeeding in college depends not just on funding, but on support in navigating college and the world of work: learning to balance school, work, social life, health, and personal development while building the networks and relationships that lead to meaningful careers.
At Loyola University Chicago, deeply dedicated to cura personalis—care for the whole person—students flourish. Founded 150 years ago by Arnold Damen, S.J., “so the diverse talents of [Chicago’s] community could be harnessed to benefit the city, the country, and the world,” Loyola continues a 500-year Jesuit commitment to serve rich and poor alike, without distinction.
Through a $500M initiative that provides both scholarships and intensive support services, Loyola recommits itself to the students who need us most.
Now more than ever, WE ARE CALLED to create a stronger, fairer, richer social fabric. Embrace the call and make a gift.
Finding yourself in focus and hard work
HEARING ABOUT ARRUPE FROM A CO-WORKER, Hunter Robbins’ mother believed the school would offer him an excellent transition to college. Hunter agrees. “This community was so valuable to me; everyone was so welcoming, mature, and respectful. I’m the type of learner who needs to go over stuff multiple times, and Arrupe really supported my learning style.”
Now on scholarship at Loyola, Hunter is studying environmental science, with “more chemistry than I’m used to,” but he’s loving the work and looking forward to working in the School of Environmental Sustainability’s Searle Biodiesel Lab. He’s also interested in agriculture, especially vertical farming, as well as meteorology, which he may eventually pursue as a career.
His current passions are tennis and Japanese language and culture, including manga art, a formalized style of Japanese cartooning. “In grade school, I befriended a Korean exchange student. I’ll never forget her, the impression she and her ideas made on me.” Now living on the Water Tower campus with great roommates, Hunter relishes the completion scholarship “as a testament to my focus and hard work.” The advice he would give to a younger Hunter?
“Don't stress of panic. Have confidence in yourself. Be the hero of your own story.”
KARINA TAPIA’S HIGH SCHOOL YEARS were beset with issues. She really wanted to move forward academically but wasn’t sure she could manage college. She was accepted at Loyola, but “the financial aid was nowhere near close.” Loyola’s Arrupe College was the answer.
Staff there helped her identify additional scholarships. Karina started working as a writing tutor, helping freshmen with their papers. “I developed such close relationships with both faculty and fellow students, friendships I will keep forever.”
As Arrupe graduation neared, Karina knew she was ready for success at Loyola and received a scholarship from local supporters. The first year, during COVID-19, was tough. Her family suffered through financial problems, hospitalizations, several deaths, and at one point nearly lost their home.
After graduation, Karina hopes to work in a nonprofit in Pilsen and embark on a master’s degree in social work. She’s thinking about a future in school counseling or private practice. She is thankful for her Loyola experience, and especially the “sense of community, everyone caring for each other, and sense of belonging.”
Called to social justice
FROM THE BEGINNING, Evelyn Camargo had her heart set on Loyola. “The minute I set foot on campus, I knew it was meant to be.” Her mother, who had emigrated from Mexico, wasn’t so sure. Loyola was expensive.
When Evelyn wasn’t accepted at Loyola as a freshman, Arrupe proved “a great solution. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Arrupe.” She was so shy, and at Arrupe she quickly developed relationships with the faculty, who valued her as both a student and a person. Her confidence blossomed. She ran successfully for vice president of student government. Arrupe helped her learn “how to make my presence known.”
Selected to participate in Bridging the Divide, a University of Chicago program that brought together students from Arrupe and Eureka College to address the political rifts exposed in the 2016 elections, Evelyn was surprised to find Eureka’s students also had concerns about social justice. Now majoring in sociology and political science at Loyola, Evelyn is also completing the courses for the pre-law track.