Name: Derek Wagner 

Year in School: Rising Senior  

Major: Biology  

Minor: 

 

About You: 

Where are you from? Geneva, IL  

What do you like to do? Figure skating and going on bike rides  

 

My Community Service & Action Experience: 

How are you involved in Community Service & Action? I am a leader for the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen.  

Why do you engage in the Community? The main reason I am involved in the community around Loyola is because I strongly believe that no one should go without a meal and be hungry. I, along with other amazing Loyola volunteers, are able to help ensure that the guests who come to St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen have a warm meal, so they will not be hungry or wonder where their next meal will come from.  

How do you envision living out the call to “Build the Greater Good” after you graduate? I hope to find another soup kitchen or food pantry in my area to volunteer at. I want to make a positive impact on the lives of people in my community who have not been as fortunate as I am. I want to continue giving back to my community no matter where I live.    

 

Being a Rambler: 

How are you involved at Loyola outside of CSA? I am part of a research lab at Loyola where we conduct research on upd1/NPF neural feeding circuit in Drosophila melanogaster.  

What tips do you have for building and maintaining community in college?  Talk to anyone and everyone. In tough classes, people are always looking for study groups. You build strong connections when you spend countless hours study with people.  

What advice would you give to an incoming student at Loyola? Do not hesitate to step out of your comfort zone! Try new things even if you are not sure if you will like it, and do not be afraid to do it by yourself. I first went to the Soup Kitchen by myself. I was nervous, but everyone was welcoming. I made many amazing friendships and have had many good laughs with them.