– Welcome everyone to Loyola University, Maryland. Founded in 1852 in Baltimore, Maryland, Loyola is a private Catholic Jesuit university that prides itself on a 500 year old approach to education that is value-based and grounded in the liberal arts. Comprised of the Loyola College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education and the Sellinger School of Business and Management, Loyola prepare students to learn, lead and serve in our diverse and ever-changing world. In addition to a rigorous Jesuit liberal arts education, the Loyola experience is characterized by the personal mentorship and guidance more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students receive from dedicated faculty, staff, administrators, coaches, and one another, as well as the incredible career preparation students receive that lasts the entire trajectory of their personal and professional lives. Year after year, Loyola is ranked among the top schools in the country for superior academic quality, affordability, and value focused on undergraduate teaching and the success and salary potential of their graduates. I’m your host, Alex Boylan, and over the next half hour we’re gonna travel around this beautiful campus with 10 Loyola students who will tell us what they love most about being Greyhounds. And get ready everyone, because their energy and passion is absolutely contagious. Welcome to Loyola. This is “The College Tour.” To start us off, we’re gonna hear from Natalie, a senior who’s studying advertising and public relations with a minor in studio arts. She’s gonna share what it’s like to be part of the Greyhound nation, Loyola University, Maryland’s vibrant, driven, diverse, intellectually curious community. This is a place where relationships and access to a myriad of opportunities allow students to discover who they are and become the best versions of themselves. Over to you Natalie.
– Thanks so much, Alex. Hi, everyone. After being a cheerleader throughout high school, I wanted to continue promoting school spirit in college just in a different way. There is no shortage of Greyhound pride here and the Loyola Superfans play a huge part in that. Superfans is a leadership organization whose mission is to promote Loyola’s division one athletics program, support student athletes and create engaging atmosphere at athletic events for the student body. I joined Superfans my first year on campus. I’ve gotten to sit front row at sporting events, attend team practices, lead giveaways, work with student athletes and coaches, all while leading my fellow hounds and wearing green and to cheer on their teams. Superfans is just one example of the many ways Greyhounds can tap into their passion and meet like-minded friends. As a communications major I’m also a member of the Sigma Society, the Public Relations Student Society of America and the National Communication Association Honor Society. I’m also a member of the Loyola Dance Company. There’s something for everybody here. With just under 4,000 undergraduates and 1,500 graduate students, Loyola is big enough to be rich and opportunities and small enough for those opportunities to be highly accessible for each student. That’s what makes the Greyhound nation so special. It’s a welcoming, diverse community filled with passionate people who empower members of our community to become their best selves. My involvement in Superfans and other organizations have made me a stronger leader and foster relationships with many other student leaders on campus. I will take these skills with me even after my time here is done. Loyola has truly allowed me to be myself and find a sense of belonging. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow. The pride and school spirit you have for Loyola is palpable. I can feel that same energy and a sense of community just standing here on campus. Your story is a great example of how students here find opportunities for leadership and growth in unique ways. Thanks for sharing that.
Next up, let’s meet Vikas, a senior studying finance. He’ll introduce us to the school of business, recognized as a best business school in the nation for 15 straight years. It also features one of the nation’s first accountancy programs and access to prestigious internships and jobs in New York City. Vikas is hoping to join the thousands of LIU alumni who went on to become Wall Street leaders. Please take it away, Vikas.
– Thanks Alex. What’s up everyone? I was first introduced to LIU during my junior year of high school when I was selected as a scholar for the Summer Honors Institute. Throughout the week, I built relationships with faculty and learned about the various opportunities provided by the school of business. I instantly knew LIU was where I was meant to be. Experiential learning is a pillar of the business program. Every student graduates with a resume full of experiences, internships and other unique opportunities. Two programs that are especially important to me are the International Consulting Network, or ICON, and the student managed investment fund. During my first year, I participated in ICON, a student led consulting firm where I worked with students from around the world to address issues and offer solutions for real businesses. I couldn’t believe that as a freshman, I was consulting for real companies. It was then through the investment fund that I had my first experiences with finance. I learned all about the stock market from industry professionals, both successful alumni and experts here in New York City, Alongside classmates, I learned about the different sectors in the market and we allocated actual funds. As a result of this real life and hands on approach, I know I am more equipped to begin my career. These experiences are one of a kind, and so are the faculty. They become mentors who care about your professional and personal success. With extensive industry experience, it is easy to trust them knowing they will guide me to reach my goals. I’ve learned so much and gained experiences that have been well received by potential employers. I couldn’t be more happy to be graduating this year with a full-time job offer already in hand at a global full service investment bank. That’s all from me, back to you Alex.
– That was awesome, Vikas! Having the chance to learn from so many business professionals and get involved in the student-run consulting program from day one is absolutely credible. You’ll be running your own company in no time. Great work, Vikas.
Next, we’re gonna take a look at the LIU Brooklyn campus with Shivani, a senior pursuing her bachelor’s degree in finance. She is thrilled to be studying in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the country, just a short walk to Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s amazing, this location. It’s also rated one of this safest campuses in America. Shivani, you are on.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everyone. Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, it was always my dream to move to New York City and experience life on the east coast. Once I graduated, all I wanted to do was explore the world and LIU let me do just that. After being accepted into LIU Brooklyn, my dad and I flew out here to attend an open house and I instantly fell in love with the location. With just a quick walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and a 10 minute subway ride into the heart of Manhattan, New York City is my campus. My favorite part is that we’re just a few steps away from the Barclay Center, top art venues like the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and not to mention all the restaurants, cafes, and shops. Although I’m in a big city, when I’m within the gates at LIU Brooklyn, I know I’m part of an intimate community. Faculty knows my name and I’m surrounded by students with similar goals and interests. The campus features high-end technology like Bloomberg terminals, where I’ve had the chance to be Bloomberg certified. I also manage $150,000 portfolio of stocks in the S&P 500 through LIU Student Investment Fund, all with New York City as a backdrop. I still can’t believe that I get to live and learn here. No matter your area of interest, business, music, entertainment, pharmacy, health, you will have a unique advantage studying at the Brooklyn campus, located at the heart of so many industries. As a finance major, this meant an internship at Wells Fargo’s Wealth and Investment Management program. At LIU, I’ve had so much success that I know the saying is true, “If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere.” And I look forward to my next chapter in New York. Back to you, Alex.
– That is so impressive. Shivani. It’s great to hear about the wide range of experiences that LIU Brooklyn offers to set students up for success. Having access to real investment opportunities on Wall Street is incredible. Thanks again Shivani. Cheers.
Now let’s meet up with Matthew, a junior studying nursing. He’s the perfect student to introduce us to health professions at LIU which include NYC’s first pharmacy school, one of the only veterinary schools in the northeast, an award-winning nursing program, physical and occupational therapy, physicians assistant and social work programs, and so much more. Matthew’s personal experience with healthcare inspired him to give back to those in need. Take it away Matthew.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey everyone. Growing up, I wasn’t always sure what I wanted to do. My passion for nursing was inspired through watching healthcare professionals in action when my dad needed it the most. I knew then that I was called to help those who were in similar situations. Coming from a small town, I always knew I wanted to live in New York. One of my high school teachers, an LIU alumni, encouraged me to apply to LIU. I can say that this was one of the best decisions I’ve made. From the moment I first walked onto campus, to starting my professional nursing classes, I’ve had an experience like no other. LIU has opened so many doors for me. They’ve given me the chance to grow both personally and professionally in so many ways. From getting an on campus job, to joining an organization, to preparing me for clinical practice, the opportunities to grow both in and outside of my career field are endless. LIU is all about hands on learning. Not only are we taught by faculty that are leaders in healthcare, but we’re given the resources to practice our skills in a beautiful state-of-the-art simulation lab. And being so close to New York City provides us access learn in some of the world’s best hospitals. It really takes learning about medicine and patient care to a whole other level. In my time at LIU, I can truly say that no matter what major you choose, you will leave having mastered that field while having also grown as an individual. I know that the experiences and the connections that I am making will stick with me for a lifetime. Back to you, Alex.
– Matthew, your story is so encouraging. We all know a healthcare hero who has impacted our lives and saved others. And you are on the track to do just that. Thank you for inspiring us and keep up the amazing work. Cheers Matthew.
Loyola offers 40 majors and 50 minors at the undergraduate level. And as we’ll hear from Fatima, a junior biochemistry major with a minor in studio arts, Greyhounds gain both depth of knowledge and breadth of experience and the personal attention and mentorship that fosters success. Over to you Fatima.
– Thanks Alex and hi, friends. Growing up in Jersey city, an incredibly diversity where I was surrounded by different religions, ideals, and cultures, I wanted a college experience that offers an intersectionality of experiences and academic subjects. I’m studying biochemistry and I’m in the pre-dental track through Loyola’s pre-health programs. My dream is to become a pediatric dentist. While my love for science is still strong, Loyola’s liberal arts core curriculum gave me a unique chance to explore other subjects. I’ve discovered a passion for social science and the arts and I’ve decided to minor in studio arts. The science department faculty goes above and beyond with their time and their knowledge helping me master difficult material. I know my professors well and can lean on them for support throughout and beyond my college career. My studio arts professors encourage me to embrace my identity and my Filipino culture, helping me get involved in activities and realize my potential. This support extends beyond my classes and to everything that I’m involved in here. I am a part of the chapel choir and Loyola Bells, an acapella group. Both allow me to be myself doing something that I love while providing an outlet during stressful academic times. ♪ Oh they’re welcome ♪ I also engage with the community through Loyola’s Center for Community Service and Justice, tutoring high school students. Loyola’s liberal arts education has allowed me to expand my thinking and make connections across disciplines in ways I could not have imagined. The unconditional support and attention from faculty and students creates an environment that I can only compare to my home and my family. Thanks to Loyola I have found my passions and my second home. Back to you, Alex.
– Fatima, thank you for taking us through your academic experience here at Loyola. Your story about discovering new ways to make connections between seemingly unrelated subjects is phenomenal. With the support of faculty and the distinctive education you’re receiving through the pre-health program, I know you’ll make a fantastic pediatric dentist someday. Thanks again, Fatima.
And now we’re gonna hear about life beyond campus. Lauren is a junior studying history and double minoring in American studies and education. And she’s gonna share just a few of the many things there are to love about going to college in Baltimore. There are 160,000 students at 13 schools in Baltimore, making it very much a college town. Take it away Lauren.
– Thank you, Alex. I grew up in Connecticut, close to New York City and I wanted a college experience with the culture and resources of a city. When I visited Loyola, I loved the location in Baltimore and the emphasis on student involvement and engagement in the city. Baltimore’s the perfect college town, there’s something for everyone. It’s affordable, easy to navigate and fun. If you’re a sports fan like me, you can catch an Orioles baseball game at Camden Yards, one of the most beautiful stadiums in the country and cheer on the Ravens during football season. The inner harbor is home to the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, and a scenic waterfront where my friends and I love to rent paddle boats. As a history major, I’m always looking for museums to visit. I love that the Baltimore Museum of Art is a short walk from Loyola’s campus. And for all the foodies, Baltimore’s home to the best crab cakes, farmer’s markets, food trucks, and gourmet restaurants. Another perk is Baltimore’s proximity to Washington, DC, just a 30 minute train ride away. Many students and alumni choose to pursue internship and job opportunities right here in Baltimore since it has all the benefits of a big city with a small town feel. With 250 unique neighborhoods, it’s impossible to run out of things to do and places to see. It’s no wonder they call Baltimore charm city. There’s a crab mac and cheese calling my name. Back to you, Alex.
– Lauren, that was amazing and so is that waterfront view. How great that you’ve been able to get off campus and really explore and discover Baltimore during your time at Loyola. It seems like such a great place to go to college. Thanks for telling us more about what Baltimore has to offer in terms of culture, history, outdoor activities, festivals, and more. That was great Lauren.