ACE
The Achieving College Excellence (ACE) program is committed to helping students succeed in their college journey at Loyola University Chicago, and beyond.
ACE helps students to achieve their goals, such as maintaining a high GPA, graduating on time, and preparing for a successful career or graduate/ professional school.
ACE Scholars benefit from highly-tailored, quality programs and services. Learn more about how Achieving College Excellence can help you achieve your goals.
We are now accepting applications for the 2013-2014 academic year!
Click below to apply for ACE today!
Achieving College Excellence is funded by the U.S. Department of Education (TRIO Student Support Services Program) and the Office of the Provost, Loyola University Chicago.
Stephanie Stewart, PhD
Faculty Director
Stephanie Stewart, Faculty Director, Achieving College Excellence (ACE), provides leadership and administration for Loyola’s ACE program. In this position, she works to advance the University's strategic initiatives to support low income students, first generation students, and students with disabilities.
Dr. Stewart previously served as Assessment Coordinator and Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Education, a position she had held since January 2008. She had been with the School since 2000, working in the areas of academic student services and enrollment recruiting. Dr. Stewart earned a PhD in Higher Education in 2007. After earning her master's degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, Stephanie held positions in residence life and career counseling. As part of her appointment in the Office of the Provost, she will continue to teach part-time in the School of Education and serve as assessment consultant to the University Core Curriculum Committee (UCCC).
Office: Sullivan Center for Student Services, LSC, Room 280
Phone: 773.508.2753
E-mail: sstewa2@luc.edu
De'Sha Wolf, PhD
Project Director
De'Sha Wolf is the Project Director for the Achieving College Excellence (ACE) program. In this position, she coordinates and leads the implementation of ACE's core programs including ACE tutoring services, workshop development, and the program's evaluation and assessment. She also encourages ACE students' holistic development through co-curricular participation.
Dr. Wolf joined the Rambler family in January 2011 after completing her PhD in Higher Education and Organizational Change at the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to Loyola, she worked as a Project Manager in the UCLA Center for Educational Assessment, where she developed and implemented the assessment curriculum for a program providing academic support services to underrepresented science majors. De'Sha has also worked in a number of research, teaching, and support services capacities, which have collectively shaped her passion for working with TRIO populations.
Office: Sullivan Center for Student Services, LSC, Room 238B
Phone: 773.508.2722
E-mail: dwolf@luc.edu
Derrick Gunter, MEd
ACE Advisor
Derrick Gunter serves as the Achieving College Excellence Advisor and provides numerous services to ACE students, including academic support, financial literacy, career counseling, mentoring, and graduate school preparation. He is committed to creating strong involvement and community among ACE students.
Derrick earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rowan University and completed his MEd in Higher Education Administration at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. While Derrick Gunter is new to Loyola University Chicago, he is not new to TRIO. He is a proud alumnus of Rowan University's Educational Opportunity Program/Minority Achievement Program. In addition, he has worked for Upward Bound, summer bridge programs, and is a contributing member of MAEOPP and ILAEOPP, regional and state TRIO professional associations. Inspired by his former involvement in TRIO programs, Derrick returned to the support network that he benefitted from, which affords him the opportunity to pursue his continued interest in access and equity in higher education.
Office: Sullivan Center for Student Services, LSC, Room 238A
Phone: 773.508.2721
E-mail: dgunter@luc.edu
Part-time Staff
Diana Chavez
ACE Graduate Intern
MA, Higher Education, Loyola University Chicago, 2006
PhD, Higher Education, Loyola University Chicago (Expected 2012)
Diana provides ACE students interested in continuing their education with information on post-baccalaureate studies. She also helps students organize visits to area law, medical, graduate, and professional schools.
Mandaline Dunne
ACE Program Assistant
BA, Business, Loyola University Chicago (Expected 2014)
Mandaline helps maintain the ACE Web calendar and also assists with event planning, marketing, and administrative duties. In addition, she works with ACE's social media channels and monitors the program e-mail address.
Alexandra Dyer
ACE Tutor/Learning Specialist
BA, Special Education, Loyola University Chicago (Expected 2013)
Alexandra works with ACE students to develop effective learning strategies and study skills. She tutors in both individual and group settings, and does so at both the Lake Shore and Water Tower Campuses.
Derrick Gunter, Jennifer Cossyleon, De'Sha Wolf, Stephanie Stewart, Diana Chavez, Mariana Ruano
Click for Ace Organizational Chart (PDF)