Loyola University Chicago

Community Relations

Alderman Shares Rambler Pride with Local Youth

Loyola Neighborhood News: Lake Shore Campus - V3, I5

On Sunday, Feb. 4, 48th Ward Alderman Harry Osterman accompanied 25 youth from the McCormick Boys and Girls Club of Uptown to Loyola University Chicago to watch the Ramblers play Youngstown State in the newly-renovated Gentile Arena. For the kids, this was a fun-filled day of NCAA basketball, food, and an opportunity to hang out with their local elected official.

Often times, when a young person is asked, “What do you want to do today?” The response may sound something like “play my video games,” “hang out with my friends,” or, “watch TV.” With so many entertaining and inexpensive options offered extremely locally, Alderman Osterman stressed the importance of getting children out of the house in healthy ways to broaden their perspective and gain new experiences.
Together with Loyola University Chicago’s Department of Community Relations and Department of Athletics, Alderman Osterman enjoyed spending time with the kids from the 48th Ward, who were also treated to pizza and snacks. 

According to Dan Luna, Chief of Staff for Alderman Osterman, “There are plenty of things to do rather than ‘hanging out’ on the street.  Through this opportunity, we exposed the children to a university campus experience, many for the first time.  Hopefully, when they get older, they will have a good understanding of what college is all about and consider staying in the neighborhood and attending Loyola.”

Not only did the children enjoy the game, ten lucky b-ballers participated in a full court scrimmage to a cheering crowd at half time. Rambler mascot LU Wolf gave them all high fives and took pictures with all of the kids.

Following the success of the event, Luna agreed that the Alderman’s office would be happy to host another such event in the future. “Yes, definitely,” said Luna. “All of the boys and girls were asking when they could do this again and I'm confident that with their enthusiasm and word of mouth around the Boys & Girls Club, next year's event will be even bigger."

Brian Sisson, Ticket Manager and Jennifer Clark, Assistant Vice President for Campus and Community Planning coordinated the outing with the Alderman’s Office. The Department of Athletics expressed that they would be pleased to host the youth again, if not this year then certainly next season.
If you are interested in attending a Loyola Rambler basketball game, the last two home games of the regular season are Thursday, Feb. 23 vs. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and Saturday, Feb. 25 vs. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. 

For the Rambler’s  schedule and to buy tickets online for basketball and other sports, please visit:http://loyolaramblers.tix.com/Clients/LoyolaRamblers/Schedule/Schedule.asp?OrganizationNumber=2167