Here’s what the 2011-12 Gannon Scholars have to say about themselves, their experiences at Loyola University Chicago, and what it means to be a Gannon.

Annemarie Barrett

Year: Senior

Major(s): Communication Studies concentration Social Justice Communication

Minor(s): Spanish, Political Science, Peace Studies

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hobbies: Activism, going to concerts, coloring, singing, dancing, reading, and being by lakes.

I am proud to be a Gannon Scholar. I have been challenged and learned a great deal about myself and the extraordinary Gannons in the program throughout these past few years. The opportunity to grow as a woman and to live out the legacy of amazing women like Sister Ann Ida Gannon is a true gift.

Azkar (Athkar) Hussein

Year: Senior

Major(s): Psychology; Pre-Optometry

Minor(s): Biology, Neuroscience

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Hobbies: Enjoys training in Martial Arts Tae Kwon Do, ice skating, smiling, collecting quotes, reading novels, listening to Quran, listening to meaningful music and poetry, spending time with family and friends. She also loves to read and learning about ways in which to achieve justice for the oppressed and putting that into action. She enjoys learning about vision and how the eye works because sight is truly a blessing. Azkar is currently leading in groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and the INsight Pre-Optometry club, etc. She is also doing research on reading and language and the relationship between them. This summer, she also attended the US Social Forum conference; there she worked with other organizations from across the nation in order to achieve justice for the Palestinians.

Excited about being a Gannon: I am honored to be a scholar, a leader, and an active member in the community. Gannon gives me the opportunities to allow my future visions to become a reality. Our activities are beautiful and unique on campus. I'm excited on working the Madonna Scholars committee more and heading the Selections committee again. The hard work and commitment will be seen in the end, and soon to leave a legacy. I love working with the rest of the Gannon Scholars, because, truly, they are the best of the best, and together we will make a lasting difference to benefit the world.

Kyla Barranco

Year: Junior

Major(s): Political Science, Women Studies & Gender Studies

Minor: Italian

Hometown: Berwyn, IL

Hobbies: Reading, thrifting, exploring Chicago, and spending time with my friends and family.

I'm excited about being a Gannon because of all the wonderful people and events I get to encounter each year through the programs that we offer. The group in particular is made up of amazing individuals who I love spending time with.

Crystal Costello

Year: Junior

Major(s): Political Science and French

Minor: Sociology

Hometown: Neenah, WI

Hobbies: Traveling, reading, equal and civil rights activism, working, Chicago, Zumba, Gannon.

Moving to Chicago to attend Loyola University has changed my life. A whole new world of exploration, activism, and friendship has greeted me here. The Gannon Leadership program has helped me grow in so many ways and the other ladies in the groups are phenomenal. When I am expressing my ideas and views with them, I feel as though I can accomplish anything.

Olivia Scheidler

Year: Junior

Major(s): International Studies and Sociology

Hometown: Indianapolis

Hobbies: Painting, photography, going to sweet live shows, vinyl record hunting, ultimate frisbee.

Why I am excited to be a Gannon: I am excited to work with the Pan Africa community through Gannon Reach Out, support my sisters in all their endeavors, and have a forum to discuss issues that we are passionate about.

Betsy Redelman

Year: Junior

Major(s): International Studies

Minor(s): Women's Studies & Gender Studies, Studio Art

Hometown: Brownsburg, IN

Hobbies: Ukulele, pottery, piano, farming, painting, rock collecting, hiking, soccer, playing with chickens, discussing black holes, feminism, yoga, singing, spanish, thrifting.

Excited about being a Gannon: This program gives me the solid foundation I need to explore, grow, and become a mover and a shaker. It gives me community. Gannon is shaping me not only into a woman leader, but also the human being I want to become.


Marie Tierney

Year: Junior

Major(s): Political Science and International Studies and in the Honors Program

Minor(s): Studio Arts

Hometown: Saint Paul, Minnesota!

Hobbies: Art, soccer, my ceramics class, dinners with Cameron, spreading love for Minnesota, hanging out with my little sister, Gannon, and taking long walks.

I'm excited for Gannon because I love spending time with the amazing women in it, and being part of amazing programs and organizations.

Wynn Coughlin

Year: Sophomore

Major(s): Political Science & Philosophy

Minor: WSGS

Hometown: Mount Prospect, IL

Hobbies: Vegetarianism, reading, writing, making collages, thrift store shopping, making mixes, hunting for rad music, general awesomeness.

I'm so excited to connect with amazing women who have similar interests as I do.

Christina Hernandez

Year: Sophomore

Majors: Psychology, Sociology

Minor: Women Studies & Gender Studies

Hometown: Huntington Beach, California

Hobbies: Dancing, Singing, Working, Cooking, Traveling, Bike Riding, Zumba, Yoga, and Nail Painting

I'm excited to be a Gannon to further develop my leadership abilities within the group and in the Loyola Community. Through this phenomenal women leadership group, I have grown into my own feminism and own abilities to lead, and for that I cannot be grateful enough.

 

Liz Hernandez

Year: Sophomore

Major(s): Political Science and Sociology

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Hobbies: Jenga, ceramics, and traveling.

I'm excited to be part of a sisterhood that is dedicated to service and empowerment.

Janelle Jones

Year: Sophomore

Major(s): International Studies, Journalism, Who Knows!

Hometown: Tacoma, Washington

Hobbies: Hiking, biking, reading, learning, photography, art, sewing, being a girl, coffee, MUSIC!

Why I am excited about being a Gannon? Excited to show the world how awesome being a feminist really is! Ready to learn from the women who came before me and change the world a little on the way.

Carolina Kidwell-Bozeman

Year: Sophomore

Major(s): Communications, Anthropology, International Film & Media Studies

Minor: Peace Studies

Hometown: Tallahassee, FL

Hobbies: Biking, swimming, photojournalism, being an activist, making collages, listening to This American Life, thrifting, finding new music, social justice.

Excited about being a Gannon: I love surrounding myself with such strong and capable women whose ideas and passions help keep me strong and impassioned myself. 

Kathryn Ensch

Year: Freshwoman

Major(s): Communication with a Concentration in Social Change and Advocacy, Women Studies and Gender Studies

Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Hobbies: Reading, journaling, music, volunteering, nannying, napping, yoga, watching/singing along to musicals

I'm excited to be involved with the Gannon Scholarship Program to develop my abilities in social change and increase my awareness of women's issues around the world. Through the program, I hope to empower myself and other women through service and friendship.

 Sarah "Frankie" Frank 　

 Year: Freshwoman

 Major(s): English, History

 Minor: Marketing

 Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Hobbies: Amnesty International, Musical Theatre, Angry Birds, Singing, Tutoring, Volunteering, Traveling　

Excited about being a Gannon: I'm thrilled to be a freshwoman at the Gannon Center. I'm incredibly honored to be part of such an outstanding group of women who are changing the world and the Loyola community. I've never met such amazing women who have so much passion and determination. I'm very excited to become an integral part of the Gannon and Loyola community this year!

Alyssa Norcross

Year: Freshwoman

Major(s): Psychology

Hometown: Bartlett, Illinois

Hobbies: Music, reading, nature, running, surrounding myself with wonderful people, ice skating, activism, and developing well-informed opinions.

Excited about being a Gannon: I feel honored to be a member of Gannon. I cannot wait to discover things about the world, and myself through the Gannon Center and from intelligent women that make it up.

Kathleen Deschler

Year: Freshwoman

Major: International Business

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Hobbies: Dancing, reading, cooking, shopping, traveling, spending time with friends

Excited about being a Gannon: Through this program, I am encouraged to share my passions with others and empower women in all aspects of life.  Working toward a better future and becoming a more influential part of the Loyola community is what Gannon allows me to do.