The Loyola Companions are peer ministers who reach out to the first year, transfer, and sophomore students and welcome them to the Loyola community. As a weekly presence in the residence halls, the Companions strive to build community through leadership in faith and service. Along with acting as a friendly face and visible reminder of upcoming events occurring on campus, the Companions also serve as leaders in many of these activities such as accompanying students at St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen, the Urban Immersion, and Explore Retreats. Companions also spend time on the floors of the residence halls providing hospitality and opportunities for prayer and liturgy.
Applications for the 2009-2010 team are now closed. Please check back next spring or contact Ministry for other leadership opportunities.
“From the first day I stepped foot on campus, the Loyola Companions have been an integral part of my Loyola experience. Whether it was an evening trip to the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen, going on the Explore retreat, or something as simple as a weekly visit from my Companions, this special group of people was committed to making sure I felt comfortable at my new home. However, the Loyola Companions’ impact stretches far beyond this. They are also physical symbols that represent what it truly means to be a leader. Their genuine and caring dedication to community building and service through faith provides the first-year students with real examples of how to be “men and women for others”. As a Companion this year, I have had the honor and great privilege to serve the first-year students. It has been an amazing experience that has forever changed me. Being a Companion has not only been great for my faith journey, but it has also taught me to listen more carefully, be more reflective, and value the importance of community. I now have the opportunity to give back to Loyola and the first-year students. It is truly remarkable to see how the floors that I visit have grown from individuals coming from all walks of life to one cohesive community. Also, leading the Spring Explore Retreat allowed my leadership skills to grow and reach out to a small group of people and facilitate their search for personal truths and direction in life. The Loyola Companions means so much to me and I really owe a lot of my success and personal development to this outstanding program with extraordinary people.”
-Aaron Brunmeier, ‘10
Kendra, Laura, and Aaron on the Spring Explore Retreat