Eliana Santesteban (BBA '25) & Benni Hofmann (BBA '25 & MBA '26)

What is your Loyola Love Story (how/where did you meet, how long have you been together, etc.)?
Benni Hofmann and I met my second semester of freshman year (his sophomore year) of college. Benni was on the Loyola soccer team and I’ll admit that going to the soccer game’s was worth it…lol! We actually had our first date right off campus at Metropolis. From there we practically were inseparable. Lots of travel over each break to see each other as Benni is from Germany and I was from California. Loyola brought us together and we could not be happier. We have been together for 3.5 years now!

What would be your advice to fellow Ramblers for a happy relationship?
Don’t sweat the small stuff! Throughout college and after graduation, SO many changes happen and just remember that you are going through those, whether same or different, together. And that makes it all the difference! Never go to bed upset at one another, always find a way to chat through something. Communication is absolutely the key to everything. Also if you have the time and the resources, take a trip!! Traveling with someone says it all :)

What have you both been up to since you graduated?
Well we ended up graduating the same year, 2025, both Quinlan School of Business students. Benni then decided to do the 4 + 1 program and continued with getting his masters in supply chain management! He just graduated! During that time, I got a job at a law firm in the loop and worked as an assistant and HR Specialist. Most recently, we just did a big move to Phoenix, Arizona, with our dog, Kona! Benni is now working in Supply Chain at UHaul and I am working at Collabera as an account manager. Looking forward for what is to come!

What are your fondest memories of Loyola?
So many moments at Loyola! One of my favorite yearly memories is Hustle to Hoyne! It is the absolute best. Overall, building such a great community with my friends and his friends and just having people that are now like family.

If you could offer a current Loyola student advice, what would it be?
Have so much fun!! There are so many amazing things to do in the city of Chicago and on campus. Be involved, go to the sporting events, go to networking events! Yes it’s good to spend some time in your room, but get out there! It goes by so fast and you never know where you will end up so take advantage of the time spent at Loyola now. Go to the beach off campus, play spike ball on the quad, have a picnic on campus!

Did you and your partner meet at Loyola? Share your story.