Loyola University Chicago

Office of the Dean of Students

Division of Student Development

Staff & Alum: Tim Love

‌Title: Associate Dean of Students
Alum: Global and International Studies and Italian (2003)
Alum: Law (2013)
Previous OSCCR Director
Started LUC: 1999

I’m kind of coming from right here! Though I grew up an Air Force brat, moving around constantly, I first felt “home” as an undergraduate student here at Loyola. At this point, 16 years after first coming to Chicago (with a few years in between spent elsewhere), this is home for me and my family.

I support staff in the DOS, Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, and Office of Off-Campus Student Life. Lending a helping hand is pretty much 100% of what we do, all the time. From working through crisis situations to assisting with unique personal challenges, to holding those very few students who cause others harm accountable, to helping students feel welcome on our campus – the areas I work with promote safety, support, and community every day.

The Office of the Dean of Students is here to help students work through complex challenges that might otherwise present a barrier to their education. We get involved when the issues are complicated and messy, and we do our best to help students tap into the various resources available on campus and in the community so they can take care of themselves and still work towards graduation.

Loyola is a very special place for me, personally. As an undergraduate, I came into my own here and discovered many of my values, among a community of friends who remain dear to me to this day. I found my partner, my closest friends, and a sense of purpose for my life. It will always be one of the most special places on earth for me. Plus I really like working for a place where our mission is about more than making money or delivering a product. At Loyola we believe that a good education changes people. And the fact that everyone buys into that to some level makes it worthwhile through the thick and thin.

When I work with students directly, I try to be a listening ear, without judgement, and to offer support no matter what the issue that has presented itself. In my present role I also spend a lot of time reviewing policies and practices, trying to be sure our various systems work to the benefit of the student while also complying with relevant laws and meeting the needs of the University.

Placing the least among us first. Helping those in need with the gifts we are blessed to have. And doing both in a way that honors the dignity and grace of all, and recognizes that the opportunity to help another is a blessing in itself. Given all the things wrong with the world these days, I think social justice means striving to find ways in everyday life to affect positive change in a way that honors the dignity of all people.

See answer above. There is no chance I would see the world the same way if I had not run into the Jesuits. Also, I think I learned something at Loyola about leading a purposeful life – the importance of understanding my “inner compass” and actually following it. Still a work in progress of course, but I’m trying!

Front and center at the altar in Madonna. It’s where I married my wife Lisa, and my whole world changed. Every time I attend a mass or enter that space, I smile thinking of my wedding day.

I know this is a cop out, but as I think of my very favorite stories, I literally can’t share any of them. Sorry. Comes with the job. Let’s just say that anytime I’ve thought I had seen it all – I was wrong. Some of the heartwarming moments that I appreciate though are when fellow students step in to help another student in need. Whether it is assisting a drunk person to make sure they don’t fall on the Red Line tracks, or walking a stranger over to Campus Safety when it is clear they are in distress, I always am impressed how much Ramblers look out for each other. It happens ALL the time.

Bleak. We had about 50% of the buildings and resources that we have now. Mundelein was called Sky, Coffey was an all-female residence hall, Damen was an ugly academic building where Cuneo now stands, and the IC was a grass field. But we still had fun!

My two most salient experiences were Greek Life and studying abroad at the JFRC. I am a proud Sigma Pi (though that organization is unfortunately not recognized on campus anymore), and most of my closest friends are brothers. And the Rome Center pointed me in a whole life and career direction that I’m still grateful for. It was not until I went to Rome and proved to myself that I could literally navigate half way around the world without my parents or friends supporting me that I “came into” myself as an adult. It was a very life-giving and affirming experience.

Loyola students, and the folks who choose to work with them, care about more than just getting a job and looking out for themselves. People in our community care about doing what is just, right, and better. That’s a special thing – not everywhere holds such values in common.

Every moment here is an opportunity. College is short. Don’t waste any of it!