Loyola University Chicago Access and Equity
A commitment to change
From its founding in 1870, Loyola University Chicago has worked to fight inequity in our city and beyond. From its early days as a college serving a working-class, predominantly immigrant population to the more recent welcoming of DACA students and the founding of Arrupe College, Loyola has broken down barriers to higher education and given students from diverse backgrounds a pathway to success. Loyolans have also reached out into the surrounding community to address structural racism and work toward authentic change in our community on issues such as housing, health care, education, and more.
Read on to learn more about some of the ways Loyolans are supporting equity and access on our campus and in our community.
Learn how Loyolans are working toward greater access and equity on our campuses and beyond
Race and real estate
Malicious housing segregation has long plagued communities on Chicago's South and West Sides. For five decades, Jack Macnamara worked alongside local homeowners to fight racist, predatory real estate practices. READ MORE
Changing the landscape
When Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot committed to naming a chief equity officer to address the city's deep-rooted challenges, she tapped a Loyola alum with a strong passion and a bold vision. READ MORE
Setting the table
A good diet is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. But for some communities, just finding a store nearby that sells fresh fruits and vegetables is a tough hurdle to overcome. READ MORE
Open door policy
By welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and cultures, Loyola's Stritch School of Medicine is bolstering the medical community and ensuring that patients can find a doctor who understands their unique needs. READ MORE
A vision fulfilled
Economic inequality has long been a barrier that's kept talented young men and women out of higher education. Arrupe College set out to change that—and succeeded. READ MORE
Bringing balance to the South Side
The stigma surrounding mental health issues often prevents Black women from seeking the support they need. From a converted closet in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, mental wellness practice Sista Afya is changing those misconceptions and helping patients relieve their stress and trauma. READ MORE
The power of education
Undocumented children who come to the United States face a number of stressful challenges. Just ask Aurora Chang. READ MORE
Bridging the health care divide
Spanish-speaking communities across the United States have a growing demand for doctors who speak their patients' language. Loyola is helping to fill that gap by setting more Hispanic students on a path to medical school. READ MORE
Upward Mobility
Working adults juggling a career and family can find it hard to fit finishing their college degree into the mix. But Loyola has a long history of helping adult learners reach new heights. READ MORE
