FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the Gannon Graduate Leaders (GGL) Program?
The “Gannon Graduate Leaders” program is open to all full-time graduate students at Loyola University Chicago (MA, MS, PhD, and other masters and doctoral programs in any of LUC’s schools). Applications are open to students entering graduate school (graduating seniors from LUC) and current graduate students (at any stage of study). We welcome applicants of any gender identity who are committed to the Gannon Center's mission of advancing women’s leadership, gender equity, and broader social justice. While students from all campuses are encouraged to apply, we recommend potential applicants consider whether they will be able to attend the in-person meetings on the Lakeshore Campus before they apply.
When and how can I apply?
Applications open April 20, 2026, with a deadline for applications and recommendations on May 20, 2026.
To submit an application for the Gannon Graduate Leaders, please fill out this form:
https://luc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b91m1kUPkhLDl8W
Additionally, please have a letter of recommendation for the program, submitted by your recommender, submitted via this link: https://luc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a4497yeGnBMD86q
Decisions for admission to the Gannon Graduate Leaders will be emailed out in June 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Paula Tallman: ptallman@luc.edu.
When will I find out if I have been accepted as a Gannon Graduate Leader?
Decisions for admission to the Gannon Graduate Leaders will be emailed out in June 2026. If you have not received a notification email by the end of June (for admission or a decline), please check your spam or junk folder.
If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Paula Tallman: ptallman@luc.edu.
Is the program restricted to women?
No, the program is not restricted by gender. We seek applicants, regardless of their gender identity, who are interested in and committed to the Gannon Center’s mission of fostering women leaders who will contribute to a more just world.
How many applicants are invited to join this program?
Five incoming graduate students are selected annually.
Is there funding/scholarship money associated with this program?
Each GGL cohort member will be awarded a $1500 stipend to be use to support their research and leadership paths. All awards will be processed by the Office of Financial Aid up to the student’s available cost of attendance. All awards will first go towards any account balances before it may be refunded. How this can be awarded may vary based on the individual. The Gannon team will work with the cohort on this and how to utilize funds for research expenses.
Can I receive other Loyola merit scholarships in addition to the GGL stipend?
Yes, students are able to receive additional merit-based scholarships from Loyola as well.
How much time will I be expected to commit to the program?
The GGL cohort meets once a month throughout the academic year for 1.5hrs. Additionally, Gannon graduate leaders should expect to commit a few hours, each month, to readings and activities that should be completed before our in-person meetings. Students will also be expected to work on team-based leadership projects to support their research/career development and the Gannon Community. Gannon graduate leaders also have the option to schedule one-on-one leadership coaching sessions with Dr. Tallman.