Joel Maidens

Associate Director for the First-Year Experience

Joel joined New Student Programs in October 2022. With experience in student leadership development, first-year seminars, academic advising, and program assessment, Joel is passionate about providing students with the opportunities for them to have a meaningful first year at Loyola. Prior to joining Loyola, Joel has served in positions at the University of Illinois Chicago, Michigan State University, and University of Michigan-Flint. In his free time, Joel enjoys running, biking, and being outdoors. A Michigander at heart, he enjoys cheering for all things Detroit sports (Red Wings, Tigers, Lions, and Pistons). As a certified USA Hockey referee, he also officiates hockey at the local and national level. Joel holds a B.A. in Political Science from Central College and a M.A. in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Michigan.

jmaidens@luc.edu

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Associate Director for Academic Enrichment and Scholarship Programs

Adam McNeil 

Assistant Director for Orientation

Adam joined the New Student Programs staff in January 2019. Prior to that, he received his M.S. in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University and his Bachelor’s from Northern Illinois University. Adam has been passionate about New Student Orientation and working with students ever since his time at NIU as an Orientation Leader. He has worked with different Orientation programs across the country including Furman University, Rowan University, and most recently, Utah Valley University as the Program Manager. He is extremely excited to be back in his home state and in his free time enjoys cheering for all Chicago sports (Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls) and singing and coaching collegiate a cappella. 

amcneil1@luc.edu

Mustafa Anwar

Assistant Director for First-Year Initiatives 

Joining the New Student Programs team in May 2022, Mustafa brings both an excitement and passion to work with our new Ramblers. Prior to joining Loyola, Mustafa served in student-affairs roles at the University of Minnesota, Colorado State University, and Dominican University with a focus on residence life, new student orientation, and multicultural student programming. Mustafa earned his bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Marquette University and his master's degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University. An ambitious practitioner-scholar aiming to foster transformative student-centered experiences, Mustafa hopes he can help create a more socially-just world. He is passionate about cura personalis and supporting the "whole" student. He also hopes to continue to learn and develop alongside the students he serves. Outside of work, Mustafa loves to attend concerts & music festivals, play board games, and spend quality time with his friends & family.

 manwar4@luc.edu

Abby Fate

Graduate Intern for New Student Programs

Abby is originally from the western suburbs and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and humanities from Valparaiso University in 2019. After graduating, she lived and worked abroad, first in indigenous child advocacy in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico and later in migrant services in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. Abby most recently worked in Bend, OR, where she enjoyed hiking, skiing, and her job working in affordable housing case management. Abby moved back to Chicago in 2022 to start her MSW at Loyola, and is enjoying being back close by to her family. In her free time, she likes to read, cook, go to concerts, and spend time with her friends. 

afate@luc.edu

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Gabbi Fuller

Coordinator for Academic Enrichment 

Luis Flores

Coordinator for Hope Chicago Scholars

Cristina Alvarez-Ramos

Coordinator for Arrupe Continuum Initiatives

Mario Salgado

Administrative Coordinator 

Mario serves as the Administrative Coordinator for First and Second Year Advising and New Student Programs. Prior to joining Loyola, Mario worked for seven years in the Adult Education department for the City Colleges of Chicago. Loyola’s mission, and Mario’s passion for assisting others, is what ultimately drew him to want join Loyola University Chicago.

msalgado3@luc.edu 

Lead Peer Advisors (PAs)

PeerAdvisors@luc.edu

Loyola University Chicago Orientation (LUCO) Interns

orientation@luc.edu