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Faculty & Staff Profiles

Director, Experiential Learning, Instructor

Lake Shore Campus 
Health Sciences Campus

2021 Cynthia Stewart Faculty Staff Headshot Loyola 1000x800MQ.jpg

Higher Education is my second career. My first career was a Design Electrical Engineer and Construction Manager for major Chicago projects like White Sox Park, United Center, McCormick Place Expansion, O'Hare International Terminal 5, Soldier Field skybox and many other projects internationally. While in Higher Education, I have taught interreligious and experiential learning courses. My favorite part of teaching is getting students out of the classroom and into Chicago neighborhoods to learn from the stakeholders - business leaders, residents, governmental officials, religious leaders, etc. I enjoy working with students regarding their experiential learning goals which will help to advance their career development goals. When not at LUC, I am a foodie, love tennis, family oriented, and self-care and spirituality are an important part of my daily routine. 


Education

PhD in Theology, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary/Northwestern University (GETS/NU)
Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Theology and Ethics, GETS/NU
Master of Divinity, North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS)
Master of Arts in Religious Education (NPTS)
BS, Western Illinois University

Why is this area of study important at this point in time?

I would tell a friend that my field makes an impact because it opens the door for Parkinson students to gain real world experience outside the classroom working alongside an industry leader whether it is a start-up fitness center, hospital healthcare administrator, working in a hospital laboratory, or assisting a nursing home/hospital with a nutritional plan for their patients. I would also tell them that the greatest impact is when a student is hired by their internship site and in return they become a site supervisor for the next generation of students. 

What called you to or attracted you to Loyola?

What 'called" me to Loyola was I have always worked at faith based institutions and I was drawn to the rich heritage of St. Ignatius and his values of the care for all persons and seeing God in all things. I was also drawn to the fact that all undergraduate students are required to complete engaged learning before they graduate. This is optional at many universities, but have it as an requirement spoke volumes to me, because it means that LUC values preparing students for life after college to gain the skills necessary to make an impact in the world and be agents of change.