Loyola University Chicago

University Staff Council

January 2015

Veronica Wilson

Title/s:  Academic Advisor

Email: vwilson2@luc.edu

About

Department/School/Division: First and Second Year Advising
Campus: Lake Shore Campus
Years at Loyola: 4

What is your favorite thing about working at Loyola? 
I tried to avoid an answer that sounded cliché, but my honest answer is the people. Having incredible colleagues who deeply care about the work we do inspires me. I consider it an honor that in my day-to-day work I get to meet countless incredible and fascinating students who trust me to briefly journey with them.

What is your most memorable achievement as a Loyola employee? 
Each fall semester, advisors in First and Second Year Advising teach nine sections of the UNIV 101 First-Year Seminar. I still remember the sense of accomplishment—and wonder—I felt after entering grades at the end of my first fall semester in this role. There may have been tears of joy.

What does Loyola's mission mean to you? 
The mission, to me, speaks to affirming the dignity of each member of the community, supporting them in their intellectual and personal growth, and promoting their discovery and pursuit of a meaningful life both now and beyond their time at Loyola.

What motivates you to succeed each and every day? 
Spend a little bit of time with me and you will probably hear me say, “Find your magis.” The idea of always striving for excellence, of being part of something far bigger than myself, drives me to wake up each day ready to do my best. It helps to be surrounded by people who are equally committed to doing work of the highest quality.

Tell us how you show your Rambler pride.
One of my favorite events of the year is the Undergraduate Research & Engagement Symposium, which is part of the Weekend of Excellence. I always make sure my schedule is clear so I can participate. Seeing students present their research highlights the Loyola Experience at its best.

Tell us something most people at Loyola would be surprised to know about you. 
Loyola is the third Jesuit school I’ve worked at. I spent time at Jesuit universities on both coasts before finding myself here. Yet, I am a product of public education and (so far) have not studied at a Jesuit school.