Loyola University Chicago

University Staff Council

February 2016

Natalie Battaglia

Title/s:  Staff Photographer/Visual Editor

Email: nbattaglia@luc.edu

About

Department/School/Division: University Marketing and Communication
Campus: Water Tower Campus
Years at Loyola: 2

What is your favorite thing about working at Loyola?
Photographing all the different aspects of life at Loyola, which allows me to share the experiences of our wonderful community.

What is your most memorable achievement as a Loyola employee?
After a complete week of photographing Loyola’s multiple Commencement ceremonies, I find a great sense of purpose when I look back at all the recorded moments. The ceremony is what most students envision when they begin college and now it has finally arrived! Their goals have been reached and the emotional range spans from joy to relief to sadness, joined by tears, hugs, parents, grandparents, and children. I know I will get good photos when I can feel the happiness I witness. My goal is to stay focused and live in the moment and the achievement will follow. 

What does Loyola's mission mean to you?
In my daily work, I strive to show the excellence of our community who are making impacts, and share compelling photographs in hopes of inspiring prospective students.

What motivates you to succeed each and every day?
Getting an early start! I especially love photographing the sunrise over Lake Michigan and find it sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. I am also highly motivated by the positive energy, encouragement, and dedication from the students, staff, and faculty I work with daily. 

Tell us how you show your Rambler pride
Participating in the LUC & Me mentorship program, attending a staff retreat at LUREC, and bonding over stories in a book club with staff members. The friendly faces in each of these groups made me proud to be a part of a community that helps new employees feel welcomed right from the start.

Tell us something most people at Loyola would be surprised to know about you.
I was once a paid hand model.