Loyola University Chicago

University Staff Council

February 2017

Paige Gardner

Title/s:  Assistant Director

Email: pgardner@luc.edu

About

Department/School/Division: Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs
Campus: Lake Shore Campus
Years at Loyola: 4 years

What is your favorite thing about working at Loyola?
I absolutely love the students and co-workers in Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs, as we operate as a family. We work hard together, build community together, and always have each other’s wellness in mind.

What is your most memorable achievement as a Loyola employee?
Honestly, my most memorable achievement is the Loyola University Chicago Empowering Sisterhood (LUCES) Gala in April 2015. Our team was able to add a formal award ceremony to honor the achievements of Women of Color students, staff, and faculty at Loyola. More than 100 Women of Color attended this program and celebrated each other’s greatness.

What does Loyola's mission mean to you?
If we are preparing students to lead extraordinary lives, that means that Loyola staff are constantly creating extraordinary programs for our student’s experience. With that being said, I am even more committed to infusing social justice in all aspects of my job.

What motivates you to succeed each and every day?
I carry the legacy of my ancestors and the values of my family. With that being said, as a Queer Women of Color, I take pride in lifting as I climb and providing mentorship and guidance to students who share similar identities as me. I remember what is was like being an undergraduate student, and if I didn’t have support from mentors and staff who were invested in me, I don’t think I would be where I am today.

Tell us how you show your Rambler pride.
I love wearing maroon and gold combinations to the office! I even have a maroon work bag so that I can show a little pride wherever I go on campus.

Tell us something most people at Loyola would be surprised to know about you.
I’m a movie fanatic and own well over 250 DVDs! In fact, I have one bookshelf full of movies.