Loyola University Chicago

University Staff Council

November 2022

Aleja Sastoque Luna

Title/s:  Faith Formation Campus Minister

Email: vsastoqueluna@luc.edu

About

Department/School/Division: Mission Integration/ Campus Ministry

Campus: Lake Shore Campus

Years at Loyola: 15 months

What is your favorite thing about working at Loyola? The Students!! They are so important to me because they teach me different lessons every day and help me to be a better person; this job without them would not be the same. Also, the diversity Loyola has in all areas. It is an incredible community that allows me to walk with others and not alone. 

What is your most memorable achievement as a Loyola employee? It is hard to pick just one because I really enjoy my time at Loyola, but if I had to pick one it would be CLC's Canned Food Drive. It is a big event we do every year and the energy, passion and commitment of everyone collecting food/donations around Rogers Park on a cold winter day fills my heart with love and hope. 

What does Loyola's mission mean to you? It is a confirmation of my vocation and mission to serve others. To me, it is very important to encounter others in the here and now to help build the community where all of us are looking forward to living, in a place of justice and recognizing God in others. I try to show my students that through meaningful relationships we can build a better world than the one we found when we were born. 

What motivates you to succeed each and every day? The connection with the students, the team I work with, and the new challenges. If at the end of my day any of those elements I mentioned are successful, it means I am succeeding because it is not something I do alone. 

Tell us how you show your Rambler pride: I have to start by saying that I am a proud Alumni and I love wearing Loyola's gear inside and outside of the University, Also, by participating in the different events the university offers to all of us. I try to bring my family to a game or family weekend to share the joy Loyola provides to me. 

Tell us something most people at Loyola would be surprised to know about you: I love traveling, and I have been so blessed having the opportunity to visit at least 13 countries in 4 continents so far; hoping to keep exploring the world.