Commencement happens in a little over a week, and the seniors will be walking across the stage to get their college diplomas. Those diplomas are a testament to the time and effort that they put forth during their time at Loras. Many of the graduating seniors have been at Loras for all four years of their post-secondary education, and many can call Loras home. In those four years, Loras has been through a lot; it’s been filled with the construction of new campus buildings, special service trips, and the transformation of the J-Term schedule. Here is a list of eleven important Loras events (academic and recreational) over the last four years, submitted by the people who have helped the graduates have the best time possible here at Loras: the faculty.

1. Academic Integrity – “Highest institutional ranking in US News (#11) in our history, top 5 US News graduation rate for two consecutive years.” – President Jim Collins
2. Brietbach Catholic Thinkers and Leaders Program – “The Catholic Thinkers and Leaders Program seems to be a kind of ‘lightening rod’ for many of the positive changes I see in the classroom.  I’m very thankful for the impact it has had on campus.” – Dr. John Waldmeir
3. Athletic Wellness Center – “The Wellness Center is a fabulous resource for getting/staying healthy and happy–and there’s a terrific view of the Hoffman field.” – Dr. Susan Stone
4. Tragic death of student: “What I will say is not a happy event, but still important.  A student dying in her dorm room from meningitis. Any loss is a sad event, but the loss of such a young, vibrant woman is a powerful reminder of the uncertainty of life on earth, and to make each day count.” – Dr. Sharon Hope.
5. January Term – “(J-Term) has provided some really interesting experiential learning opportunities for students and faculty.  I enjoyed the learning community that forms when you spend three weeks together focused on a shared task.” – Dr. Kristin Anderson-Bricker
6. The Duhawk Market: “After all, who doesn’t like coffee and smoothies?” – Dr. Susan Stone
7. Mind Reader – “I would say that the mentalist they hired last summer for Launch was the best thing I have been to.  He was entertaining and yet forced you to critically think and evaluate his tricks.  It fostered great discussion in several of my classes!” – Dr. Mac Mclaughlin
8. Choir Abroad – “Loras Choirs singing in the Pre-Olympic Arts Festival in Beijing, Summer 2008” – Dr. Bruce Kotowich
9. The Loras College Summer Academy (LCSA) - This new “pre-college” summer program for rising 8th, 9th, and 10th graders is getting ready to begin this summer, but students, faculty, and staff have been brainstorming it for a year or so, and it should be highly successful–something we can all be proud of. – Dr. Susan Stone.
10. Academic Lists – The Provost Top Twenty list puts a big emphasis on student-led research. – Dr. Cheryl Jacobsen
11. The Seniors – “I still believe that the most important  ‘event’ on campus, spanning any period of time, is what happens to and with the people, who are why the institution exists in the first place – chiefly the students…I’ve been fortunate to work with a number of this year’s graduates – best wishes to them, and the entire class of 2010 as well!” – Dr. Roy Carroll