Kayla August, M.P.S., a distinguished alumna of Loyola Institute for Ministry, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Doctoral Fellowship from The Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE). Kayla is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Theology and Education with a specialization in preaching at Boston College's School of Theology and Ministry.
Claire Gallagher, M.A., was recognized with the Outstanding Staff Member Award at the College of Nursing and Health Honors Convocation on May 9, 2025. Dean Michelle Collins, Ph.D., presented the award. Claire serves as Associate Project Director for the Flourishing Sisterhood project, an initiative for Catholic sisters in the Gulf Coast region that is funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
Mona Villarubia, MRE, has transformed profound personal tragedy into a beacon of hope with her newly published memoir, "Surviving a Loss: The Devastation of Suicide." Written as a tribute to her son who died by suicide several years ago, the book offers intimate reflections on navigating the complex journey of grief and healing.
Loyola Institute of Ministry celebrates alumna Lindy Brasher, M.R.E., recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Staff Award at the Magis Leadership Awards Ceremony held April 24 in Nunemaker Auditorium.
This prestigious recognition honors a non-teaching staff member who has gone above and beyond their responsibilities in service to Loyola's students, programs, and facilities.
Educational leader Amanda Livermore, MPS, has been appointed as the founding President and CEO of Cristo Rey Orlando High School, set to open its doors in Fall 2025. The announcement comes following an extensive national search by the school's Search Committee.
Francisco Castillo, D.Min., has been appointed as the Spanish Language College of Reviewer for the groundbreaking Compelling Preaching Project at Catholic Theological Union (CTU). This innovative research initiative, conducted in collaboration with the University of Chicago's Department of Psychology, aims to explore the neurological and psychological impacts of Roman Catholic homilies across English and Spanish-speaking communities. Dr.
Fr. Mark Mossa, S.J., of the Religious Studies department, professed his solemn final vows in the Society of Jesus during a public Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 30 at Holy Name of Jesus Church. Watch a video of the ceremony here.
Veronica Carter, MA, MPS, has been appointed to the board of directors of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans. Her education at the Loyola Institute of Ministry profoundly shaped her vision of faith-based community service, embodying the Christ-centered approach that this appointment acknowledges. Ms. Carter currently serves as Director of Upward Bound at Loyola University New Orleans, while also dedicating her time as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Coordinator and RCIA Catechist in her parish community.
LIM alumnus Brian Merry, M.R.E., has been appointed as Spiritual Fitness Program Manager at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), the largest joint military installation in the United States. JBSA encompasses three major locations - Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, and Randolph - where units specialize in military training, aviation operations, medical services, cybersecurity, and intelligence activities.
Loyola University New Orleans has awarded the 2025 Unsung Hero Award to Paula Atchley, MRE, and Lindy Brasher, MRE, both graduates of the Loyola Institute of Ministry (LIM). The award recognizes individuals who embody the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy of unity, service, and compassion. The recipients were honored at the inaugural MLK Interfaith Convocation for Unity, held Tuesday, January 21st in the Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola on Loyola's main campus.