RYAN Coon
MACKENZIE HIlmer
Why loras?
RYAN Coon
MACKENZIE HIlmer
(’14) Geneva, il
Why loras?
(’14) Clive, ia
Hello, my name is Mackenzie. My friends and family would say I’m very indecisive, so you can imagine what making a college decision was like for me! However, after learning about the opportunities at Loras, I knew I belonged here.
Hey, I’m Ryan. Attending Loras has enabled me to grow and learn as a student, while meeting great people along the way. I chose Loras because it provides the opportunity to play basketball at the collegiate level while attending a prestigious Catholic, liberal arts college.
I’m currently working toward my bachelor’s degree in Public Relations while minoring in Business. I’m also a Resident Advisor, secretary for the PR Club and volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters®. I work in the Admission Office and give prospective families tours of our campus as a Student Ambassador, which allows me to help students like you see what Loras is all about.
Majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry keeps me pretty busy. In addition to playing basketball, I participate in Lead 4 Loras and serve as treasurer of the Health Sciences Club. Getting involved in the campus community was beneficial to my transition from high school to college.
You won’t have any trouble becoming a part of the Loras family. See you around campus!
At Loras, I’ve formed friendships that will last a lifetime and I’m also gaining an education that will propel me through the hurdles in my life. My professors and coaches challenge me every day to “Be More.”
Loras offers over 40 majors and minors. Whether majoring in Business, English, or Biochemistry, students from every discipline—including undecided students like Hannah—are offered one-onone guidance to prepare for a successful career and a life they’ll love. Inside and outside the classroom, educational experiences result in a well-rounded individual and an enhanced résumé.
MAJORS & Programs Hannah Hergert (’10) I had no idea what major to choose when I started at Loras. The liberal arts focus helped me choose the major that was right for me. In my first two years, I took many diverse classes and always appreciated that professors used different approaches to appeal to students. After sophomore year, I had an internship at SeaWorld® Orlando and developed a passion for animal training. I learned a Psychology degree was necessary for a career in the field, so I returned to Loras as a Psychology major. This led to a permanent position as an associate animal trainer at Discovery Cove® Orlando. I entered college “undecided,” and Loras helped me land my dream job.
Accounting Art & Digital Design Athletic Training Biochemistry Biological Research Biology Business Chemistry Chemistry/ACS Computer Science Criminal Justice Economics Elementary Education Engineering English Creative Writing English Literature Finance History International Studies Management Management of Information Science
Minors
Applied Physics Archaeology & Cultural Heritage Interpretation Catholic Studies Coaching Gender Studies Greek & Roman Studies Irish Studies
Marketing Mathematics Media Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physical Education Politics Psychology Public Relations Religious Studies Secondary Education Social Work Sociology Spanish Sport Management Sport Science
Journalism Liturgical Music Publishing Studio Art Theatre
Thinking you want to be a doctor, lawyer, or Physical therapist? Some students enter college knowing exactly what they want to do. Tara knew she wanted to be a pharmacist. Loras provided her the small-school atmosphere and big opportunities she wanted, including competing in cross country and track and studying abroad in both Mexico and Spain.
Pre-Professional AREAS OF STUDY: Chiropractic Dentistry Law Medicine Nursing Optometry Pharmacy Physical Therapy Physician’s Assistant Podiatry Veterinary Medicine
Loras was the logical place for me to explore life after high school. Coming from a small town, I knew I didn’t want to go to a big university and get lost in the crowd. Loras offered me the chance to obtain a high-quality science education, preparing me for pharmacy school at the University of Iowa. My professors worked with me to schedule my classes so I could double major in Spanish and Biochemistry, study abroad and graduate in four years. From my love for competition to my desire to serve others as a pharmacist, many of my life decisions today are linked to the lessons I learned at Loras College. I never would have imagined the logical decision I made as an 18-year-old would turn out to be one of the best decisions of my life!
Tara kilburg (’11)
Michele Gelaude (’10)
co-curriculars
In my four years at Loras, there always seemed to be something going on—from intramural competitions to comedy shows, Dance Marathon or reading The Lorian student newspaper. Recently, a friend asked me if I was happy with my college decision, remembering that I looked at nearly a dozen schools. I responded with a definite “YES!” and explained to her that my experiences and education at Loras not only shaped me in my profession, but more importantly shaped me as a person. I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything and personally invite you to create your own Loras College experience.
Life at Loras goes far beyond the classroom. You’ll have the chance to experience Campus Fest and get involved with clubs, organizations, intramurals and more. Here are just a few of the options Michele discovered when she set foot on campus.
OVER 75 ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING:
MORE THAN 80 INtraMURAL SPORTS INCLUDING:
Advertising & Marketing Assoc. Business Club College Activities Board Delta Epsilon Sigma Future Educators Habitat for Humanity KLCR (Loras College Radio)
Archery Badminton Basketball Floor Hockey Football Glow-in-the-dark Volleyball Soccer
LCTV (Loras College Television) The Lorian (Campus Newspaper) Mock Trial Paideia Social Work Club Student Government Ultimate Frisbee
-AND MANY MORE!
-AND MANY MORE!
Music & Arts Tommy is a perfect example of a student taking full advantage of the opportunities at a liberal arts college. Music and theatre performances are enjoyed by the entire community and are part of the larger, storied tradition of the arts at Loras.
Tommy Castle (’11) As a musician, actor and athlete at Loras, I learned to be both a leader and a valuable member of a team. My professors and peers taught me theory and technique, demonstrated their dedication to students’ musical and theatrical successes and encouraged my passion for the arts. I embraced my needs as a student while also participating in choir, theatre and swimming. I even had the chance to perform with the Dubuque Symphony! From stage, to concert hall, to sporting arena, I’ve always reached for the next level. My time at Loras taught me the skills to succeed after graduation as I built lifelong relationships.
Loras Choir
Loras Theatre
Loras Band
Bella Voce Chamber Singers Con Brio Concert Choir
Guild of St. Genesius Loras Players
Jazz Ensemble Pep Band Wind Ensemble
With 22 sports, newly including women’s lacrosse, Loras has one of the most diverse athletic programs among all small colleges. Over 600 student-athletes participate in NCAA Division III and Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, including Alejandra. The term Student-Athlete rings true at Loras as academics remain central to the college experience, along with athletic, personal, social and spiritual growth.
Loras was a bit of an adjustment for me. After all, it’s in another country! As a native of Bogotá, Colombia, Loras quickly became my home away from home. I served as captain of the women’s tennis team and learned the importance of being a leader. My experience as a NCAA athlete taught me to balance my schedule with my studies and prepared me for the “real world.” Most importantly, through long practices and tough matches, wins and losses, tears and tons of laughter, I made lifelong friendships.
Alejandra Ruales (’12)
Men’s Varsity Sports
Women’s Varsity Sports
Baseball Basketball Cross Country Diving Football Golf Soccer Swimming Tennis Track & Field Wrestling
Basketball Cross Country Diving Golf Lacrosse Soccer Softball Swimming Tennis Track & Field Volleyball
athletics
...and we offer Cheerleading!
FAITH Loras is one of the leading Catholic, liberal arts colleges in the nation. Students like Nathaniel believe Loras has a vibrant Campus Ministry program and staff to match. As one of only 10 diocesan colleges in the country, Loras is unique in its mission. Spiritual Development is an important part of a student’s four-year journey. Through ministry and retreats, prayer and discussion, adoration and vocational studies, there is an invitation to all students—Catholic, other faith traditions or non-religious—to enhance your faith at Loras.
Nathaniel gee (’09) After arriving at Loras I quickly found myself getting involved, not only in football and track, but also Mass and Campus Ministry, FOCUS Bible studies and conferences, retreats and service trips. The active Duhawk community provides a warm atmosphere to live out and strengthen your faith. My Loras faith experience inspired me to begin a career working with youth. Having the opportunity to talk to young adults about their faith and what it means to them is truly a dream come true.
Duhawk students, faculty and staff join in giving back to the community—on campus, locally, throughout the country and internationally. Loras prepares servant leaders like Laura to lend a helping hand on a daily basis. Loras was awarded the “President’s Honor Roll with Distinction” for service, partnering with AmeriCorps and VISTA programs to engage over 1,000 students in more than 40,000 hours of service per year.
service opportunities Chicago, IL Dubuque, IA Haiti Honduras Morton, MS New Orleans, LA Vanceburg, KY -AND MORE!
Laura Bjurstrom (’10) At Loras I quickly got involved in service work, including Dance Marathon, United Way’s Student Engagement Committee, Campus Ministry and tutoring. My passion for cultural diversity led me to explore social inequality and responsibility. I took a J-term course called “Race, Poverty and Hurricane Katrina” where we learned about the devastation and implications of the hurricane and went on a service trip to New Orleans. My Sociology classes resonated with me, and along with an internship through Loras, fueled my passion for working in the nonprofit sector. I now work for United Way of the Quad Cities Area to create lasting changes in the areas of education, income and health.
As a student at Loras, you can DISCOVER THE WORLD! Duhawks participate in study away for a January term (J-term), summer or semester experience. Some students choose to do several: a J-term in Portugal, a semester in Ireland and a summer internship in Washington, D.C. As Jesse shares, there’s no separating “Loras College” and “experiential learning”—they are one in the same.
study Abroad
semester Botswana Ireland Italy Portugal South Africa Spain
-AND MORE!
j-term
Costa Rica France Greece Italy New Zealand Peru Portugal
-AND MORE!
JESSE ERNST (’10) When I first set foot on campus and saw what Loras could offer, I knew this was the place for me. During my time at Loras, I traveled throughout the United States teaching high school students. I studied for a semester in Spain, tutored non-English speakers and participated in service work. Through my travels, I knew I was called to become a teacher; specifically a Spanish language and culture teacher. I am very grateful for Loras’ dedication to education and global awareness. I hope I’m inspiring my students to explore and embrace other cultures, just as my Loras professors did for me.
The Loras College CENTER FOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING—CEL for short—brings the community, workplace and world together in a living classroom. You will be challenged, like Kristi was, to engage in the world around you through the many internship opportunities at your fingertips. Loras alumni often seek out Duhawks for internships and jobs believing in the strong foundation of knowledge and well-rounded skills built at Loras College. When I transferred to Loras, I became part of a growing Art and Digital Design program that has continued to expand thanks to tailored guidance from innovative professors. My portfolio benefited from internships at home and abroad. While studying in London I worked as a graphic design intern at Hatch Creations. Returning to campus, I secured a second graphic design internship—this time, in the Loras Marketing Office. These two positions advanced my brand and prompted me to launch my own photography and design business.
INTERNSHIPS Recent student internships Chicago Bears® Disneyworld® IBM® NBC® Affiliate U.S. Senate
“recently graduated and now in the real world, Loras hired me to design this entire piece! Hope you enjoy!”
kristi Olberding (’11)
tradition Sarah (’88)
Marcy (’86)
clare (’11)
Laura (’82)
David (’83)
gerald (’86)
megan (’14)
Annie (’12)
we want you to be a duhawk! The Horst family has time and time again found Loras College to be their home away from home. Each member of the family had individual experiences—chances to learn, grow and be challenged—in the same familiar atmosphere. Loras prides itself on its continued record of success. Perhaps that’s one reason why Loras has such an outstanding number of legacy students. Recommended by sister to brother, father to daughter, grandfather to granddaughter, and friend to friend Duhawks stick together and add to this tradition of excellence.
I INVITE YOU TO BE MORE. You’ve met those who demonstrate what is best about Loras College—our students and alumni. I couldn’t be more proud to be a Loras Duhawk myself (Class of ’84). High atop the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Loras College and Dubuque, Iowa, have been my home since I arrived at Loras as a first year student. After graduating, I was offered a position in the Admission Office, and I never left! This active learning, faith-filled and service community is a unique and unparalleled place to discover and grow. I invite you to come learn more about what it means to be a Duhawk. Schedule a personalized visit to Loras today and meet many of our students, faculty, staff and coaches. Check out our visit days at loras.edu/visit or call the Office of Admission at 563.588.7236. I look forward to seeing you on campus.
JIM COLLINS (’84) President
where is loras?
College profile
financial assistance
ALUMNI SNAPSHOT
We’re at the intersection of the beautiful Mississippi River where Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin meet. Dubuque, Iowa, is a city of 70,000 very cool people.
A four-year Catholic, liberal arts college, we are nearly 1,600 students strong. Incoming students average a 3.4 GPA and 24 composite ACT. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, students enjoy average class sizes of 16.
Over 98% of our students receive some type of financial aid, with additional scholarships available to all students.
95% of Loras students are employed or accepted to graduate school within six months of graduation.
Questions? | Loras College Office of Admission | 563.588.7236 | 800.245.6727 | loras.edu/admission
RYAN Coon
MACKENZIE HIlmer
Why loras?