laloyolan.com Page 2
COMMENCEMENT
COMMENCEMENT
laloyolan.com Page 3
laloyolan.com Page 4
COMMENCEMENT A Year in Review
Photos by Sophie Broide, Lauren Holmes, Riis Irving-Peterson, Jason Munoz, Talia Baugnon, Caroline Burt, Megan Karbowski, Jonathan Kokotajlo & Kevin Chan
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
The Loyolan photo staff would like to commemorate the 2016-2017 school year with a photo essay highlighting some important and defining moments of the year. We would like to thank LMU for constantly providing such inspiring subject matter. We wish the best for the Class of 2017!
COMMENCEMENT
6
BURNING QUESTIONS
laloyolan.com Page 5
Día de Reconocimiento celebrates Latino/a graduates
This week, News Intern Silvia Velasquez sat down with María Augusta Díaz, senior economics major and the class of 2017’s valedictorian.
How did LMU shape you into the person you are today?
1
I’ve been surrounded by an amazing faculty, both in the Econ and PoliSci departments. They’re the most intelligent people I’ve met in my entire life. Two of them were Dr. D’Evelyn and Dr. Konow; they made me believe in what I was capable of while at the same time being humble. They made me want to be as knowledgeable and as passionate as they are for Econ. They were able to connect with me and share knowledge and find passion in sharing that knowledge. All the experiences, good or bad, have made me stronger.
What were your favorite activities to get involved in on campus? I loved being part of RHA. I wasn’t that involved during my first three years but I applied this year. I was involved in thinking of activities and community service. I never thought I would have time for anything before so having this opportunity brought out the service spirit in me. I felt so connected with fellow Latinos. I felt for them because this is their country but they are not welcome in it. I have the privilege of being able to go back to my country where I am accepted. So I also felt like being part of the Latino community gave me perspective.
2
What do you think made your academic career so successful?
3
I’ve always been very disciplined with my work so I never let myself slack. I also wanted to make my family proud because I know they’ve sacrificed a lot for me to be here. Learning self love was also really important for me to succeed. Without love for others or love for myself... if one of them was missing I wouldn’t be able to be where I am.
How did you give yourself time to unwind while still being focused on your responsibilities?
4
I am a very easy person to keep happy. I enjoy the little things in life. I’m also a very disciplined person. I would reward myself after a problem set with a movie or with pancakes. My roommate and I would stay in and watch a movie with some blankets and relax. So I never let myself slack. I would do the task I set for myself and then I would unwind. Partying was never much of a necessity since my friend group revolved more around sharing things we love with each other.
Did you imagine four years ago that you would be valedictorian of your class?
5
I never saw myself being here. I struggled a lot with self-love so I wouldn’t have ever thought I’d get here. My freshman self would’ve told you for sure ‘no.’ My junior self would’ve said maybe. My senior self? For sure.
Do you have any advice for incoming or current students?
6 6
Don’t stress now; whatever is happening now will be over sooner than you think. Even if you get a D in an assignment it’s not the end of the world. I used to get bad grades on papers, now I get A’s. Push your limits, put yourself out there. Try joining clubs and organizations to see if you like them. Talk to that cute person. Just keep pushing your limits because you never know what could happen.
MORE QUESTIONS
Want to read more questions with Diaz? Check them out at laloyolan.com.
Jonathan Kokotajlo | Loyolan
LMU’s EIS and OISS are hosting six events for LMU’s diverse graduating students. The event pictured above, Día de Reconocimiento, was hosted by CLSS on April 30 at Sacred Heart Chapel. Día de Reconocimiento is a commencement tradition to celebrate the achievements of LMU’s Latino/a students. Other events include a Jewish Senior Blessing at 7 p.m. in Malone 112, an International Grad Brunch at 10:30 a.m. in Roski Dining Room and Kente Graduation at 3:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, all taking place on May 5. LMU also hosted an Asian Pacific Islander Graduation ceremony on April 28 and a Lavender graduation on April 29.
laloyolan.com Page 6
COMMENCEMENT
A Year in Photos: LMU Sports 2016-2017
via LMU Athletics; Megan Karbowski, Caroline Burt, Jason Munoz, Jonathon Kokotajlo, Talia Baugnon, Lauren Holmes | Loyolan
2016-17 brought playoff berths, All-American honors and perfection. Cory Abbott (top left) threw the first perfect game in LMU history, the twenty-sixth in the NCAA since 1957.
LMU Top Athlete: 2017 Senior Edition
Student Loan Refi Consolidate all your loans with one lower rate
As low as
2.00%
1
APR
Refinance all your student loans with great low rates. • Low Rates - Fixed or variable starting at 2.00% APR1
• Consolidate Federal and Private Loans - Combine ALL your loans into one easy payment.
• AutoPay - Gets you an even better rate.
• Flexible Terms & Amounts - 5, 10 or 15-year terms, and amounts from $5k to $150k.
• No Hidden Fees - No application or origination fees and no pre-payment penalties.
Apply Now (800) UCU-4510
www.UCU.org/RefiMyLife
Annual Percentage Rate. 2.00% with AutoPay is 60 monthly payments of $17.53 per $1,000 borrowed. Borrowing $10,000 at 2.00% accrues $516.84 in interest during the 5-year repayment term. These monthly payments and accrued interests are for illustration purposes only. If approved for a loan, the variable interest rate offered will depend on your credit history and UCU’s underwriting standards. Variable rates from 2.00% APR to 5.50% (with AutoPay). Rate is variable and subject to change. Interest rates on variable rate loans are capped at 10.00%. Lowest variable rate of 2.00% APR assumes the Prime Rate of 3.50% less 1.00% and subtracting the 0.50% for AutoPay. For the UCU variable rate loan, when the Prime Rate is adjusted, the loan payment will be re-amortized and may change as the Prime Rate changes. APRs for variable rate loans may increase after origination if the Prime Rate increases. The above figures assume no changes to Prime Rate, no pre-payments, no additions to the loan principal, and all payments made in a timely manner over the life of the loan.
1
COMMENCEMENT
laloyolan.com Page 7
By Hannah Kim, Staff Cartoonist
FISHBLUB
By Mikey Barreto, Staff Cartoonist
Check out the Loyolan Cartoons online, now on our website! Go to laloyolan.com/cartoons to catch up on your favorites!
laloyolan.com Page 8
COMMENCEMENT
A final conversation with LaShyra ‘Lash’ Nolen A Sam Dunk
Samantha Davis Asst. Opinion Editor @LALoyolan
M
any of you may remember the countless events Lashyra “Lash” Nolen, the 2016-2017 ASLMU President, organized this past school year. From various attempts to register students to vote and get involved in the election, to the dialogue on sexual assault coordinated with LMU CARES and the Department of Public Safety, she has definitely left her mark on our campus. As the end of the year and commencement approaches, the Loyolan sat down with Nolen to reflect on her time at LMU and get the lowdown on her postgraduation plans.
the first black ASLMU president elected in the last 30 years. When I was freshman, there was only one black student on the entire ASLMU team, and coming from a diverse high school, that shocked me. I knew I wanted to LN: I feel great about it. Everything our team put our SD: What are you most proud run to show other students of color that “you can” and I think minds to, we accomplished of accomplishing at LMU? my leadership role as president it. Most importantly, I think we finally gave a voice to the LN: I think my proudest helped me do that, especially underrepresented students and accomplishment was becoming since our ASLMU cabinet team SD: How do you feel about leaving your position as ASLMU president, and how do you feel about Hayden Tanabe replacing you?
organizations on campus. That was the entire reason Marina and I ran because we wanted to be “LMForU” and I think we were. I think Hayden is a strong leader and he’ll do a great job next year.
SD: What’s the biggest thing you learned throughout your time in college? LN: I think the biggest lesson I learned in college is I can do anything I put my mind to. There were so many moments of doubt, especially being a premed student and the first to accomplish many things in my family. I learned to have faith in myself and faith in God, and it’s gotten me a long way. SD: Do you have any advice or parting words for your graduating class? LN: I think I would just want to remind our class that as LMU grads we have a duty to use our privilege of a Jesuit education to advocate and serve marginalized communities. We have a big fight for justice ahead of us, and we must lead that charge.
SD: What are you looking forward to most about graduation? LN: LMU is a special place filled with inspirational and passionate students, so I’m stoked to see the amazing things my friends accomplish in the future. I have no doubt they’ll make the world a place filled with more empathy and justice.
was one of the most diverse seen in the organization’s history.
via Lash Nolen
Former ASLMU President LaShyra ‘Lash’ Nolen sports her new graduation attire and prepares for life after LMU.
This is the opinion of Samantha Davis, a sophomore philosophy major from La Cañada Flintridge, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan, or email csontag@theloyolan.com.
LMU Student Special
COMMENCEMENT
laloyolan.com Page 9
Meet your 2017 valedictorian: María Díaz María Díaz discusses her motivations for success at LMU. Silvia Velasquez News Intern @LALoyolan
Four years ago, María Augusta Díaz, an international student from Ecuador and economics major, never imagined that she would grow to become this year’s valedictorian. Growing up in Ecuador gave her a different perspective of the world that she came to know in the United States. Cultural differences, such as the need for personal space — which is less important in Ecuador — led Díaz to feel out of place in the beginning. Shaking hands was a weird, unfamiliar concept coming from a place where hugging and kissing on the cheek was the norm. However, the cultural changes were not all bad. “I didn’t know I was a feminist until I came here,” Díaz said. Seeing the ways in which women have broken cultural norms that are still widely accepted in her home country made her realize that she had always molded to the expectations of Ecuadorian society. Although Díaz grew up questioning why women had to adhere to these strictly drawn boundaries, she still accepted them as normal. Growing up around a family that was very women-centered gave Díaz a wider view of exemplary women to look up to. Díaz’s mother gave up her career to raise her, but Díaz did not see this as a weakness because it had been her mother’s choice to
do so. She’s seen women in her family who closely follow the roles society has made and has also been exposed to women who challenge these roles daily. Even her dad defied traditional gender roles by helping with household chores, including washing the dishes and cooking. Since coming to the United States, Díaz has developed a more progressive perspective regarding equality within society, which has given her a bit of trouble when she goes back home and faces more conservative views. “Going back and forth is a way of opening perspectives to see the downfalls in both places,” Díaz said. The experience has made her realize that there is still a long way to go when it comes to breaking societal constructs. “At the beginning, I didn’t know that much English and I was self conscious about my accent,” Díaz laughed. Her first time at The Lair was nervewracking because she was not able to communicate successfully enough to order a simple salad. But once Díaz started getting involved and meeting people who related to her experiences, she became more comfortable in her space. Her freshman roommate, who was enthusiastic in learning about other cultures, taught her that being different was nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, the differences Díaz sees in herself have made her develop a larger sense of patriotism for her home country. Being away from the familiar setting, crazy drivers, tasty food and the sense of community has highlighted her pride for Ecuador. Díaz feels proud to be making her country proud and really wants to go back and help
via Maria Diaz
Valedictorian Díaz smiles in front of Sacred Heart Chapel as her senior year at LMU comes to a close. by giving back to the place that gave her so much. Despite the fact that “[Ecuador is] not the best place to be at right now,” Díaz wants to have the strength to return and make a change. “Being valedictorian is a way for me to pay back what I can’t pay back in money… to show them their efforts matter.” Even though Díaz is still afraid that she will make a mistake in
Local Summer Camp Jobs
Now Hiring: Counselors, Lifeguards, Instructors & more! Be a role model. Work outdoors. Practice leadership. Make a difference. via Maria Diaz
International student and valedictorian María Augusta Díaz.
workatcamp.com
her commencement speech, she realizes that her brain is making double the effort in speaking a language that isn’t her own. Along her way to success, Díaz had to give up many comforts such as the security of being back home, being with her family everyday, as well as countless birthdays and local festivities with her community in Quito. Yet she felt those sacrifices were
worth it when she applied to be Valedictorian and realized that the love she shares for her family and the love and support they provide her with have led her to where she is now. “Love for myself and from everyone else is the fuel to my engine,” Díaz stated. “The lack of selfishness in our relationships is what led me to want to make them proud.”
laloyolan.com Page 10
COMMENCEMENT
COMMENCEMENT
laloyolan.com Page 11
When you really want something, just ask for it When in Marom Tor Marom
Editor in Chief
@feelstorganic
W
hen I think back to myself as I was before coming to LMU, it’s hard to see the resemblance. I dropped out of high school after my junior year with a 2.6 GPA. I didn’t want to go to college — and I didn’t plan to. All I knew was that I wanted to write, not that I had ever really done it. I begrudgingly started going to a community college and definitely didn’t enjoy it. Then I look at myself now, just days away from graduating as the editor-in-chief of a my school paper. It wasn’t a very easy journey for me, but I’ve changed far more than I’d expected to. I’ve never been a great student. Even in kindergarten I was getting in trouble for not turning in our weekly alphabet packets on time — that never really changed for me. I held the same habits in high school, and hardly shook them off when I started community college. My last semester before transferring, I had a bare 3.0 GPA, even then only because I had dropped a class that I knew I would fail. This made me nervous when applying to come to the Bluff. I hadn’t
taken the SAT, my high school transcripts were garbage and my college transcripts were average at best. I sent an email to my LMU adviser just asking for a chance. I hated school, I can say that easily, but I thought that this school could be different. I thought that maybe in a better environment, I could actually do well — I was right. What I’ve found at this school is more than good professors and a nice view, it’s the whole culture of giving people chances. Everything that I’ve been able to accomplish has come merely from people who were willing to give me the chance to prove myself. It’s all come down to me taking the chance to even ask for something that I really wanted. When I asked for a chance to come here and prove myself as a student, I was given it. When I asked the Student Housing Office if there were any rooms left the day before my first semester started, I got a Hannon apartment as a fluke of some kind. After working at the Loyolan as a copy editor for six months, I asked if I could move into a writing position, and ended up being made the Life + Arts section editor. When I’ve had trouble in my classes and asked my professors for help, they’ve been around to hear me out and offer help. Am I relieved to be done with school? Yes, I am. Like I said before, I’ve never great in schools. But I am glad to have gotten the opportunity
to come here, meet some truly amazing people and find a passion in things that I had never considered before (like journalism). My only regrets — if I can even call them that — about having transferred to LMU is that I only got two years to take in as much as I could from the school. That, and graduating before I’m old enough to ever go to the Loft. If you really, really want something, ask for it, at worst you’ll be at the same place as you were before, and at best you have the chance to do something great. This is the opinion of Tor Marom, a senior English major from Calabasas, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email editor@theloyolan.com.
via Samantha Wolfe and Kalei Mayer; Tor Marom | Loyolan
The biggest influences in my life have been my friends, both on campus and off. Whether it was going to Disneyland with my best friends from back home, going to the premiere of the Rocky Horror reboot, teaching a middle school English class in the only enjoyable group project of my life and all of the things I’ve done with those not pictured, these are the people that have changed me for the better since coming here.
laloyolan.com Page 12
COMMENCEMENT
Fate, first year housing and future plans So Wong, Farewell Xian Wong Staff Writer @LALoyolan
S
aying goodbye to the place I’ve called home for the past four years is going to be hard. But mostly, because it means saying goodbye to people who have seen me grow. There are people who make your college experience: friends who say hi and smile across the way while you’re walking to class, faculty who challenge your values, fellow Lions that join the same organization, co-workers who you’ve worked late night shifts with and classmates who become your friends. Even though they have all left a mark on me, I can’t ignore the people that made LMU my home. And luckily, fate and my freshman residence hall, Whelan, presented that to me. It started at Whelan residence orientation where I didn’t know anyone, so I introduced myself to Jordan Clark. We became friends because everyone was friends with everyone in the hall, but our friendship lasted because she laughed at my bad jokes and we bonded over music. But who would have guessed that the first person I introduced myself to would be my friend for the rest of the four years. More importantly, Jordan introduced me to Amanda Lopez, my other best friend. It’s fate in a way. If Jordan and I didn’t have class in U-Hall at the same time that first semester, we probably wouldn’t have been as close and
would have never met Amanda, and our tradition of Pinkberry runs wouldn’t have been a thing. All in all, I wouldn’t have had the freshman college experience of late nights eating wings from WOW, and going to concerts and museums with them. It’s not that I made all my friends freshman year, but I was introduced to most of them that year. I met Erisa Takeda in the Whelan penthouse freshman year, but I don’t remember it and apparently I made the worst first impression. Our paths crossed again sophomore year through my housemate Emilie Vieweg, who also lived in Whelan. Erisa and I became friends instantly through our love of food and travels. It’s weird to think that I probably would have met Erisa later because we both joined a service organization at the same time. However, if I had, our friendship and the dynamic would have been so different. As fate would have it, my next adventure began in France. My friend of a friend, Maddy Campbell, was also in the same program and we decided to room together. No surprise, she lived in Whelan the same year as me. I’m not saying it’s all Whelan; it’s pretty unbelievable that we both decided to study abroad that same year. I’ll never forget our memories of rowing a boat in Versailles, taking late night strolls in Paris and laughing at the stupidest things. It’s not that I’m only friends with people who lived in Whelan, but it is a common denominator that I have to acknowledge. Who knows what my college experience would have been like if I lived in the other residence halls or if I decided to go
on a different study abroad trip. I can’t ignore the fact that fate had something to do with it. So I thank Whelan for providing me that connection and fate, for somehow aligning everything and bestowing me with friends who I can count on. I wouldn’t have met some of my best friends who supported me through my hardest times of rejection letters, losing family members and going through hard life lessons. But also the great memories of traveling, spring break, going to Outside Lands, joining organizations together and even the mellow moments of drinking wine and watching movies. I am grateful that I’ve met all of you and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for all of us.
This is the opinion of Xian Wong, a senior graphic design major from Albany, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email tgage@theloyolan.com.
Xian Wong | Loyolan
Senior Loyolan staff member Xian Wong’s favorite photos of her memories and friends from her time at LMU.
COMMENCEMENT
laloyolan.com Page 13
LMU, a home away from home for many of us Keepin’ it Chrisp Christie Calucchia Staff Writer @laloyolan
T
here is no house like the house of belonging. I remember hearing this sentence the first time I sat on the hard wooden pews of Sacred Heart Chapel during freshman orientation. When I heard the priest discuss the idea of what it means to belong somewhere — in a place, with people, within a religion — I felt excited. I was ready to belong in a place that was all mine and full of possibilities. I was about to be
anyone I wanted to be. Although I had not yet made a friend, unless you count the two people I happened to sit near and say hello to, I felt like I belonged where I was in that moment. I had earned this education and my seat in this beautiful chapel where I would come to find so much solace and love throughout my college experience, and I was ready to belong to LMU for the next four years. Anyone who goes to LMU knows it is not uncommon to hear classmates and friends discuss this phenomenon particular to LMU’s campus. There’s a feeling, a universal reaction to visiting campus that every student who chooses to go to LMU can identify with. Something clicks, and you know you belong here.
Christie Calucchia | Loyolan
Calucchia shares a laugh with friends as they overlook The Bluff.
While I would like to say that I continued to always merrily go about my college life feeling this secure sense of belonging, there were countless moments of doubt, fear and anxiety that shadowed my confidence. College is hard. Being 19 is hard. However, it is clear to me as I prepare to leave my house of belonging on the Bluff that no one should let the fear of feeling like they don’t belong inhibit their life. In fact, it is the very reason we should be bold and brave, because we are right where we are supposed to be, no matter where that is. I can say with confidence that, wherever you are, you belong. You belong at this amazing institution of learning and growing and exploring. You belong in that difficult math class comprised of mostly male students. You belong in a room full of friends laughing at old memories and making new ones. You belong in positions of leadership where you can see your ideas evolve and take shape. You belong in classes that reveal to you your passions. You belong at the internship that you didn’t expect to hear back from. You belong sitting straight up in your seat with your hand raised high, ready to speak up when you have an opinion. You belong in this city, full of infinite possibilities, connections and food trucks.
You belong where you are happy. There is a confidence and security that comes with the feeling of belonging. This is a feeling that everyone deserves, no matter where they come from or how they got here. I feel blessed to have attended a university that sat me down and told me that I belonged here on my very first day. So I’m telling you now, you belong here, there, wherever you are. This sense of belonging is strengthened by relationships that build us up. I am forever grateful for the people who reminded me that I belonged. The girls who never let me forget how rad I am. The professors who introduced me to my passions. The coworkers who laughed at my jokes and made me become a leader. The sorority sisters who let me be myself and who inspired me to be the best version of that. You belong, so be brave. Say yes to skinny dipping in the ocean. Watch the sunset and sunrise as much as humanly possible. Go outside. Spend hours of your day sitting on campus, whether it’s doing homework by the fountain or laying on a towel in Sunken Gardens. Go for a run in the pouring rain. Run for 13.1 miles without stopping. Order the animal fries. Don’t always order one more
shot of vodka. Get kicked out of a bar. Blast music in your Hannon apartment and dance out your bad days. Climb to the roofs of buildings on campus. Make friends with everyone. Be kind. Go hiking. Go to the beach. Do yoga. Try to stand on your head. Fall. Go camping, forget to pack the tent poles and sleep in a Jetta. Go bungee jumping. Go skydiving. Go to the Loft as much as you can. Sing karaoke. Respect others. Respect yourself. Go to the Philippines on an Alternative Break trip. Intern in Manhattan Beach and Venice and Culver City and Hollywood. Be a lifeguard. Work at the Loyolan. Figure out what you like and don’t let it go. Have big dreams and then tell everyone what they are because the more you say something aloud, the more you start to believe you can do it. Don’t be afraid of falling in love or out of it. Tell your friends you love them. Tell yourself you love who you are. Four years at LMU has taught me that there truly is no house like the house of belonging. And while I may not be a student here after May 6, 2017, I will always belong here. This is the opinion of Christie Calucchia a senior humanities major from Las Vegas, Nevada. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email comments to tgage@theloyolan.com.
Camaraderie can define your college experience It’s a Mad World Madeline Mary Designer
@laloyolan
H
aving transferred to LMU as a sophomore, I couldn’t be happier with my college experience since then. I remember where I was when I found out I got accepted to LMU – I was sitting in an attic that was my makeshift room in Portiers, France in the middle of a solo backpacking trip. My mother sent me a picture on WhatsApp without writing anything else. I zoomed in on the photo and yelped with excitement when I read the first word: “Congratulations.” That was the beginning of my LMU experience. Now when I look back on my journey since then, I see how far I’ve come and how many high and lows that have shaped me along the way. Sometimes I really struggled with myself and my place, not only at LMU, but in the world too. Thankfully, a few amazing things happened that really changed my LMU experience, and ultimately my life, for the better. Firstly, I got an on-campus job. I went from being bored and having a lot of free time to finding a second family and always having someone to spend time with. While the Loyolan was my home here at LMU, others have found a home in a variety of places, from their jobs (either on campus or off), service orgs and Greek life, or a club or team. More importantly, having a group of
people who make you feel like you belong has been a blessing. Greek life never appealed to me and I’ve never regretted my choice not to rush. To anyone who feels like being in a sorority or fraternity wouldn’t be a great fit, I recommend looking for that sense of camaraderie elsewhere. Another experience from LMU that changed my life was doing a study abroad trip. This is the one I can’t stress harder. Do it. There are no excuses not to. It makes you grow in so many varying ways and you also meet some of the most important people in your life. Sometimes it’s a person you meet at a hostel and only spend 48 hours with, other times it is someone from your program and you become close friends for long after you step foot back on American soil. We are so lucky to go a school that facilitates so many different abroad experiences, so I urge you to go if you haven’t yet. I might sound like that stereotypical college student who went abroad and now thinks of myself as annoyingly worldly and cultured and can’t shut up about traveling — but I’m serious. Studying abroad shifted my perspective on my life and the world, and it also taught me the invaluable lesson of being selfreliant and independent. Lastly, your friends are really what make or break your experience. I’ve been blessed to have met some incredible people here over my three years as a Lion. My roommates in Rains as a sophomore, the people in the graphic design program that I had every class with for three
years and the group I travelled to Greece with on my study abroad trip — I’ve been truly and remarkably blessed to have the friends I do now. One last piece of advice is to accept when friendships fade and die. It doesn’t make you or the other person a bad one, it’s just how it goes in life, especially at this stage when people are evolving into the adults in different ways and at different paces. Cherish your memories with your friends, and always be open to new people in your life. You never know who will walk into your life and change it for the better. This is the opinion of Madeline Mary, a senior studio arts major from Bend, Oregon. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email comments to tgage@theloyolan.com.
Madeline Mary | Loyolan
Madeline with a friend on her study abroad voyage in Greece.
Madeline Mary| Loyolan
Loyolan staff members pose together in the office, showing off their Halloween costumes.
smile. snap. share.
See your posts at lmu.edu/lmu17,
and use the official commencement Snapchat geofilter this weekend!
CONGRATULATIONS, Jake! JAKE WILLIAM HELLEN, Class of 2017
re’s u t u F ...
..! . t h g i so br
We are so very proud of you, and love you very much! Love, Grandpa, Nana, Uncle Billy and Uncle Matt
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2017 Thinking about your future? Consider Graduate Studies at LMU! With more than 40 graduate programs, Loyola Marymount University offers a rigorous academic experience to ambitious students committed to lives of meaning, purpose and success. Explore one of our many programs in: Liberal Arts Communication & Fine Arts
Business Education
Science & Engineering Film & Television
Loyola Law School
Take the first step to realizing your potential, visit graduate.lmu.edu or call 310.338.2721.
Graduate Assistantships Graduate Assistantships are available now for the 2017-2018 academic year! Preparation for a career. Education for life. For a list of available positions and to fill out an application, please visit http://graduate.lmu.edu/resources/graduateassistantships/ Graduate Division 310.338.2721 graduate.lmu.edu
COMMENCEMENT
laloyolan.com Page 28
The Bluff is a humorous and satirical section published in the Loyolan. All quotes attributed to real figures are completely fabricated; persons otherwise mentioned are completely fictional.
laloyolan.com
COMMENCEMENT 2017 EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Managing Editor Managing Editor Managing Editor Senior Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor News Intern News Intern News intern News Intern Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Opinion Intern Opinion Intern Life+Arts Editor Asst. Life+Arts Editor Asst. Life+Arts Editor Life+Arts Intern Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Sports Intern Sports Intern Social Justice Editor Bluff Editor Asst. Bluff Editor Copy Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Digital Editor Asst. Digital Editor Digital Intern Design Editor Designer Designer Designer Designer Cartoon Editor Staff Cartoonist Staff Cartoonist Staff Cartoonist Staff Cartoonist Cartoon Intern Cartoon Intern Photo Editor Asst. Photo Editor Asst. Photo Editor Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Video Editor Video Coordinator Video Coordinator
Tor Marom Jackie Galvez Isabel Ngo Matt Gaydos Elliot Britt Janine Leano Sami Leung Isabella Murillo Babak Abrishamchian Kayan Tara Porevala Kayla Tanli Silvia Velasquez Austin Raymundo Clay Sontag Joseph Bellavia Samantha Davis Emma Lane Taylor Cohen Jennifer Lee Taylor Gage Cory Hutchinson Jaida Macklin Philip Brazelton Tim de Vries Matthew Rodriguez Johanna Knight Andrew Dignum Karis Addo-Quaye Sami Leung Casey Lee Katie Randolph Aja Hoggatt Bobby Crane Emilio Valencia Epiphany Hulburd Meghan Mariani Alicia De Mello Xochitl Pasten Emily Rawson Casey Lee Alec Harrison Kevin Chan Ava Arshadi Chloe Cunningham Madeline Mary Aurora Occelli Ashley Ma Hannah Kim Emily Noriega Cameron Woodard Mikey Barreto Megan Giorgi Christian Boggs Sophie Broide Lauren Holmes Riis Irving-Peterson Jason Munoz Megan Karbowski Jonathan Kokotajlo Gracie McManus Arun Gulati Eric Lee
2016 EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Managing Editor Managing Editor Creative Director Digital Director News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor News Intern News Intern Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Opinion Intern Opinion Intern Life+Arts Editor Asst. Life+Arts Editor Asst. Life+Arts Editor Life+Arts Intern Life+Arts Intern Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Sports Intern Sports Intern Bluff Editor/Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Design Editor Designer Designer Design Intern Staff Cartoonist Staff Cartoonist Staff Cartoonist Staff Cartoonist Photo Editor Asst. Photo Editor Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Jr. Staff Photographer Digital Editor Asst. Digital Editor
Gracie McManus Christie Calucchia Jackie Galvez Isabel Ngo Xian Wong Janine Leano Kellie Chudzinski Julia Campion Sami Leung Bri Ortiz Justine Biondi Liv Sikora Jaqueline McCool Matt Gaydos Samantha Davis Olivia Round Clay Sontag Joseph Bellavia Matthew Williams Tor Marom Taylor Gage Cory Hutchinson Natalie Godby Tygre Patchell-Evans Ryan Hartnett Michael Mariscal Victoria Arevalo Matthew Rodriguez Evan Biancardi Cara Olson Aja Hoggatt Epiphany Hulburd Liz Jurek Alicia de Mello Bobby Crane Meghan Mariani Kevin Chan Ashley Ma Madeline Mary Alexandra Witter Mikey Barreto Hannah Kim Emily Noriega Cameron Woodard Caroline Burt Sophie Broide Talia Baugnon Josh Kuroda Megan Karbowski Riis Irving-Peterson Jason Munoz Anastasia Larina Lauren Holmes Casey Lee Emily Rawson
laloyolan.com Page 29
2017 BUSINESS STAFF Business Manager Asst. Business Manager Asst. Business Manager Business Intern Business Intern Business Intern Ad Sales Rep Ad Sales Rep Intern Ad Sales Rep Intern Ad Designer Distributor Distributor Distribution Intern Director of Student Media
Sophie Kaslow Audrey Barber Gia Lee Kayla Brogan Cameron Walbridge Alena Copeland Hayden Regalado Alexandra B’Llamas Kayla Brogan Sophia Stroud Jack Slater Alexander Lorenz Andrea Wynter Tom Nelson
2016 BUSINESS STAFF Business Director Asst. Business Manager Ad Designer Ad Sales Manager Ad Sales Rep Office Assistant Distributor Distributor Director of Student Media
Sophie Kaslow Jack Slater Sophia Stroud Katie Chadwick Monica Oda Gia Lee Jack Slater Alexander Lorenz Tom Nelson
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!
LOYOLAN EDITORIAL POLICY The Los Angeles Loyolan, a student-run campus organization, publishes a weekly newspaper for the greater LMU community. The first copy is free of charge. Additional copies are $1 each. Paid, mailed subscriptions can be purchased through the Business department. The Loyolan accepts unsolicited letters from students, faculty, staff and alumni, and press releases from on-campus and offcampus organizations, but cannot guarantee publication. The Loyolan reserves the right to edit or reject all submissions, including advertisements, articles or other contributions it deems objectionable. The Loyolan does not print consecutive articles by the same author that repeat/refute the initial arguments. Opinions and ideas expressed in the Loyolan are those of individual authors, artists and student editors and are not those of Loyola Marymount University, its Board of Trustees, its student body or of newspaper advertisers. Board Editorials are unsigned and reflect the opinions of the Executive Editorial Board. Guest editorials are by invitation of the Executive Editorial Board and reflect the views of the author. All advertisements are subject to the current rates and policies in the most recent Advertising Rates and Information materials.
FROM THE LOYOLAN STAFF
The Los Angeles Loyolan is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the California College Media Association.
To the good ol’ days, the now and the future J. Leano Show Janine Leano Senior Editor
D
@LALoyolan
uring the last episode of “The Office,” Andy Bernard said, “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” Besides the fact that I’ve been marathoning mockumentary sitcoms to avoid writing my final essay (and this column), it’s an appropriate — if not a little cliché — platitude to think about in the moments before walking on that stage. College wasn’t what I expected. I had no illusions about its difficulty, but I always thought it’d be that Hallmark-movie-kindof-difficult wherein the well-intentioned heroine undergoes a trial that she triumphs with the help of loved ones and a can-do attitude. The reality’s always been more complicated. Sometimes I gave up on things and didn’t see them through. Sometimes my struggles didn’t teach me anything. Sometimes bad things happened for no reason that went beyond my control. We refer to the postcollege life as the real world, but these four years already felt very real to me.
via Janine Leano
Leano recalls the solid grounding she had in family and friends, and how that kept her steady throughout the ups and downs of her college experience.
I had good intentions and loved ones, all I needed was the real world — it didn’t require much. All it took were some sleepless nights with friends, tearfilled phone conversations with my parents, 3 a.m. emails to professors and a sudden junior-year switch to another major in order for me to accept that this whole getting out of bed thing was pretty much a requirement every morning. So what were my good old days here? If I look back hard enough,
they’re my roommate and I laughing our heads off at memes on Twitter and crying when our favorite character died in “The Walking Dead.” They’re my friends blowing off study time by going to Disneyland during finals week and making harebrained plans for Dubai and Bhutan after graduation. Next to them is my service organization around a campfire improvising funny ghost stories under a smogless sky of stars. After them are my Loyolan coworkers venting at
the Bluff the night of the election. At the tail are the long rehearsals with theatre geeks whose days were the shortest in comparison but are the best possible ending I could have had for these four years. Right behind, in front and in every second of all that is always my family. There’s a memory of my grandmother in the Philippines, a woman who didn’t even make it past grade school and probably had more knowledge and wisdom than most people with a degree, telling me to
use my education for the betterment of all. There’s my unfailing mother joking about beating up my stressors and my tireless father driving long hours back and forth for my sake. There’s my ageless brother learning the same things as me, still so much younger, but so much older than I am. If there’s any way I can mark the calendar of my time at LMU, it’s these people. They are the hours, minutes and individual seconds of my clock. They’re what keep me moving, what keep me in check and grounded to the present. I have them to thank for being the good in my worst days. They’re the ones who tell me that sometimes giving up on one thing means moving on for something better. Sometimes the struggles you face will amount to something useful — even if it’s not apparent yet. While sometimes bad things do happen, it’s important to remember that the good things do as well. There’s really no way to tell whether you’re in the good old days or not. The closest thing you can do is to try and find that in what’s happening right now. This is the opinion of Janine Leano, a senior computer science major from Los Angeles, California. Tweet comments to @ LAloyolan or email editor@laloyolan.com
laloyolan.com Page 30
COMMENCEMENT
Finding my home and family among Lions Forever & Tal-ways Talia Baugnon Staff Writer
@LALoyolan
D
uring my junior year of high school, my AP English teacher did an exercise where we wrote down something we were afraid of, be it bugs, rejection or death. We threw our scraps of paper into a hat and went around the room picking them out, trying to explain what each fear was without naming them. It takes a lifetime of work to be able to explain your view of the world, let alone explain someone else’s. But empathy is an endeavor that LMU has set me on since I stepped foot on this campus. “Education of the whole person” may sound cheesy at this point, but cura personalis has come to define my entire time here, from every assignment I’ve completed to every late night spent looking out over the bluff with my friends, from every service trip with Sursum Corda to every photo I’ve shot for student media. Cura personalis translates to “care of the person,” and had I not been at LMU, I doubt I would have been as intellectually or emotionally challenged. I have taken so many classes and met so many people who have made me
confront my core beliefs. And yet with the environment of being with and for others, I have met countless people who have met me with open arms and love. Going from high school to college was a bit of a culture shock for me because, truly, I had not experienced many lenses other than my own and students like me. My favorite feeling is the realization that something which was once strange and uncertain has become familiar. Back when I first walked across the campus as an admitted student, everything looked so big and brimming with possibilities. I still suck at directions, but now I can name every spot on campus and help you get there. Strangers eventually became best friends, some of whom I live with today. The hesitance in meeting with a professor for the first time made way to countless office hour visits. While studying abroad, I found a home in London where 11 other strangers became family for four months. First joining the Loyolan, I was daunted by the amount of professional work that was produced each week. Two and a half years later, my work paved the way to becoming director of photography at Tower Yearbook, but it seemed just as daunting as when I first started. Getting off the waitlist of Sursum made me think I couldn’t feel that same familiarity I’d found with my friends.
But my work at the Loyolan prepared me for my job with Tower. My job at Tower has inevitably prepared me for whatever jobs I will have in the future. My time at Sursum has shown me that you get out of an experience what you put in. And I have put so much into making LMU a home. But do not mistake familiarity for complacency. Friends change. Family members change. People are more than your relationship with them. Their changing ways can become familiar again. I’m sure I would’ve found familiarity
in any college I attended, but every time I stroll down palm walk and say hello to someone who has shaped my time here, I am reminded of how grateful I am that LMU is my home and my Lions are my family. After you’ve worked hard for four years to discern your lens, change it. Point things in another direction or pick up someone else’s lens and look at the world in a new way. Everything I have experienced here has helped me further focus my lens. It needs to be examined and taken care of regularly, while
also making room for an upgrade when need be. Finding the right settings has become second nature to me, but it is always advantageous to change them once in awhile. In the end, you are the only one behind your lens who can see the photo you have in your mind. Get familiar with the feeling that you’ll always be in control of your lens, and share your photos with the world. This is the opinion of Talia Baugnon a senior English major from Santa Rosa, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email tgage@theloyolan.com
Talia Baugnon | Loyolan
Talia Baugnon, former Loyolan photographer reflects on her years as a Lion one final time before graduation.
COMMENCEMENT
laloyolan.com Page 31