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LOY OLA AC AD EMY SECO ND CE NT U RY CA M PA I GN UPD ATE

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M AR CH 2019

TAKING STEM EDUCATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Full STEAM Ahead!

new STEAM lab with a state-of-the-art chemistry lab, think tank and soon-to-be-completed makerspace is paving the way for creative, collaborative learning in the STEAM disciplines: science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

STEAM PROJECT SCOPE AND TIMELINE PHASE ONE

Completed January 2019

Chemistry Lab

A 21st-century laboratory space with an industrial aesthetic, equipped with dropdown ceiling grids, modern benchtops and stools, LCD monitors, an Apple TV and a document camera, as well as fume hoods, mobile storage cabinets, precision balances and other state-of-the-art chemistry equipment

Think Tank

A flexible classroom space equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as an interactive SMART board that projects onto an LCD touch-screen monitor, a white-board wall, an Apple TV, a document camera and wireless access points, as well as mobile hexagonal desks that can be arranged in small- and largegroup configurations for brainstorming sessions and idea development

PHASE TWO

Fundraising currently underway

Makerspace

A communal hub for collaborative, hands-on, project-based learning that will be equipped with power sources, 3D printers, a programmable robot called Sphero and other tools and materials that will change according to the lessons being learned

HOW WILL WE COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE? Cure cancer? Care for an aging population? Create a food supply to feed a hungry world? These are just some of the complex challenges that citizens face in the 21st century—challenges that cannot be met without innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, criticalthinking skills and creativity. In January 2019, Loyola Academy opened a state-of-the-art STEAM lab and launched an ambitious new STEAM learning initiative that will help Loyola’s Ramblers think more broadly about these and other real-world problems, address issues of social justice and, ultimately, serve a world in need of their talents. Loyola’s STEAM lab—made possible by a leadership gift from graduate parents Sue and Tim Sullivan and named in honor of Rev. Peter W. Breslin, SJ (see story on opposite page)—currently includes a chemistry laboratory and an adjacent classroom space designed to function like a think tank. Fundraising and planning for a makerspace to support

collaborative, hands-on, project-based learning in the STEAM disciplines is currently underway. “The new STEAM lab allows teachers to emphasize group collaboration, labs, demonstrations and critical thinking,” notes Science Department Chair Marissa Cervantes. “It is much easier to incorporate problem solving into lessons, as students have all of the tools and materials necessary for testing hypotheses right at their fingertips.” According to Loyola Academy Principal Charles

When funding is secured and construction is completed on our STEAM makerspace, this communal learning environment will provide new opportunities for Ramblers to become 21st-century collaborators, creators and innovators.

STEAM-powered learning: Loyola’s new STEAM lab (below)—made possible by a leadership gift from Sue and Tim Sullivan and named in honor of former science teacher Rev. Peter W. Breslin, SJ—opened for student use in January 2019.

W. Heintz, STEAM is a natural fit for Loyola’s Jesuit educational mission. “Critical thinking has always been a core component of Jesuit education,” he points out. “STEAM, or cross-disciplinary, learning gives students a more holistic understanding of how the world works and teaches students how to use the skills and processes gained through the study of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics to think deeply, ask questions and solve complex problems.” Loyola’s new STEAM program is a self-directed course of study in electives and cocurriculars that challenges students to use tools from multiple disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, art, architecture, design and mathematics. Students can choose from electives in areas such as computer science and 3D design, as well as cocurricular activities such as the Architecture Club, Math Modeling Club, Robotics Club, Science Olympiad and Women in STEM. More STEAM offerings are already in the pipeline. As the new year gets underway, Loyola is partnering with the educational nonprofit Project Lead the Way to develop a new Introduction to Engineering Design course that will enable Ramblers to step into the varied roles that engineers play in the world today, discover new career paths and possibilities and develop engineering skills through problem-based learning. The course—scheduled for an August 2019 launch—will enable students to dig deep into the engineering design process by applying math, science and engineering standards to hands-on makerspace projects. n

STEAM: What’s it all about?

STEAM is an integrated approach to learning that uses science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics as access points for experiential learning, inquiry and problem solving. Our new STEAM program takes STEM to the next level by incorporating creativity into the learning process with coursework, cocurricular clubs and enrichment activities in art, design and architecture.

In February, benefactors Sue and Tim Sullivan (above) joined Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ (far right), Vice President of Advancement Robert O. Miller (not pictured), Science Department Chair Marissa Cervantes (second from left) and Principal Gifts Officer Tom Cramer (far left) for a tour of Loyola’s new STEAM lab and think tank, which the Sullivans named in honor of former Loyola Academy science teacher Rev. Peter W. Breslin, SJ (pictured below), who had a profound impact on their son Matt when he was a Rambler.

Fostering Innovation

With a generous Second Century Campaign gift to support the development of a new STEAM lab and think tank, Sue and Tim Sullivan are helping Ramblers develop the skills that they need to lead and succeed in the 21st century.

ROM DNA MAPPING TO pursuits,” states Sue Sullivan. “Tim and I believe that this SELF-DRIVING CARS, type of training is even more new technologies are important in the 21st century. disrupting almost every All young people today need to industry and creating a demand for a “liquid workforce” be comfortable with technology because it’s such a major part of that is flexible, agile and able to our world.” adapt to constant innovation. The Sullivans are also fans Thanks to the foresight and of the new STEAM trend in generosity of graduate parents education, which incorporates Sue and Tim Sullivan—the the arts into the study of science, benefactors behind Loyola’s technology, engineering and recently completed STEAM mathematics. lab and think tank—Ramblers “Creativity fuels problemwill have new opportunities to solving and innovation,” says develop the liquid skills that Sullivan. “The arts also teach they will need to compete in a students how to approach fluid marketplace, such as the problems from different ability to think critically, work perspectives and develop a collaboratively, communicate design mindset to solve complex effectively, solve problems problems. Because of the way creatively and acquire new knowledge as technology evolves. These skills are familiar ones to the Sullivans, who both hold engineering degrees. “The analytical and quantitative skills that we developed during our engineering studies have stayed with us throughout During their tour of the Rev. Peter W. our lives and helped us Breslin, SJ, STEAM Lab, the Sullivans immensely in all of our

paused to discuss Loyola’s recently launched STEAM learning initiative with Fr. Breslin (far right).

that Loyola’s new STEAM spaces are designed, creativity will be incorporated into every aspect of learning—as students work toward a common goal in the chemistry lab, brainstorm in the think tank and engage in project-based learning in the makerspace.” STEAM-powered learning is already a big hit with Loyola’s Ramblers. “STEAM is bringing the best of 21st-century learning to Loyola Academy by incorporating communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation into every step of the learning process,” notes Loyola Academy Principal Charles W. Heintz. “We are deeply grateful to the Sullivans—who have long supported our Jesuit educational mission through their board and volunteer service and financial contributions—for funding the development of our STEAM facilities,” adds Vice President of Advancement Robert O. Miller. “Their generosity will help prepare the next generation of Ramblers for the challenges of our changing world.” n

C O N S T R U C T I O N U P D AT E

Physics in action: Ramblers met with engineering and construction professionals at Loyola’s construction site to gain a better understanding of the role of physics in building design and construction.

Real-World Physics The shape of things to come: By February 2019, the distinctive steel skeleton of the John D. Norcross ’54 Aquatic Center had become a familiar part of the Loyola landscape.

From Renderings to Reality

LTHOUGH CONSTRUCTION WAS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED AS JANUARY’S POLAR VORTEX brought subzero temps and minus 50-degree wind chills to the Chicago area, progress on our Campus Master Plan Phase One capital enhancements has otherwise been steady throughout the winter season. C A M PA I G N M A S T E R P L A N After spending much of the summer and fall on demolition, site PROJECT TIMELINE preparation and excavation, construction crews spent the winter months framing out our new John D. Norcross ’54 Aquatic Center and the Spring 2019 Aquatic center and piazza building piazza—a light-filled gathering space that will serve as a hub for Loyola envelopes completed; STEAM lab life while connecting the aquatic center to the west gym and the rest of makerspace fundraising begins the school. Summer 2019 By January, crews had completed the steel skeletons of the aquatic Aquatic center and piazza interiors center and piazza and installed their roof decks. Masonry work is now completed underway and interior work on the aquatic center and piazza—including Fall 2019 mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire-protection systems—is about Aquatic center and piazza open for to begin. student use This spring, craftsmen will begin working on interior finishes—from Spring 2022 paint and tile to signage—as landscapers transform the plaza outside of Construction begins on Phase Two the piazza and aquatic center into a welcoming oasis with benches, capital enhancements, including a new theater for the performing arts bicycle racks, shade trees and colorful gardens. Stay tuned for more news about our grand opening celebration in Fall 2019!

N NOVEMBER, LOYOLA’S AP PHYSICS STUDENTS donned hardhats and headed over to the construction trailer that is serving as the central command post for all Campus Master Plan Phase One enhancements to get a firsthand look at physics in action. “The purpose of the trip was to enable our students to see how engineers apply the laws of physics to real-life applications,” explains Loyola physics instructor Brian Padden. “The students learned how the engineers took principles such as force and torque into account as they worked to ensure the stability of the new aquatic center. They also gained some valuable career insights as they observed a day in the life of professionals in fields such as engineering and construction.”

Signed, Sealed and Delivered

N EARLY DECEMBER, THE LOYOLA COMMUNITY CELEBRATED THE PLACEMENT OF THE LAST BEAM on top of the future John D. Norcross ’54 Aquatic Center. To mark the occasion, Loyola swimmers, divers, water polo players, parents, coaches and benefactors—as well as Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ—signed the beam with permanent markers. “This beam will forever be in place with your names on it,” Fr. McGrath told

the crowd while a crane operator hoisted the beam (adorned with a festive fir tree to mark the Christmas season) to its permanent home atop the aquatic center. As the signed beam ascended into the midwinter sky, Fr. McGrath led the community in prayer and thanked the Second Century Campaign benefactors whose generosity has made it possible for the school’s leadership—and Loyola’s Ramblers—to “dream big dreams and become more.”