2023 President’s Medallion Recipient
President’s Medallion Recipient
Maeve Donlin, 2023 medallion winner
Nestled within the city of Chicago, Loyola has a way of capturing the hearts of future students. For Maeve Donlin, a Loyola scholar from a family of Ramblers, the journey from familial roots to a profound sense of belonging on campus is nothing short of inspiring.
Growing up in Chicago, Maeve found familiarity in Loyola's Rogers Park campus. Summers were spent near the University, visiting grandparents, and creating lasting memories. For Maeve, Loyola was not just a university; it was a place intertwined with family history. Her grandparents were Loyola alumni, and her parents met on the Lakeshore campus.
Known for being a decisive individual, it did not take Maeve long to make a life-changing choice. Her Loyola journey began with a campus tour, and as she set foot on campus grounds, something clicked. The vibrant urban environment, the distinct campus charm, and a deep-seated family connection all contributed to the realization that Loyola was where she belonged. With unwavering determination, Maeve walked through the campus and declared, "This is it."
Maeve's academic journey at Loyola did not have the most traditional start. Like many, she began her studies online. It was a challenging experience, watching friends embark on their college adventures while she remained in a virtual world. Maeve knew where she truly belonged – on campus with her peers. Joining in person for the second semester was a game-changer. The experience surpassed her expectations, confirming her decision to be at Loyola.
Finding community.
One of the highlights of Maeve's Loyola journey was the community she found at the Halas Center. Working part-time as a lifeguard, she felt welcomed and at home. She described the bonds she formed as lifelong connections. In addition, Maeve made a bold move by joining the swim club, despite being a senior. Her willingness to challenge herself and embrace discomfort was evident, and she found the camaraderie she had been missing.
When asked about her involvement in community service and extracurricular activities, Maeve's passion shone through. As a lifeguard and fitness supervisor at the Halas Center, she had found her niche. Her recent decision to join the swim club as a senior reflected her commitment to personal growth.
Maeve shared that one of the most valuable lessons she had learned at Loyola was self-reflection. Recognizing her own identity and its impact on her teaching experience was a significant revelation. Loyola equipped her with the tools for self-empowerment and understanding her own power in shaping interactions with students.
The emphasis on social justice and global community implications transformed my teaching perspective. Maeve Donlin, School of Education Senior
President’s Medallion recipients—students who excel not only in the classroom but also in the world and are dedicated to helping those around them.
Discovering her calling.
For Maeve, Loyola's Jesuit mission was a calling. The emphasis on social justice and global community implications had transformed her perspective. She aspired to work in urban settings, such as Chicago Public Schools (CPS), to better understand the needs of diverse communities and make informed, impactful decisions. “My time at Loyola taught me to have a greater understanding of others’ needs and to foster my ability to make more powerful decisions.” Maeve aspires to pursue a master's degree in educational leadership, recognizing the pivotal role of school leaders in creating inclusive environments.
Loyola had given her exceptional opportunities for research, providing insight into the intricacies of education. Her research focused on building interventions for students with literacy challenges, emphasizing data-driven, evidence-based instruction. Loyola's scholarship support, particularly the Damen scholarship, had made her journey possible.
Loyola works with Chicago Public Schools, as well as local Catholic and charter schools, to place students in a real classroom your first semester on campus.
Loyola memories.
The most memorable part of Maeve's Loyola experience was the opportunity to travel to various schools in Chicago, fostering a keen sense of community. Her observations and shared experiences with peers left an indelible mark on her educational journey.
Notably, Maeve's commitment to education extended beyond Loyola. Her extensive history of community service, including international projects, reflected a deep-seated dedication to making a positive impact. Her passion for working with students of all abilities had inspired her to pursue a minor in special education, ensuring that all students would be seen and cared for in her future classrooms.
In the end, Maeve Donlin's Loyola story is one of inspiration and a deep commitment to education and community service. Loyola has not only provided her with knowledge and skills but has also ignited a passion for making a difference in the world of education, one student at a time.
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LEADERSHIP. SCHOLARSHIP. SERVICE.
Those three words are etched onto the President’s Medallion that Loyola awards annually to its most outstanding students, one from each of its 14 colleges, institutes, and schools. And they also sum up the 2023–24 President’s Medallion recipients—students who excel not only in the classroom but also in the world and are dedicated to helping those around them.
Growing up in Chicago, Maeve found familiarity in Loyola's Rogers Park campus. Summers were spent near the University, visiting grandparents, and creating lasting memories. For Maeve, Loyola was not just a university; it was a place intertwined with family history. Her grandparents were Loyola alumni, and her parents met on the Lakeshore campus.
Known for being a decisive individual, it did not take Maeve long to make a life-changing choice. Her Loyola journey began with a campus tour, and as she set foot on campus grounds, something clicked. The vibrant urban environment, the distinct campus charm, and a deep-seated family connection all contributed to the realization that Loyola was where she belonged. With unwavering determination, Maeve walked through the campus and declared, "This is it."
Maeve's academic journey at Loyola did not have the most traditional start. Like many, she began her studies online. It was a challenging experience, watching friends embark on their college adventures while she remained in a virtual world. Maeve knew where she truly belonged – on campus with her peers. Joining in person for the second semester was a game-changer. The experience surpassed her expectations, confirming her decision to be at Loyola.
Finding community.
One of the highlights of Maeve's Loyola journey was the community she found at the Halas Center. Working part-time as a lifeguard, she felt welcomed and at home. She described the bonds she formed as lifelong connections. In addition, Maeve made a bold move by joining the swim club, despite being a senior. Her willingness to challenge herself and embrace discomfort was evident, and she found the camaraderie she had been missing.
When asked about her involvement in community service and extracurricular activities, Maeve's passion shone through. As a lifeguard and fitness supervisor at the Halas Center, she had found her niche. Her recent decision to join the swim club as a senior reflected her commitment to personal growth.
Maeve shared that one of the most valuable lessons she had learned at Loyola was self-reflection. Recognizing her own identity and its impact on her teaching experience was a significant revelation. Loyola equipped her with the tools for self-empowerment and understanding her own power in shaping interactions with students.
Discovering her calling.
For Maeve, Loyola's Jesuit mission was a calling. The emphasis on social justice and global community implications had transformed her perspective. She aspired to work in urban settings, such as Chicago Public Schools (CPS), to better understand the needs of diverse communities and make informed, impactful decisions. “My time at Loyola taught me to have a greater understanding of others’ needs and to foster my ability to make more powerful decisions.” Maeve aspires to pursue a master's degree in educational leadership, recognizing the pivotal role of school leaders in creating inclusive environments.
Loyola had given her exceptional opportunities for research, providing insight into the intricacies of education. Her research focused on building interventions for students with literacy challenges, emphasizing data-driven, evidence-based instruction. Loyola's scholarship support, particularly the Damen scholarship, had made her journey possible.
Loyola memories.
The most memorable part of Maeve's Loyola experience was the opportunity to travel to various schools in Chicago, fostering a keen sense of community. Her observations and shared experiences with peers left an indelible mark on her educational journey.
Notably, Maeve's commitment to education extended beyond Loyola. Her extensive history of community service, including international projects, reflected a deep-seated dedication to making a positive impact. Her passion for working with students of all abilities had inspired her to pursue a minor in special education, ensuring that all students would be seen and cared for in her future classrooms.
In the end, Maeve Donlin's Loyola story is one of inspiration and a deep commitment to education and community service. Loyola has not only provided her with knowledge and skills but has also ignited a passion for making a difference in the world of education, one student at a time.