Loyola University Chicago

University Staff Council

April 2019

Katie Tappel

Title/s:  Assistant Director

Email: ktappel@luc.edu

About

Department/School/Division: Student Accessibility Center
Campus: Lake Shore Campus 
Years at Loyola: 4 years and 8 months

What is your favorite thing about working at Loyola?
My favorite part of working at Loyola is the opportunity to develop relationships with campus partners. Accessibility is the responsibility of the entire campus community, and I love working with other offices to identify how we can best support our students together.  

What is your most memorable achievement as a Loyola employee?
A former student contacted me and said they thought of me during their medical school white coat ceremony. I was incredibly honored that they identified me as someone who played a role in their journey. It is very rewarding to know that the work our office does makes a difference. 

What does Loyola's mission mean to you?
My work speaks directly to cura personalis and service that promotes justice. To quote Dr. Temple Grandin, people with disabilities are "different, not less." This inspires me and has a daily impact on my work with students, staff, and faculty. 

What motivates you to succeed each and every day?
As my daughter gets older, she is becoming more aware that I am a person, not just a mommy. I want my children to know that their possibilities are endless. 

Tell us how you show your Rambler pride.
You will often see my family roaming around campus on the weekend because my kids are here for swim lessons, and my husband coaches for Darkwing, LUC's ultimate frisbee team. 

Tell us something most people at Loyola would be surprised to know about you.
I love drawing, painting, and creating. Someday I would love to write and illustrate a children's book.