Magis Moment: May 2026

 A Message from the Vice President of University Advancement 

Commencement is upon us! This weekend, the Class of 2026 will join the ranks of our Loyola University New Orleans Alumni Association. Like so many of our alumni, I am certain news of their future milestones, successes, and impact will bring us great pride and joy.

To live as people of Magis is to strive to be men and women with and for others, individuals who dedicate their talents, passions, and daily efforts toward the greater good. It is a call to go beyond what is expected, to act with purpose, compassion, and a deep commitment to improving the world around us. As we celebrate our graduates stepping forward into the next chapter of their lives, we recognize not only their accomplishments, but also the responsibility they carry to lead with integrity and generosity. Their time at Loyola has shaped them. Now, they carry those lessons onward, ready to make a meaningful difference in the world.

At the same time, we joyfully welcome a new class of students just beginning their Loyola journey, full of promise, curiosity, and potential. They arrive at the start of something transformative, where they too will grow in knowledge, character, and purpose. More than 8,200 students applied to be members of the Wolf Pack between Freshman and Transfer admission. Compared to 2025, that represents an increase of 19% in Freshman applications and an increase of 41% in transfer applications. Our undergraduate enrollment deposits are trending ahead of last year by about 14% for Freshman and 85% for Transfers ahead of the deadline. 

May both our graduates and our newest students embrace what it means to be people of Magis, seeking excellence not for its own sake, but for the impact they can have on others. May they remain connected by a common mission to make our world a brighter place, knowing that wherever they go, they are forever part of the Pack.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Hotard '04, M.B.A. '10
Vice President of University Advancement