Loyola’s front lawn came to life as the School of Communication and Design alumni came together to celebrate the Mardi Gras season in 2023. The party turned things up a notch by adding a unique twist to the music played through the party. Alumni, faculty and students enjoyed the smooth sounds of Brasilian Carnival inspired music played by Loyola’s very own Jazz Music students- Giulia Barreto, Matt Perrone and Jose Hernandez.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to engage with our alumni since the pandemic” said Dean Kern Maas of the College of Music and Media. As many alumni return to New Orleans during the Mardi Gras season, this party was an intentional touch point to encourage alumni to return to campus, engage with them and be celebrated by their alma mater. “We wanted to create a way to enjoy the festivities of this season with our alumni” said Dean Maas as he explained why bringing together alumni was important to the college.
Memories flood the minds of alumni who reminisced on their time at Loyola while enjoying the party. Jade O’Dell, class of ‘97 graduate shared her fondest memories while being a Loyola student. “Working as a tutor and bonding with all the colleagues in the kitchen is a memory I still have today." shared O’Dell. “The community, the friends I made and the education I received are memories I still have till this day” shared Nikki Hefko, also a class of ‘97 graduate. “Loyola really prepares you for the real world by putting you half-in and half-out in the real world.” shared Hefko as she described the valuable real-life experience she received while at Loyola.
Alumni were treated to special Loyola SCD swag items such as tote bags, chains and cups with a special design right from the college's design students. Daniela Marx, associate director of Loyola SCD and chair of the design department, spoke on the students' in the “Collective” class involvement with the swag cup design. “Students learn how to do freelance and real-life work in many projects campus wide” said Marx. “The cups with the design are a great way for our alumni to know we are thinking about them," said Marx as she talked about how the cups are a great way for alumni to keep the memories of Loyola well and alive in their thoughts for the future.
