Loyola Academy Celebrates 115th Commencement Exercises

5/27/2025

On Saturday, May 24, Loyola Academy held its 115th Commencement Exercises, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2025. Thousands of proud families, friends, and faculty members gathered at Northwestern University's Welsh-Ryan Arena to honor this milestone moment. Dressed in traditional white dresses and white tuxedo jackets, the graduates processed into the arena to the stirring strains of Sir Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance," coming together one last time as classmates.

The ceremony opened with a moving performance of the national anthem by the Loyola Academy choir and band, followed by an invocation from Mr. Ty Wahlbrink, SJ, a member of the Society of Jesus and a Loyola Social Studies faculty member.

Words of Welcome and Reflection

Loyola Academy Principal Tim Devine '88 then took the podium to offer welcoming remarks and words of encouragement. Addressing the Class of 2025, he invited them to pause and reflect: "It is good for us to pause together for a few moments; to focus our hearts and minds for what is to come in your forthcoming journeys in life. For today, friends, you are on the threshold of your past and your future."

Principal Devine challenged graduates to see commencement not as an ending, but as a beginning—a moment of transformation. Quoting e.e. cummings, he reminded them, "You can never be born enough." He continued: "Commencement is a time of being born again. This commencement marks your birth into adulthood. This commencement marks your birth into a bigger, more beautiful world."

Urging them to remain open to growth, he encouraged graduates to embrace the unknown with courage: "There is so much more for you to learn, so much more for you to do, so much more for you to become. You have many unwritten chapters, and how you choose to write those chapters will, to a large extent, control your destiny."

He concluded his remarks with a heartfelt blessing:
"Congratulations on all you have become and all you are about to do. We are proud of you. We are with you. We love you. And, in our Ignatian words: ‘Ite, inflammate omnia’…go, set the world on fire."

Valedictory Address: A Reflection on Formation

Principal Devine then introduced the Class of 2025 Valedictorian, John (Jack) Ehlert '25, who addressed his classmates by video, as he was competing with his crew team members at the 2025 SRAA Scholastic National Championship Regatta in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Jack, who will attend Yale University this fall, delivered a poignant reflection on growth, friendship, and formation at Loyola Academy.

"At Loyola, we were not only taught as students but formed as people," Jack said. "We had our perspectives challenged. We had discussions that changed the way we saw the world, we argued about ideas, and we learned how to disagree."

He celebrated the close connections between students and teachers, recalling memorable moments from the classroom and beyond. "At Loyola, our teachers are firmly committed to the Jesuit ideal of educating not just the student but the entire person. That said, as much as we have learned from our teachers, we have learned from one another."

Jack ended with a hopeful call to his classmates to carry Loyola's values forward:
"Class of 2025, let us ground ourselves in the values of our Loyola education, hold tight to the people we have met here, and savor this moment!"

Honoring Student Excellence

Transitioning from reflection to recognition, Principal Devine spoke next about the Graduate at Graduation Award, given annually to two seniors who exemplify the Jesuit ideal of a well-rounded, faith-filled graduate. These students are recognized for embodying the RIPLOC traits: being religious, intellectual, physically and socially emotionally fit, loving, open to growth, and committed to doing justice.

He emphasized the importance of these values across time and place: "These traits were rooted in the first Jesuit high school founded in Messina, Italy, in 1548. They continue to be the cornerstone of all Jesuit schools worldwide."

This year, Sofia Cabrales '25 and Tommy Grant '25 were honored with the award. Cabrales was praised as an "omnipresent Rambler" and "a selfless, empathetic leader who leads a true Ignatian life," while Grant was described as "a friend-to-all Rambler who is talented, curious, ethical, and sincere."

Honoring Military Service

For the second year, Principal Devine introduced the Loyola Academy St. Michael's Medal, awarded to graduating seniors entering military service. Named after St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of soldiers, the medal is a symbol of protection, gratitude, and spiritual strength.

Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, a U.S. Navy veteran, presented medals to nine graduates pursuing military pathways, including appointments to the United States Military and Naval Academies, as well as ROTC programs at top universities. These young women and men were recognized for their courage and commitment to service beyond self:

Georgia Andrew '25, entering the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis
Ellen Gundlach '25, entering the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis
Charlie Daly '25, entering the United States Military Academy at West Point
Thomas Ghislandi '25, entering the United States Military Academy Prep School for West Point
Patrick Kraft '25, entering the Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Michigan
Sophia Malan '25, entering the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Emory University
Finn Miller '25, entering the Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Kansas
Sam Thompson '25, entering the United States Military Academy at West Point
Gavin Vradenburg '25, entering the United States Military Academy Prep School for West Point

Educator of the Year

Next, the Educator of the Year Award—voted on by the senior class—was presented to Carol Danstrom, a longtime faculty member of the Math Department known for her engaging teaching style and mentorship.

Principal Devine commended her ability to build confidence and foster collaboration in the classroom: "Beyond the curriculum, this teacher actively mentors students and embodies Jesuit values of service, excellence, and integrity." Danstrom, who has taught at Loyola for 15 years, was honored for her transformative impact on students' academic and personal lives.

A Final Blessing

As the final speaker before diplomas were awarded, Fr. Greg Ostdiek, SJ offered his own charge to the graduating class. With warmth and conviction, he encouraged students to continue following "the way, the truth, and the life of Christ," and to honor those who helped guide them along that journey. He concluded with a familiar Latin phrase that has echoed through the halls of Loyola:

"Quodcumque agis, age bene et bonum—Whatever you do, do well and do good."

Calling attention to the graduates' many achievements—from state championships to academic honors—Fr. Greg reminded them: "Take in this precious moment. As is with many moments like this, it happens only once. Remember it well."

He closed with the ancient priestly blessing from the Book of Numbers:
"May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord look upon you kindly and grant you peace."

Conferring Diplomas and Continuing the Legacy

Fr. Greg and Board of Trustees Chair James P. Walsh '79 presented diplomas to the 493 graduates. In keeping with Loyola tradition, alumni parents, grandparents, and faculty members had the honor of handing diplomas to their sons, daughters, and grandchildren, symbolizing the generational bond shared by the Loyola Academy and St. Louise de Marillac communities.

As each name was read aloud by Associate Principal Susie McGovern and Major Gift Officer Tim Kane '86, the pride in the arena was palpable. A standing ovation and a signature "Rambler round of applause" celebrated the Class of 2025's accomplishments.

With music, laughter, tears, and heartfelt farewells filling the air, the spirit of the Loyola community endured even as the graduates prepared to take their next steps.

On May 24, 2025, 493 Ramblers officially joined the Loyola Academy alumni community. Congratulations to the remarkable Class of 2025!

Watch the 2025 Graduation Ceremony.

View the 2025 Graduation program booklet, featuring other senior awards, honors, and distinctions.

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