Alumni Revisit Rambler Days at Reunion Celebrations

This weekend, the Classes of 1984, 1994, 1999, and 2004 celebrated their milestone reunions at Loyola Academy!

The Class of 1984 had an early start to their 40th reunion weekend as they spent the day catching up on the links at Wilmette Golf Club on Friday, September 27. Later that evening, the class was joined by fellow 1984 Regina Dominican and St. Louise de Marillac High School graduates for a special "19th-hole" reception during which John Joyce '84 took a moment to reflect on his time as a student at Loyola.
"The education we received has helped guide our decisions," he said. "Through discernment, we continue to take responsibility and stand in solidarity with others, seeking to recognize and respect the dignity of all. As Ignatius teaches, we strive to find Good in all things—a task easier said than done, but one we know is right. Our class has always cared deeply for one another, and it has been said that the Loyola Academy class of 1984 may just be the greatest class the school has ever seen!"

Joyce also paid tribute to their late classmate, Michael Phelan '84, who passed away in 2015. After his passing, the Michael J. Phelan '84 Endowment Scholarship was created in his memory which provides scholarship assistance to students who have lost a parent and demonstrate genuine financial need. The scholarship was recently renamed the Michael ’84 and Mary Kate '18 Phelan Scholarship Memorial Endowment to honor Michael’s daughter, Mary Kate, who passed away in 2022.

On Saturday, September 28, the Loyola Academy community came together for an evening filled with Rambler recollections and reflections as alumni gathered for their official Reunion Celebration. The event began with a beautiful Mass celebrated by Loyola Academy President, Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ. A memorial tribute video honored the names of classmates who had passed away, and the gathering observed a moment of quiet prayer in their memory at the start of the Mass. Before the alumni proceeded to the official reunion celebration, junior Emily Vasilj briefly addressed the crowd, sharing her experiences at Loyola Academy, including the academic and athletic opportunities as well as the support and resources offered by the Loyola community.

"I am beyond lucky to have the opportunity to attend Loyola and the support that comes with it. I look forward to the rest of my junior and senior years here," reflected Emily. "Someday, I hope to come back just like you all and catch up with all the people I haven't seen in years, and share memories of our time together at Loyola Academy."

Alumni enjoyed lively conversation, great food, and cocktails in the East Gym in light of a bit of rain. Beautiful balloon arrangements for each class year decorated the gym and gave the different classes an area to gather. A photo booth was also available for Ramblers to capture memories of the night.

We wish to extend our sincere thanks and best wishes to the following classes celebrating milestone reunions this year:

40th Reunion: Class of 1984
30th Reunion: Class of 1994
25th Reunion: Class of 1999
20th Reunion: Class of 2004
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