LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
Fact Sheet 1
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
Fact Sheet 2
Our Family
Loyola promises its students an extraordinary education. While lessons learned in the classroom are the core of Loyola’s academic mission, lessons learned on quads, on the field, and over cups of coffee are no less critical. It is during these times, outside the classroom, that students transform a campus into a community.
Some of the skills we learn during this unstructured time are the ones that will serve us best in our work and personal lives. Being a member of an athletic team can teach us leadership, cooperation and discipline, and that precious time when we can just relax is the time when lifelong bonds of friendship are created.
LUC Women’s Soccer
2019 Season Highlights 2019 Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Champions (back-to-back) 2019 MVC Tournament Champions (back-to-back) Undefeated in conference play along with a 12-game win streak NCAA Tournament Appearance (2nd year in a row) Tied Record for Best Goals Against Average
3.59 3.64 Team GPA Team GPA Spring 2019 Fall 2019
Meet the Team
Second Straight NCAA Tournament Appearance
Italy Trip 2018
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
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Ramblers History
Loyola University Chicago is the only NCAA Division I program with the nickname "Ramblers" for its teams. The unusual moniker originated when football was a common and popular sport at Loyola.
Before the 1920s, all college athletics teams were merely assigned their school colors, instead of a nickname. All Loyola teams were known as the "Maroon and Gold."
In 1925, the football coach, along with the student newspaper, conducted a contest to name the football team. The winning entry was "Grandees," tying into the Spanish origins of St. Ignatius of Loyola. However, the name "Grandees" failed to catch on.
In 1926, a more informal, but much more binding process, finally yielded the nickname: "Ramblers." That year, because the football team traveled so extensively across the United States, "rambling from state to state," the media dubbed Loyola as "the Ramblers."
Despite dropping football as a varsity sport in 1930, the nickname "Ramblers" is still proudly carried by today's athletics teams at Loyola University Chicago.
Facilities
NCAA Appearances
Athletic Excellence
2018 Men’s Basketball NCAA Championship Final Four
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt
Sr. Jean is the long-time men’s basketball team chaplain, who on January 21st 2017, was inducted into the Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame. She is a fixture on campus and at Rambler sporting events. Sr. Jean is a beloved figure on campus and has meant so much to each student who has attended Loyola.
But why is Sr. Jean a name that most Americans now know? As the Rambler Men’s basketball team made it to the NCAA tournament, she instantly became a star because of her connections and prayers. News personnel from all over the US wanted to talk to and get insight from Sr. Jean, making her the number one story among the NCAA tournament.
What is most famous about Sr. Jean is a bobble head that was made after her as well as having her “face” on t-shirts. With so much popularity, the 98-year old chaplain has captivated the nation with her positive attitude and support for her team. According to Twitter, she was the most tweeted about person of the NCAA Tournament’s opening weekend, which included former President Barrack Obama “tweeting” about her.
“Worship. Work and Win!” – Sr. Jean
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
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For those who prefer not to read…
Loyola Facts at a Glance … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xx73sT88k0
Go Beyond the Brochure and Things I wish I would have Known… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h4ShYp8WGc
Why Loyola? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmkFDF-vwtM
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
Fact Sheet 5
Meet the Staff
Head Coach Barry Bimbi
Barry Bimbi is set to begin his ninth season as head women's soccer coach at Loyola University Chicago in 2019. Bimbi has guided the Maroon & Gold to 63 wins during that time, highlighted by winning seasons in three of the last four years, and has overseen in the development of 37 all-conference selections.
The 2018 campaign proved to be Bimbi's finest since arriving in Rogers Park. Loyola finished at 11-7-1 and 6-1- 0 in Missouri Valley Conference play en route to sweeping The Valley's regular season and tournament titles. The Ramblers returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2007, where they gave eventual National Champion Florida State all it could handle, ultimately dropping a hard-fought 1-0 decision to the Seminoles. Six Ramblers earned All-Missouri Valley Conference honors, led by MVC Player of the Year Jenna Szczesny, who went on to be drafted by the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Szczesny and Madison Laudeman went on to become the first players in program history to be named First Team All-Midwest Region honorees by the United Soccer Coaches. The United Soccer Coaches also honored both Laudeman and Madison Kimball for their work in the classroom as well, earning Academic All-Region accolades. Laudeman went on to be named only the second Scholar All-American in program history. Loyola was also honored with the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award for a ninth consecutive year.
Bimbi oversaw one of the nation's top offenses in 2017 as the Ramblers closed the season with a 13-7-0 record and finished third in the MVC, going 4-2-0 in league play. Led by United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-Midwest Region honoree Jenna Szczesny, who was also one of five Ramblers to earn All-MVC accolades, the Maroon & Gold finished second nationally in goals scored, finding the back of the net an astonishing 61 times as they easily shattered the previous school record in the category. Bimbi's team picked up a pair of impressive road wins over power five conference opponents in Iowa and Kentucky, before downing Valparaiso by a final count of 2-1 to earn a third consecutive trip to the semifinals of the MVC Women's Soccer Championship.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Bimbi spent four seasons (2007-2010) as an assistant women's soccer coach at the University of Pittsburgh, where he served as the program's recruiting coordinator and was in charge of player development. In each of his last seasons there, the Panthers developed an All-Big East Rookie Team player, marking the only two occasions in program history that accomplishment has occurred.
Prior to his time at Pittsburgh, Bimbi served as an assistant coach on the men's soccer staff at Marquette University and in 2002, helped the Golden Eagles to a 10-8-1 ledger. During his four-year stay at Marquette, Bimbi mentored 10 total All-Conference USA selections and helped recruit a pair of National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) High School All-Americans.
A 1994 graduate of Saint Francis (Pa.), Bimbi earned four All-Northeast Conference honors as a player, including first team recognition as a junior. He led the conference in scoring as a freshman and was a three-time team captain. In February, 2011 Bimbi was inducted into the Saint Francis (Pa.) Athletics Hall of Fame.
Assistant Coach Katie Berkopec
The 2019 season will mark Katie Berkopec's third season as a member of the coaching staff with the Loyola University Chicago women's soccer team. Berkopec, a native of Apple Valley, Minn., serves as an assistant coach and works with the team's goalkeepers.
Berkopec arrives in Rogers Park following a two-year stint at Winona State as a graduate assistant coach. In 2015, she was part of a staff that helped guide the Warriors to a third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Central Region Tournament. Berkopec assisted in the development of goalkeeper Rachel Oleson, who posted 11 shutouts and sported a 0.69 goals against average that ranked 26th nationally in 2015.
Prior to a one-year stint at Ripon College as an assistant coach, Berkopec enjoyed a successful stay at UW-Oshkosh as both a player and coach. As a senior, she posted an impressive 1.12 goals against average and held a 0.817 save percentage en route to finishing the year with a 9-6-2 record that included seven shutout performances. Following graduation, Berkopec remained at the school as a goalkeeper trainer during the spring of 2014.
Berkopec earned her Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from UW-Oshkosh in 2015 before earning a Master's degree in Education Leadership at Winona State.
Assistant Coach Chris Brown
Chris Brown will begin his first season as an assistant coach with the Loyola University Chicago women's soccer program in 2020. Brown, who previously served as a volunteer assistant with the Ramblers in 2018, spent the 2019 campaign at Milwaukee as an assistant coach.
During his one season at Milwaukee, Brown helped guide the Panthers to a 17-2-1 overall record. Milwaukee finished 8-0-1 in Horizon League play en route to collecting its fifth straight regular season title. The Panthers blanked UIC, 2-0, in the final of the Horizon League Women’s Soccer Championship to book their second straight NCAA Tournament berth, where they fell to No. 10 Wisconsin by a narrow 1-0 scoreline.
Brown was a member of the Missouri Valley Conference Coaching Staff of the Year in 2018, a season that saw Loyola finish 11-7-1 (6-1-0 MVC) en route to winning its first MVC regular season and tournament titles in program history. While at Loyola, Brown also was the Girls Director of Coaching for Team Chicago Soccer Club.
Prior to his time with Team Chicago SC, Brown served for two seasons as the head women's soccer coach at Concorida University Chicago in River Forest, Ill. He led the Cougars to a 10-win campaign in 2016 and oversaw in the development of nine All-Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference selections.
Brown has also served as an assistant at Dominican University (2011), Oregon State (2010) and Northern Illinois (2007, 2008-09).
Brown began his playing career at Chandler Gilbert Community College in Chandler, Ariz. before transferring to Northern Illinois in 2004.
Brown earned his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois in 2007 before receiving his Master's in Sports Management in 2011. He holds a National "A" License from the United States Soccer Federation as well as Regional and State Goalkeeping Diplomas from the United Soccer Coaches.
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
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KEY FACTS
600+ 80+ 14:1 Full-Time Faculty Majors Student-Faculty Ratio Members 35+ 80+ 140+ 5-Year Minors Graduate, Professional, & Bachelors/Masters Graduate-Level Certificate Programs Track
Loyola University Chicago, a private university founded in 1870 as St. Ignatius College, is the nation’s largest Jesuit, Catholic University and the only one located in Chicago.
Loyola University Chicago is comprised of four campuses: Lake Shore (LSC), Water Tower (WTC), Health Sciences, and the John Felice Rome Center in Italy. Loyola is home to undergraduate majors in: arts and science, business, communication, education, environmental sustainability, nursing, and social work. Pre-professional programs include: pre-law, medicine, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician’s assistant, podiatry, and veterinarian.
Ranked “Best Value” university by U.S. News & World Report, Loyola University Chicago continues to advance the 450-year-old Jesuit tradition of rigorous academic study grounded in the liberal arts. We help you prepare for meaningful careers with top programs in business, the sciences, and other disciplines, along with opportunities for internships in Chicago and beyond. Loyola’s well-rounded, transformative education will help you develop as a whole person – intellectually, physically, and spiritually.
Lake Shore Campus – 1032 W. Sheridan Road
Serves as main residential and undergraduate campus; home to more than 4,200 students, and set along the shores of Lake Michigan 20 residence halls on Loyola’s 45-acre main residential campus Home to the College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate school, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, and to select School of Education programs and services Also on LSC: Cudahy Library, Damen Student Center, Mundelein Center, Madonna della Strada Chapel, Joseph J. Gentile Center, Halas Sports Center, Quinlan Life Sciences Education and Research Center, and the Institute for Environmental Sustainability
Water Tower Campus – 820 N. Michigan Avenue
Established in 1946, located just off Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s famed “Magnificent Mile” Downtown location offers invaluable access to internships, careers, and networking opportunities with locally and nationally recognized Fortune 500 companies Home to Quinlan School of Business, School of Communication, School of Education, School of Law, School of Social Work, and to select programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. Also houses the Loyola University Museum of Art, Terry Student Center, and Baumhart Hall, where nearly 400 upper-class and graduate students reside Houses Office of the President, along with other key University administrative offices Location of Loyola’s only downtown residence hall, the Rev. Raymond C. Baumhart, S.J., Residence Hall and Terry Student Center
Health Sciences Campus – 2160 S. First Avenue, Maywood, IL
Home to the University's Health Sciences Division, which includes the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, the Stritch School of Medicine, the biomedical research programs of the Graduate School, and several other institutes and centers encouraging new research and interprofessional education opportunities across all of Loyola University Chicago For more information, visit hsd.luc.edu or call 708.216.4HSD (4473)
The John Felice Rome Center – Via Massimi 114/A, Rome, Italy
Established in 1962 Provides more than 400 students a year with the cultural advantages of studying abroad, making it one of the largest centers in Western Europe for international education in the arts and sciences Students live and study on five-acre campus on Via Massimi in Monte Mario, four miles from downtown Rome, Italy Alma mater of more than 13,000 alumni worldwide
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Fact Sheet 7
The Value of a Jesuit Education
Sunrise at Loyola University Chicago's Lake Shore Campus
Learn broadly. Lead with purpose. Leave transformed.
What are the benefits of a Jesuit college education? Studying at a Jesuit university means seeking knowledge in the service of humanity; preparing to live in a shared, global community; and building on the desire to always do and become more.
This Jesuit tradition distinguishes Loyola University Chicago from other colleges and is the foundation of the Loyola experience.
Jesuit colleges and universities view the pursuit of knowledge, the embracing of faith, and the promotion of justice as intrinsically related. As the largest Jesuit University in the United States, Loyola embodies those ideals through five hallmark characteristics:
1. Commitment to excellence. 97 percent of Loyola faculty members hold the highest degree in their field, and 100 percent of them motivate their students to reach greater personal achievement. You can pursue your own rigorous study and research through Loyola's Interdisciplinary Honors Program or in any of more than 80 majors and minors in 10 schools and colleges. 2. Faith in God and the religious experience. Faith is not an obstacle to learning—it can often enlighten your intellectual search and provide meaningful context to your studies and civic engagement. As a Jesuit college, Loyola encourages a broad understanding of faith as part of a transformative education, and strives to promote religious and cultural pluralism. 3. Service that promotes justice. Jesuits follow the principles of cura personalis—care of the whole person—as well as homonis pro aliis—people caring for others. Education and experience can enrich your life, but they are not for your benefit alone. Loyola prepares you to be a citizen who can use your knowledge and skills to ensure freedom of inquiry, the pursuit of truth, and compassion for others. 4. Values-based leadership. At Loyola, the curriculum emphasizes responsible leadership, with a consistent focus on personal integrity, ethical behavior, and a balance between justice and fairness. Through research, reflection, and service to others, a Jesuit college curriculum equips you for a lifetime of leadership and civic engagement. 5. Global awareness. The Core Curriculum is designed to help you expand your knowledge of our interdependent global community. The Chicago campuses are literally surrounded with diverse cultural experiences, and Loyola also has campuses in Rome, Beijing, and Vietnam, with more than 100 other study abroad programs available in 55 countries. Applying to Loyola can be your first step in becoming a true citizen of the world.
The Jesuit educational philosophy is more than 400 years old and has molded thinkers and leaders such as:
Philosopher René Descartes California governor Jerry Brown Author and political commentator William F. Buckley President Bill Clinton Director Alfred Hitchcock Actress Salma Hayek Industrialist Lakshmi Mittal French author Molière Actor Denzel Washington Basketball star John Stockton
Loyola's own notable alumni include comedian Bob Newhart, former Chicago Bears owner George Halas Jr., Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, authors Sandra Cisneros and Stuart Dybek, and guitarist James Iha.
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
Fact Sheet 8
Loyola at a Glance
Loyola University Chicago's downtown campus is steps away from Michigan Avenue, Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile.
We are Chicago's Jesuit Catholic University.
Our university community embraces diversity, encourages personal development, aspires to excellence, and engages our world as global citizens. Learn more about us:
Our History & Progress
Founded in 1870 as St. Ignatius College, Loyola University Chicago is the nation’s largest Jesuit Catholic university and the only one located in Chicago. We are one of only eight percent of all American colleges and universities to have a Phi Beta Kappa honor society chapter. Loyola is among a select group of colleges and universities recognized for community service and engagement by prestigious national organizations like the Carnegie Foundation and the Corporation for National and Community Service. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Loyola University Chicago consistently among the "top national universities" in its annual publications and named the University a "best value" in its rankings.
Our Campuses & Centers
Loyola University Chicago has four campuses: the Lake Shore Campus, the Water Tower Campus, the Medical Center Campus, and the John Felice Rome Center in Italy. The University also serves as the U.S. host university to The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies in Beijing, China.
Our Students
Total enrollment 16,673 students, 11,420 of whom are undergraduates. Our student body comes from 50 states and 82 foreign countries. 39 percent of students are of color. Loyola offers more than 250 student clubs and organizations for students to join. More than 30 percent of students study abroad. More than 20 percent of students participate in internship programs.
Our Faculty
14:1 student-faculty ratio 600+ full-time faculty members Our Academic Programs
Loyola is home to 10 schools and colleges: arts and sciences, business administration, communication, education, graduate studies, law, medicine, nursing, continuing and professional studies, and social work. The University offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and more than 80 minors, as well as 85 master's degrees, 31 doctoral degrees, and 26 graduate-level certificate program
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Fact Sheet 9
What the Windy City has to offer…
About Chicago
Unique among the colleges in Chicago, Loyola offers a campus on the serene shores of Lake Michigan as well as a campus in the cosmopolitan bustle of downtown—spanning the whole of what this world-class city offers. Chicago serves as an expanded campus for Loyola students, providing endless opportunities for cultural and professional experiences.
Just as Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, each of Loyola’s campuses retains its own identity and sense of a collegiate community within its larger urban environment. Learn more about the best college campuses in Chicago—then schedule a visit to see them for yourself.
The Chicago metropolitan area is home to more than 8 million people, with 2.7 million residing within city limits. It's home to innumerable museums and cultural institutions; thousands of restaurants; and hundreds of theaters, concert venues, and art galleries. More than 550 parks dot the city, including the magnificent Millennium Park, historic Grant Park, and Chicago’s lakefront playground, Lincoln Park. In sports, Chicago has seven professional teams, from the Bears to the Cubs to the White Sox, not to mention Loyola's own Ramblers.
Chicago’s instantly recognizable skyline and diverse entertainment options have made it a popular tourism destination—as well as the setting for many films, including The Blues Brothers, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Dark Knight, and the latest Transformers movie.
Architecture
Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper and home to such spectacular buildings as the John Hancock Center, Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), the Merchandise Mart, the Wrigley Building, and the new Trump Tower.
Loyola’s Water Tower Campus is located in the shadow of the Hancock Center and the Old Chicago Water Tower that survived the Great Chicago Fire. It's also just steps away from the famed Magnificent Mile shopping district. It’s also just minutes away from Millennium Park, the Chicago River, the theatre district, Soldier Field, the Museum Campus, and more. Make sure to leave time during your visit to take in the view from the observation decks atop the Hancock or Willis towers, see your reflection in Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean"), and explore the concrete canyons in the Loop.
A fun and easy way to see the city is by taking a tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Tours are available on foot, by boat, or by double-decker bus and focus on aspects of Chicago’s history and culture in addition to its renowned architecture.
Dining
Chicago is famous for its culinary scene. Some popular local specialties include deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs (hold the ketchup), Italian beef sandwiches, and jibaritos. This city caters to all cuisines, and you can use Web sites like Metromix and Yelp to find an option that meets your taste and budget. You can also browse the fresh produce, meat, and baked goods at the Green City Market or one of the many neighborhood farmers' markets.
Festivals
Chicago comes alive with multiple art, food, and cultural festivals every weekend during the summer—and many more throughout the rest of the year. Sample the city’s best at the annual Taste of Chicago in Grant Park, Ribfest in North Center, or the Roscoe Village Burger Fest. Enjoy the music at Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival, Jazz and Blues Fest, and numerous neighborhood festivals, or take the Metra up to the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park for a concert under the stars. Peruse art at the Old Town Art Fair or all over the city during Chicago Artists Month in October, and enjoy red carpet screenings at the Chicago International Film Festival.
Museums
Be sure to visit at least one of Chicago's many museums. The Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Adler Planetarium all feature impressive exhibits and engage visitors in interactive learning experiences. Notable permanent exhibitions include the Field Museum's “Sue” (the largest, most complete, best preserved T. rex ever discovered), “Journey to the Stars” at the Adler Planetarium, the captured German U-505 submarine at the Museum of Science and Industry, and one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of art in the world at the Art Institute. Most of these museums are located downtown, just minutes from each other on Chicago’s gorgeous lakefront, and the MCA is just steps away from the Water Tower Campus across Michigan Avenue. Don’t forget to also check out Loyola's own museum, the Loyola University Museum of Art.
Music
Chicago boasts countless live music venues, ranging from large arenas like the United Center to outdoor stages like Pritzker Pavilion to more intimate locations like the world-famous Metro, House of Blues, Schubas, and the Vic Theatre. Chicago is a must-stop location for many acts, which means you can find a concert somewhere in the city any night of the week. Pick up a copy of the Reader, Chicago's free alternative weekly, for show listings.
Sports
Chicago is a sport-crazy town with famously loyal fans, some of whom are still celebrating recent World Series and Stanley Cup championships. Local professional teams include the Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Fire, Sky, Cubs, and White Sox. Many more semi-professional and amateur sports teams call the city home as well, and there are countless opportunities to get involved in competitive sports yourself, both at Loyola and in social leagues. Check the Tribune for game times during your visit.
Shopping
Loyola's Water Tower Campus is located steps away from Chicago's Magnificent Mile, an international shopping destination just across the street from Water Tower Place. Other popular shopping neighborhoods include the Gold Coast for designer fashion, Lakeview for vintage clothing, and Wicker Park for unique boutiques.
Theatre
Chicago is home to an extensive network of theatre and performing arts, and, even more notably, improv comedy. Chicago’s famed improv clubs Second City and iO Improv have produced some of film and television’s funniest talent, including Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, Chris Farley, Tim Meadows and Bonnie Hunt.
For more traditional theatre, catch a performance at the Steppenwolf, Goodman, or Chicago Shakespeare theatres, or many other smaller venues. Broadway in Chicago brings hit musicals to the downtown theater district, such as Wicked, The Lion King, and Mamma Mia!
Wildlife & Outdoors
The Lincoln Park Zoo is the largest free zoo in the country. Other popular destinations for animal lovers include the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Shedd Aquarium (the largest indoor aquarium in the world), and Brookfield Zoo in suburban Chicago. There’s also plenty of wildlife in the city’s 552 public parks and county forest preserves. The Chicago Park District maintains several nature areas, including six bird sanctuaries along the lakeshore and in Jackson Park.