CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE WHERE FAITH, SCHOLARSHIP AND CREATIVITY CAN SEAMLESSLY CONNECT.
The Legacy symposium is a day to gather as a community, to celebrate the work we do and the lives we touch through that work. The energy of the community can be seen in the conversations about research, service, and creativity—all vibrant and alive at Loras. The Symposium is a true celebration of the liberal arts, where we learn from each other and stand in awe of the great things we do as a College.”
Erin VanLaningham, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English
Loras strives to create a climate of welcome and engagement where, in the spirit of Jesus, each person is cherished and recognized as no longer stranger, but friend. Blessed by a sense of genuine acceptance and inclusion, diverse members of the Loras community are encouraged to explore and express their core beliefs. A personal sense of life calling with the ability to enrich the Loras and global communities is awakened when we attend to one another with ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts and minds open to each person who crosses our threshold.
- During Launch into Loras, the three-day orientation for first year students, 150 Loras students volunteer to serve as welcoming staff. They greet new students and families upon arrival and assist with moving into their residence space, creating a culture of hospitality and life. The Launch experience includes the initial Mass, opening Academic Convocation and Welcome Picnic, and half-day service projects conducted throughout the City of Dubuque and surrounding area.
- Loras annually Celebrates the Human Spirit and athleticism of persons with disabilities and their families by hosting the Buddy Walk and Special Olympics Events, and by cultivating relationships and communicating love and faith through the DuBuddies program.
- Hospitality is extended to students from Catholic University of the Vendée, our partner institution in France, as well as to students from a variety of countries.
- Loras has an historical connection to Hope House, Dubuque’s Catholic Worker House of Hospitality. This ongoing connection enables students to interact and learn from guests and staff volunteers while preparing evening suppers, and engage in intentional reflection upon human dignity and hospitality in the Catholic personalist tradition.
- As a Residential Campus, Loras offers ample classroom opportunities to learn, and also cultivates a campus culture where more spontaneous, informal conversations occur in residence halls, the Alumni Campus Center, Lillis Athletic & Wellness Center, and in the Library where fair trade coffee (courtesy of the Fr. Ray Herman Peace and Justice Center) and conversation flows every Thursday morning.
- Loras connects Ethics and Responsibility with the Dubuque and surrounding communities through various events and initiatives.
- In September of each year, Loras hosts the International Day of Peace with nationally-recognized speakers as well as a week-long series of events.
“Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” Hebrews13:2