Recognized nationally for our commitment to community service and interfaith efforts, many Loras students are dedicated to service and social justice as a way of life.
Loras offers a variety of service and social justice experience trips throughout the year. Every year, over 100 Loras students, faculty and staff go out on single day to week-long trips across the country and abroad. Below are a few of our signature service opportunities.
Dubuque, IA
Urban Plunge—a local trip exploring the many volunteer opportunities available in the Dubuque area.
Effigy Mounds National Park and Minneapolis, MN
Explore the Indigenous resurgence and the sacred lands of the Dakota people. Students will encounter the Catholic Church of Gichitwaa Kateri, Dream of Wild Health farm, Little Earth neighborhood, and a sacred lands tour.
Marshalltown, IA
Habitat Build—a one-day experience helping rebuild tornado damaged Marshalltown with Habitat for Humanity.
McKee, KY
In Thanksgiving with Others—McKee is a community in rural Appalachia with the long-standing relationship with Loras College service. Every year, the McKee parish welcomes Loras students to volunteer with local organizations, collaborate with community members, assist in the preparation of a Thanksgiving feast for the community, and enjoy the lake and hiking trails at Camp AJ.
Morton, MS
Education Outreach–volunteer at the EXCEL Community and Learning Center, assisting with outreach in schools and in a tutoring program.
Nogales, AZ
Travel to the US-Mexico border in Arizona, where Kino Border Initiative hosts Loras students in their mission to humanize the immigration experience. Students spend time with recently deported migrants and learn from their stories, visit the comedor (soup kitchen) and women’s shelter, go for a guided desert walk, celebrate Mass together, and much more.
New Orleans, LA
Loras partners with environmental sustainability programs and the Sankofa Wetland Park to plant trees and other outdoor rehabilitation projects as well as learn about social injustice following Hurricane Katrina. Camp Hope hosts our group for activities and reflection, and students spend a day exploring New Orleans.
Camden, NJ
Serving the Greatest Need—work and stay with DeSales Service Works, a project of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, for this urban immersion program serving struggling neighborhoods in the community of Camden.
Mexico
For the Children–work and stay in an orphanage in Rosarito, in community with the children.
New Orleans, LA
Rebuild and Build Up—work and stay with Camp Hope doing housing rehab and other projects needed in the community.
Washington, DC
Peacemaking through Many Lenses—meet with representatives, demonstrate at the White House, spend contemplative time in retreat, learn from social justice organizations in Baltimore and D.C., and advocate for social issues (determined by the group) by lobbying and engaging in peaceful protest at the White House and Pentagon.