Loyola University Chicago Student Government Supports Undocumented Students
Flavio Bravo ’16 | President, Student Government of Loyola University Chicago
BY CHRIS KERR | December 11, 2014
Earlier this year Loyola University Chicago’s Student Government and Latin American Student Organization teamed up to pitch administrators with the idea of a scholarship fund to support undocumented students attending Loyola. This fall the Magis Scholars Fund became a reality. ISN ED Chris Kerr caught up with Student Government president Flavio Bravo ’16 to talk about the initiative and how they have invited a broader range of students into supporting the fund.
Loyola University Chicago has made a number significant commitments to supporting undocumented students over the past few years. Loyola became the first university in the country to publicly accept undocumented medical students, welcoming a number of students into this year’s medical school class. In addition, the university also has a “safe space” program for undocumented students.
In partnership with ISN and Faith in Public Life, Loyola hosted the Student Summit on Immigration Reform in February 2014.
Chris joined the Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN) as executive director in 2011. He has over fifteen years of experience in social justice advocacy and leadership in Catholic education and ministry. Prior to ISN he served in multiple roles at John Carroll University, including coordinating international immersion experience and social justice education programming as an inaugural co-director of John Carroll’s Arrupe Scholars Program for Social Action. Prior to his time at John Carroll he served as a teacher and administrator at the elementary and secondary levels in Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. Chris speaks regularly at campuses and parishes about social justice education and advocacy, Jesuit mission, and a broad range of social justice issues. He currently serves on the board of directors for Christians for Peace in El Salvador (CRISPAZ). Chris earned a B.A. and M.A. from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio. He and his family reside in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
Can this be forwarded to Flavio Bravo, Loyola Chicago student government president?
Dear Mr. Bravo,
I’m fairly new to the Ignatian Solidarity Network so the information about your organization’s outstanding momentum in dealing with undocumented students is something that just caught my eye.
I’m a proud alumna who selected Loyola in particular for the Jesuit stance on social justice issues. I was a student activist and vice-president of LSGA. Those choices led to a career of service to others.
The level of concern that you and your organization demonstrate in promoting meaningful support of our undocumented sisters and brothers is even greater reason for gratitude and appreciation of the Loyola education. Thanks to you and your student colleagues and friends for this leadership.
Sincerely,
Susan C. Olenski
Susan – Thanks so much for this message. The Ignatian Solidarity Network was excited to share the great work of the students at Loyola Chicago. Like all 28 of the Jesuit universities we work with, the students, faculty, and staff are doing a great job to live out the social justice mission of Jesuit higher education. We hope you will get more connected to the work of the Ignatian Solidarity Network with Jesuit institutions across the U.S. You can join our mailing list at: https://ignatiansolidarity.net/join/.
Peace,
Chris Kerr