The fourth annual Grandparents’ Day event took place on Sunday, Nov. 22, with a Mass followed by a brunch in Xavier Center and a tour of the campus offered by students.
Grandsons and grandparents arrived on campus at 9 a.m., and Sunset Photography provided complimentary photos for those who attended. Presided by the Rev. Fr. Gregory Goethals, S.J. ’73, the Mass was held in Xavier Center and started at 10 a.m.
Coming into this event, freshman class president Adam Pizarro expected that he and his grandparents were going to have a good time and were going to enjoy the experience. “I liked how we were all involved in the Mass, and how I was able to sit with my friends and my grandparents,” Pizarro said.
Mr. Robin Bissell, grandfather of sophomore Shane Bissell, said,“We loved how the Loyola community welcomed us and encouraged all grandparents to be active in their grandson’s life. This event was a great way to do that, and I loved how Fr. Goethals told a story about his grandfather and how important he [his grandfather]is in his life today.”
Pizarro said, “It was a really good experience. I liked how all the grandparents got together and had a lunch with their grandsons. Personally, my grandparents enjoyed this experience, because it was their first time.”
Following the opening Mass, the Loyola kitchen staff provided brunch to all of the attendees. Director of Events Ms. Karin Chamberlain said, “Keisha Montgomery, who is the head chef in Ruppert Hall, cooks meals for all of the faculty, staff and Jesuits at Loyola. She does most of the events at Loyola, so she is our on-campus catering genius.”
Mr. Bissell said, “The brunch created a welcoming, social environment that everyone was comfortable in, and the overall event was great. I hope to come back again next year.”
After having brunch in Xavier Center, students took their grandparents around the campus to show them Loyola Hall, Ruppert Hall and the Ackerman Courtyard. The event concluded after the Mass and brunch.
Director of Advancement Mrs. Alexy Coughlin said, “We value this event because it completes the circle of the community, and this event just completes that circle so nicely in that it includes our grandparents.”
