Driving back from Studio City, still in our Mr. Schaeffer costumes (with our bald caps and khakis on), my retreat group was extremely tired. From winning third place in the Olympics to the hours spent at my fellow big brother’s house swimming and watching football, we had a fruitful day. Driving through the streets of Pico Union, the only thing on my mind was the amazing sleep I was going to get on the floor of Pinney Hall. With just the evening service left, I thought that this very eventful day was coming to an end.

As we all slowly made our way into Caruso Hall, I felt a strange sense that this evening wasn’t over—it was going to be special. I had no idea what was going to happen, but I was excited. Once everyone sat down, the real Mr. Schaeffer addressed the crowd.

He said, “I know you are all extremely tired and want to go to sleep, but we have a special guest to end our day. He’s a Loyola alum, the leader in rushing yards at Loyola, he graduated from UCLA, played for the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys, and he’s a four-time pro-bowler. Cubs, give it up for Anthony Barr!” The ensuing cheer was the loudest I’ve ever heard from the Loyola community.

Anthony Barr ‘10 and a few of his friends, who also attended Loyola, talked about their time at Loyola, playing sports together, going to classes, their lives after, their enduring friendships, and how they achieved the things they have. They shared a bond that can never be broken. His words inspired the freshmen to look forward to their next four years at Loyola and made the rest of us feel incredibly proud of our alma mater.