School spirit is important for the unity of the Loyola community and brotherhood. It brings our community together and builds a common identity. Throughout the school year, Loyola holds many events to display school spirit, including rallies, lunchtime activities, Spirit Week, and Cura Days. However, the student body is less engaged with school spirit events than ever before. This lack of engagement has led many to question what the most effective way to boost school spirit is.
Dominic Mitchell ‘25, student body President and senior Yell member, claims that encouraging attendance to these many in-school activities will boost school pride: “It’s important to give energy to the athletes, and it gives them the feeling of ‘wow, we have support.’ Any way you can show school spirit is important at games.”
Currently, Loyola football stands are nearly empty, while they were packed for many games just a few years ago. Demonstrating our passion for Loyola’s sports teams at games could reinvigorate our pride. When asked about other ways to show school spirit, Mitchell explained, “You should engage in anything that Loyola has to offer. Try coming here on the weekends. There is always something going on, and you can be engaged with the community and find your niche.” If a student connects more of their social life with the school by engaging in the many activities offered here, they are more likely to feel like they are a part of the community, boosting school spirit.
While Peter Schwab ‘27, sophomore class President, agrees with Dominic that it is up to the students to take initiative, he sees public displays of school spirit as more effective at bringing the community together. Schwab stated, “If you have social media, you should put Loyola in your bio. If you have a car, you should put Loyola stickers on your car. Just find any way that you can show that you’re a part of Loyola and that you’re proud of Loyola!” Schwab continued, “I’ve met many people at sports games and stuff, where I’ve worn a Loyola shirt, and they would say ‘Go Cubs!’ Even at the airport with Loyola gear on, I hear ‘Go Cubs!’”
To Schwab, “It shows that all the alumni and students right now are connected through Loyola.” Public displays of school spirit are an important way to bring together the intergenerational Loyola community.
Whether it is the in-school activities or the public displays of camaraderie that boost school spirit, one thing is necessary to effectively continue the Loyola brotherhood: students need to be actively participating in the Loyola community.
