What if a simple conversation could brighten someone’s entire week? This is the heart of Senior Smiles, a newly founded club at Loyola. For the first time in Loyola’s rich history, students are not just passing by the senior care facilities and residences—they’re entering, sitting, and connecting on a deeply personal level.
Members enter a care facility on Melrose, a place full of wisdom, untold stories and open arms, twice a month. In a generation where communication is often limited to texts and emojis, Senior Smiles recognizes the power of a genuine, face-to-face conversation.
For the residents that club members meet, their words carry more than just chatter—they carry comfort, recognition and a sense of belonging. Every wrinkle holds a memory, every laugh echoes a lifetime of experiences and every shared moment reminds us that aging does not diminish a person’s worth. From famed lawyers to retired zookeepers, psychologists to world travelers, these individuals have seen history unfold before their eyes, yet so many of their stories go unheard. Senior Smiles exists to change that.
By listening, sharing, and simply being present, members acknowledge their experiences while building connections that transcend generations. What started as a small group of volunteers has become a passionate community dedicated to making sure no senior ever feels forgotten.
Members of Senior Smiles don’t just walk through the doors of the facilities as visitors; students enter as friends, ready to bring warmth and laughter to those who need it most. The club’s mission is clear: to spread joy, bridge generations, and prove that kindness is timeless.
While the benefits of companionship and emotional support are great, the impact on our volunteers is just as profound. Many students come away from each visit with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the power of connection.
Austin Vaughn Woelfel ‘26, a member of Senior Smiles, shared, “Every time I visit, I feel like I’m not just helping others but also fulfilling my own religious duties. It’s incredibly fulfilling to connect with these seniors and hear their stories. It’s not just about giving; I gain wisdom from them too, especially when I hear about their life experiences and struggles. It’s truly a spiritual experience.”
Soonshin Kwon ‘26, another member of Senior Smiles, affirmed the importance of the program: “Even a short conversation can lighten up a senior’s day. Hearing their wisdom and life experiences has been incredibly rewarding as well as eye-opening.”
For Vaughn Woelfel and many others, these visits have become a source of personal growth, teaching them patience, empathy and the value of listening. It’s a beautiful exchange where both sides learn from one another—our volunteers gain wisdom and perspective from the stories of those who have lived through decades of change, while the seniors find joy in seeing young faces eager to hear their experiences. Students are able to earn community service hours when participating at the sites. Senior Smiles usually meets every Tuesday during Lunch in L101. Join the effort to make a difference—one conversation at a time.
