“It e ectively is a program that works to provide support for repayment of loans”
-
Anthony E. Jones, Vice President of Enrollment
By Pablo Pinerio ppineiro@my.loyno.edu
Loyola’s partnership with the Loan Repayment Assistance Program highlights its commitment to Jesuit values, says Vice President of Enrollment Anthony Jones.
Loyola is expected to send an email in the following weeks with instructions on how to register for the Loan Repayment Assistance Program, which aims to alleviate concerns for students and their families about repaying student loans.
Jones described this program as a method of supporting students who are repaying their loans.
“It e ectively is a program that works to provide support for repayment of loans… on behalf of students who make $50,000 or less once they graduate from Loyola,” Jones said.
e program is entering its second year at the university, and began o ering awards at Loyola for students entering in the fall of 2024.
“It’s an e ort on [the] part of the uni-
versity to really dive deeper into this a ordability conversation that families are having,” Jones said. If a student was not o ered the LRAP as they applied to Loyola, they can still pay a monthly fee while attending college in order to be part of the program.
“ ink of it like an insurance premium. at’s how much the family would pay each month to get this protection once they graduate; this ability to have their loans repaid,”
Jones said.
Jones talked about what will be done in the near future in order to help Loyola students register for the program and raise awareness about it in the Loyola community.
“Our plan is to send out an email message that has instructions on what students can do,” Jones said. at campus wide email, he said, will be sent during the following weeks.
According to Jones, the program was started at Yale Law School in 1989 to encourage students to pursue careers that they truly desired following graduation.
“[Yale] realized that they weren’t really doing a good job of attracting individuals who wanted to study law and then go practice law in indigent communities. And frankly, that was because the cost of law school was just so astronomical, their graduates felt compelled to go to high priced law rms just to make enough money to be able to pay back the law school [expenses],” he said.
Jones believes that this kind of program is an example of Loyola living up to its Jesuit values, which have historically included things like social justice, solidarity, and serving others.
“ is is just in line with who we are as a Jesuit institution. I can’t speak for why other schools do it, but it was certainly why it was attractive to us: To help students with that kind of assurance, especially those that have that servant heart to do good on behalf of others and don’t want to have to sacri ce that because of the cost of their education,” he said.
Jones emphasized the positive ef-
By Makyala Parker maparke1@my.loyno.edu
fects that having one’s loans repaid could have on students.
“I would think that that would allow them to take more risk, give them a greater sense that they’re going to have an ability to make it once they graduate,” Jones said.
tor’s o ce
ACROSS
1. Trump is allegedly on these les
7. Children’s tale, “Charlottle’s ___”
10. Do this to your dorm when the huzz are coming
12. Highest or lowest card
14. __. and Mrs.
15. Fun word game ___-Libs
17. Sound of disgust
18. A stupid, clumsy person
20. Electrochemical Society, abbr.
21. “It’s giving hair, face, ___, titties” spoken by Glorilla
22. Prime Minister, abbr.
24. Kim Jong-Un’s father, Kim Jong-__
25. Find this logo on fancy purses
26. Relaxing place
27. Opposed to pro
29. Informal no
30. New game from Down 4’s company about skateboarding
32. Nauru, abbr.
33. Prank involving throwing toilet paper at someone’s house
35. __ my God
37. Hip hop and _&_ major
39. Costa Rica, abbr.
40. Singer Lil ___ X charged with four felonies
42. Music majors make their own list of songs
44. e Orleans Room or as we all call it
46. Tai __
47. “How I Met Your ____” 2005 T.V. Series
49. What to say to frat boys when they invite you to their darty
51. Andorra, abbr.
52. Initials for a man who had a dream
53. Pop star who is coming out with her 12th album’s initials
55. Politician ___ Cruz ees the state whenever a natural disaster happens
56. Car collision
60. __ Scan, usually done at doc-
PUZZLES
62. Initials for popular restaurant chain with friendly burgers
63. “It’s either them or __!”
64. ____ Leo endorses LGBTQ!
65. Get a free ___ or tampon in the women’s restroom
68. Movie about a killer clown
70. Don’t want to nish the class? Do this to leave without failing, abbr.
71. Why didn’t we have class on Monday?
77. Letters that pop out when you do a lethal move
78. Physicist Niels ____
79. Hammer and ______
DOWN
1. Kiwi slang term for "I cannot be bothered"
2.” ___ de deux”, French ballet dance duet
3. Atomic Symbol of Tin
4. Global video game company known for “ e Sims”
5. Immigration enforcement
6. ____’s three laws of motion
8. Wear black for ___ night at the Republic
9. Zombie bait
10. ese tigers lost to the LSU tigers last weekend
11. "How many ___-s to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop"
13. ___ smear
16. Take this test to apply for law schools
19. What a well-known conspiracy group believes to be the shape of the world
21. Popular format for scienti c notation of cited sources, abbr.
23. Performative men like to drink these green lattes
26. Have to get lifted to do this activity
28. Prominent gun rights organization
31. Quick take Tommy to the _ _, he got bit by Mike
34. is is free to do at Monroe Library
36. ______ and Sickle
38. Barack Obama’s dog
41. Bought
42. Can’t be bothered
43. Gym class, abbr.
45. A profession that works with Drs., abbr.
48. Tau Kappa Epsilon or __-E
50. A period of play added to a tied football game, abbr.
54. Its logo is a ghost, abbr.
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55. ___ or Treat
56. ese majors are coders, abbr.
57. High school exams for college credit
58. “Say __” song by Doja Cat
59. Bar in video games to indicate health
61. Madea movie director’s initials
63. Public University in Austin, abbr.
66. Sound of cuteness
67. e sober one driving or __
68. Your unique address linked to
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your online activity
69. Scared noise
71. __ and behold!
72. Initials for the capital of Louisiana
73. Nintendo __
74. ChatGPT, Deepseek, Claude, etc.
75. A group of people with mega boats are in this club’s initials
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Puzzle by Max Schweikarth and Kira Phillips/ The Maroon
Light of Justice Program shines with JSRI grant
By Lily Bordelon lmbordel@my.loyno.edu
LIGHT OF JUSTICE
e Jesuit Social Research Institute recently received over $100,000 in grants from the Vital Projects Fund towards extending research associate Calvin Duncan’s Light of Justice program, which works to protect the rights of incarcerated individuals.
Duncan’s lawyer, who he hired in 1989, ignored Duncan’s e orts to communicate and led a brief that was irrelevant due to the jury’s decision not to sentence him to death.
After realizing this, the attorney wrote a letter to the court to withdraw the argument leaving Duncan without an appeal and was left to write his own brief.
“Given the abysmal quality of representation the State provided, it is no wonder it took Calvin more than 28 years to obtain a more favorable outcome,” the excerpt said.
According to Annie Phoenix, executive director of the JSRI, the Light of Justice program will assist incarcerated people in overcoming obstacles that could prevent judges from reviewing certain merits which could determine appeal and post-conviction decisions.
Additionally, the program aims to educate incarcerated individuals on procedural rules and recent changes in the law, and it also assists incarcerated people who provide legal assistance inside prisons, called counsel-substitutes, in monitoring court deadlines and the results of their direct appeals, according to Phoenix.
Duncan worked for 24 years as a counsel substitute at Angola and witnessed multiple other incarcerated individuals undergo similar treatment, according to the excerpt.
Between 2015 and 2016, Calvin discovered 89 direct appeals where the Louisiana Appellate Project attorneys led Anders briefs and raised generic briefs and only one or two claims.
“Incarcerated council substitutes, who provide legal assistance in prisons, embody our Jesuit ideal of being men and women with and for others. Light of Justice supports incarcerated men and women working inside legal programs in prisons to serve others and advocate for justice,” Phoenix said.
“Calvin Duncan’s memoir, e Jailhouse Lawyer, shares his harrowing story and highlights the foundation of our work at the Light of Justice Program,” Phoenix said.
Because of his experiences, Duncan created the Light of Justice program so other incarcerated individuals had the chance to avoid this type of treatment and get the access they need to direct appeals.
Additionally, e Light of Justice program is also utilized to ful ll the JSRI’s mission to combat systemic issues like poverty and inequality.
Graphic by Makayla Parker/ e Maroon
By Pharrell Every pjevery@my.loyno.ed
Desiree Rodriguez has worked in various roles across higher education.
She started in a registrar’s o ce as a transcript clerk before transitioning into various assistant roles for university administrators.
is semester, Rodriguez has been promoted to chief of sta for Xavier Cole, Loyola University’s president, serving as an advisor to the president and working closely with his cabinet on nancial, operational, and administrative a airs.
Rodriguez has worked at Loyola for the past 14 years, mostly for the Provost. For the last four years, she served the president’s o ce as the senior executive assistant tasked primarily with managing the day-to-day details of the president’s schedule.
Due to the nature of her work as executive assistant to the president, she found herself to be very stationary in the o ce. With her new role, she is determined to be a more active and engaged member of the Loyola community.
“I try to live my life with the goal of doing all things as if they are in direct service of God,” Rodriguez said about her work. “ is has always kept me striving to do better—inspiring me to be, and
e Light of Justice program’s foundations tie into Duncan’s own experience of being wrongfully convicted and incarcerated for 28 years for a murder he did not commit, according to an excerpt from the grant.
e excerpt further explains that
“In a truly just criminal legal system, all people would have the access and resources to ght for their freedom and no one would spend the rest of their life in prison because they missed a court deadline,” Phoenix said.
e continuation of the Light of Justice program will also engage undergraduate students and law students by allowing them to participate in research e orts to aid the incarcerated individuals, according to Phoenix.
Loyola administrator moves to chief of sta
do, more, which comes with a hunger for knowledge and ongoing education.”
According to Rodriguez, she has always enjoyed working in higher education because “there is great hope and excitement for the future when talking to students.”
While working for the university, Rodriguez has been working on her masters in business administration. Rodriguez said that this experience prepared her to do more and to become a more critical thinker and problem solver in her life.
“I am grateful to President Cole for allowing me this opportunity to serve as chief of sta . Loyola University New Orleans is a great community to be a part of, and I want to make collaborative contributions to make it even better for everyone currently here and for generations to come,” Rodriguez said.
Desiree Rodriguez photographed in front of Marquette Hall on Sept. 2, 2025. Ashlyn Bobb Collins/ e Maroon
New Orleans mayoral prospects side by side
By Mark Michel mamichel@my.loyno.edu
Mandina’s, Parkway, and Deanie’s on Hayne were listed as favorite po-boy spots by two of the candidates for the upcoming mayoral election.
e 2025 New Orleans mayoral election is set for Oct. 11, and oscillating between second and third place in the polls are Councilman Oliver omas and State Senator Royce Duplessis. Under Louisiana’s primary system, all candidates run against each other regardless of party. If no candidate wins a majority, then the two frontrunners will face o in a secondary, runo election.
As far as the prominent topics of discussion go, which remain important and pertinent to New Orleanians and Loyola students alike, the two candidates underline how their plans will tackle these.
In regards to infrastructure such as road reconstruction and lling potholes, omas said as mayor he plans to use the city’s budget to buy two pothole machines and put them in rotation to x the potholes that scourge the streets of New Orleans.
“What we plan to do is buy two pothole machines that will actually cover the city, and as soon as there's a pothole, you put them in a rotation to be done. Now the city has talked about doing it before and never done it. In a $1.8 billion budget, I don't see why we can't get two pothole machines,” omas said.
Regarding larger inconsistencies with city services, omas said “More recently, I was in politics for several years, and I was out of it for 14 years …It seems to me like we have a lot of people who either don't know their job, but just do it whenever they feel like and that's not good enough. at's why I'm running for mayor.”
Duplessis also has a plan to increase the visibility of projects progression so New Orleanians remain more informed about when they can expect construction to be complete across the city.
“I'm going to have a public dashboard so residents can see where projects are in real time. And I think that that level of transparency will help with contractors, because they’ll know that the public expects them to be nished with a particular job in 60 days or 90 days, or six months. at helps everybody from an accountability and performance standpoint,” Duplessis said.
When speaking on his quali cations and time away from New Orleans politics, omas spoke on his past both in the public and private sectors.
“I don't need training wheels. I know what community is, what bone is connected to what bone in government. I want to have everyone in this city represented in my administration, people, young, old, new, far, local, best brains. Folks have asked me, when I win, will they have a seat at the table? Of course, because you're going to build the table. If you build the table, you don't have to ask for a seat,” omas said.
As crime rates have lowered, but remain high on the national scale, and the city appeals to remove the federal consent decree over the New Orleans Police Department, Orleans Parish Sheri s Department, and the Orleans Parish Prison, omas spoke on his plan towards these issues.
“Let's invest in families. Let's invest in children. Let's invest in saving wages,” omas said.
When asked about the possibility of incompetence in completion of these projects and these city services, omas said “something fails, it's not just about incompetence. You got to give a damn, because I know people who may be less quali ed than others, who put 110% effort into what they do, and they learn it and they deliver.”
“I think we've reached a point where the government, in many cases, a lot of folk, don't have institutional knowledge, but they also don't have the work ethic and the interest to learn it, to do it,” omas said.
Duplessis said he desires to increase transparency, which he believes will help the e ciency of city services, and city-wide contractors.
“ e rst thing that I believe we have to do is that we have to have more accountability and more transparency around the process. Not enough people understand why it takes so long to get streets and roads xed. Not enough people understand why we can't get the money out the door, and that that is inherently a problem. So starting with trust building across departments, trust building starts with communication and that accountability is going to take place when I establish the “capital cabinet.”
Duplessis spoke on coordination between the various companies and agencies who control what goes on under our streets.
“So the Sewerage and Water Board, Department of Public Works, Entergy, Cox, all the agencies that go under our streets, we have to be in constant communication and coordination, if that means meeting twice a week, but realistically, I think once a week, just to establish processes for goal setting, for performance metrics and for communicating it to the public, Duplessis said.
said.
While omas spoke empathetically of the people in Gaza, Duplessis made clear his administration’s priority towards students and activists.
“I support students' rights to be able to protest and not be arrested and express their views,” Duplessis said.
As another mayoral, Democratic-centered race heats up in the Northeast, Duplessis and omas spoke on their thoughts regarding Zohran Mamdani’s policy proposals for New York City and the application of city-owned grocery stores, free public transportation, and rent freezes in New Orleans.
Duplessis said that he would support expansion of the RTA Opportunity Pass which in its pilot program over the past 12 months guarantees free public transportation for Orleans Parish residents between the ages of 18-24.
omas said that he would be open to taking a look at this expansion, but also maintained that a priority of his is infrastructure repair.
Speaking on both his time in City Hall in the 2000s, and his record in recent years at the state legislature in Baton Rouge, Duplessis spoke on how he’s been able to help the people of New Orleans, both here and in the capital.
“I began my career in public service at City Hall, helping families, helping communities in post-Katrina New Orleans. So that's at the beginning, but in the legislature, I led the ght for a second black congressional district, which now we still have to ght, because that's under attack, given what's going on nationally,” Duplessis said.
Trump suggests he could deploy National Guard into New Orleans
By Pablo Pineiro-Ramy ppineiro@my.loyno.edu
President Donald Trump suggested he might deploy troops in the city of New Orleans.
Duplessis spoke on the necessity of transparency as well within the criminal legal system of the city.
“One of the issues with the current sheri of the jail is a lack of transparency around their budget and providing that information to the City and the City Council so that they can get additional funding. If the sheri is asking for additional funding for better locks, the sheri has to be able to provide current information and be transparent about budgeting so that the city can feel comfortable funding those needs,” Duplessis said.
Recent protests at Loyola, Tulane, and o ces in the Central Business District of both congresspeople and government agencies alike put the issues of Israel/Palestine at the forefront of the minds of residents.
Duplessis and omas both spoke on the importance of focusing primarily on New Orleans.
omas said he would like to create a roundtable as mayor of local leaders, Jewish, Muslim, Israeli and Palestinian in order to discuss and foster dialogue surrounding the ghting present in Gaza, and the response here at home.
Duplessis believes that no matter what issues are happening domestically or internationally, students, activists, and all citizens should not be arrested for exercising their right to protest, and protestors must be ensured legal protection for these actions.
“Let's develop a legacy and a history so that anytime there's abuse, we automatically rattle to each other's cause. But I was the rst person who put up an Instagram post about stopping this war and understanding that too many children are dying in Gaza. So my humanity is always going to leave me there,” omas
Beyond starting at City Hall, and the ght for a second
“I've stood up and fought for common sense criminal justice reform policies. I have fought for women's reproductive rights. I have passed legislation to require screenings for mental health, for new moms, for postpartum depression, fought for renters rights in a number of di erent situations, just a lot of common sense policies.”
Regarding his place in the ideological milieu of the Louisiana Democrats, Duplessis spoke on the importance of implementing meaningful change, whether incrementally or not.
“I consider myself a pragmatic progressive who's focused on results and working in a hostile atmosphere in the Louisiana legislature, where we are outnumbered, I've still been able to deliver millions of dollars to the City of New Orleans, vis-a-vis the Sewerage & Water Board or other organizations in my district that are doing great work,” Dupleassis said.
“Millions of dollars for our senior centers throughout the City of New Orleans, our seniors who are often forgotten. So I've always just been focused on equity and lifting people up. And I believe in my values, my leadership style working in hostile environments where people are disagreeing, but I can still work to bring people together.”
In particular, Duplessis said that his time in Baton Rouge over recent years especially quali es him for the job.
“It's my leadership style that is most needed right now in the city of New Orleans. It's not the fact that everybody knows my name, I've been at City Hall.
“We’re making a determination now: Do we go to Chicago, or do we go to a place like New Orleans, where we have a great governor -- Je Landry -- who wants us to come in and straighten out a very nice section of this country that’s become quite, you know, quite tough, quite bad,” said President Trump on Wednesday in the Oval O ce during a meeting with the president of Poland, Karol Nawrocki.
“So we’re going to be going to maybe Louisiana, and you have New Orleans, which has a crime problem. We’ll straighten that out in about two weeks,” Trump said.
“We will take President Donald Trump’s help from New Orleans to Shreveport,” Louisiana Governor Je Landry said in a post on X.
Helena Moreno, New Orleans City Council member and candidate for mayor, also issued a statement.
“We have had an unprecedented reduction in crime and violence in New Orleans,” Moreno said. “ is is an attack on certain cities. ere are many cities with mayors aligned with this President whose crime issues are severe, but they are not targeted.”
State Senator and New Orleans mayoral candidate Royce Duplessis said in a statement, “President Trump’s suggestion that he may deploy federal troops to New Orleans is reckless, politically motivated, an abuse of presidential power, and a betrayal of our Constitution.”
In a joint statement with the New Orleans Police Department, the City of New Orleans responded in a more conciliatory tone.
“ e City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Police Department thank the federal government for their support,” said the statement. “We have consistently worked with our federal partners, including collaborations with the Louisiana State Police. is collaborative approach has been instrumental in our ongoing success in reducing crime.”
Portrait of Oliver omas during the interview in the Maroon o ce. omas is a candidate in the 2025 New Orleans mayoral election. Pharrell Every/ e Maroon
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki in the Oval O ce of the White House, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
LIFE AND TIMES
Six popular local bars, ranked from worst to best
By Stella Perdue swperdue@my.loyno.edu
As college students, we all–for the most part–have at least one thing in common: we like to go out. Once in a blue moon (or every weekend), we close our computers and textbooks, and switch them out for ‘going out tops’ and shiny black boots.
Being a Loyola student puts us in a special category. We’re in New Orleans, the city that stays up all night and sleeps until 11 a.m. at the earliest–where Uptown has evolved into our own little college town, where globs of Tulane frat brothers travel in herds everywhere, donning their signature polo shirts & khaki shorts. Here, the bars and venues are nothing short of endless. There’s one on almost every corner.
So, you and your friends find yourselves in your freshman suite in Buddig Hall, pondering over your destination for the night. The Boot? Bruno’s? Where to go? What to do?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a compiled list of three do’s and three dont’s–places you’ll want to check out, as well as places you’d be better off avoiding:
#6 TJ Quill’s
Dearest apologies to devout TJ’s fans, but TJ Quill’s Bar over on Maple Street unfortunately takes last place for a few reasons. For one, it is of extremely popular opinion that TJ’s is consistently low in terms of attendance. It’s simply not a huge favorite, hence why it is ranked at the bottom. Other than that, relevant Google reviews suggest an unfriendly vibe coming from the staff. Critics dislike recently inflated drink prices and added service fees. Here’s a personal anecdote: throughout my college career so far, no one has ever seriously asked me, “Do you want to go to TJ’s?”
#5 The Palms
Loyola students like the Palms for its ambient neon lighting, decent music, spacious atmosphere, and outside patio seating. Besides those positives, it’s also one corner away from the Boot Bar & Grill, another popular spot, which makes it easily accessible if you’re coming over from main campus.
The primary reason the Palms is ranked so low is due to the fact that it only opens two days a week, Thursdays & Saturdays, whereas the other candidates keep their doors open daily. Aside from that, multiple people have complained about their lack of consistent deals/high prices. Lastly, when they are open, it tends to lean towards either one extreme or the other: completely dead or utterly overcrowded, and you never know which way the pendulum will swing.
#4: The Boot
The Boot, deemed “the #1 college bar in America” by US Weekly, has evolved into Uptown’s own cultural landmark. New Orleans tourists travel far and wide just to see what all the hype is about, and Tulane and Loyola students are there almost every night.
Some positives of the Boot: they tend to have huge events. For instance, last
year’s Super Bowl LIX watch party and this year’s Love Island USA Reunion one–they have daily deals, Broadway Pizza is next door with pretty decent appetizers, staff are efficient when it comes to long lines, it’s 18+, and it takes about five minutes to walk over from Loyola’s main campus.
The reason why it’s ranked in the bottom three is due to repetitive music, the heat caused by overcrowding (as well as a lack of cellular service), and just because Loyola students tend to prioritize the other places on this list. With that being said, the Boot holds a special place in many students’ hearts, as well as mine. I think it’s at its best when not many people are there, only because it serves as a great spot to talk/chill with friends closer to campus.
#3 Gasa Gasa
Gasa Gasa, the esteemed venue on Freret Street right next to Domino’s Pizza is an amazing place to catch live music with your friends. Not only do they have a nice outdoor patio with a bar and a DJ (as well as quite good food, like plantains and tofu skewers–shout out to my vegans!), but it’s also an entirely different world on the inside too. For one, it’s mainly Loyola-centric, as our music college actually invests in Gasa. Think cool people, cool outfits, cool music. There are dark chandeliers all over the ceiling cascading purple lights along the walls, synchronized perfectly with the vibrating bass line of your favorite Loyola band.
Tickets are typically $10 and for a good cause, helping artists grow! In preparation for this piece, I wanted to do Gasa justice, so I asked someone who could help me do just that for help. Here’s what Violet Johnson, a sophomore Music Industries major, had to say about Gasa: “It’s such a great space for artists to showcase their talents, make industry connections, and build friendships within our community. I really think Gasa is going to be the spot.”
With that being said, I wholeheartedly agree. I think Gasa could evolve into a hallmark spot for Loyola students of all majors if we show up and give it a little love.
#2 F&M Patio Bar
Coming in at the second best spot to go out is none other than F&M Patio Bar on Tchoupitoulas Street. A favorite with upperclassmen, the concept of “Fumps Friday” has turned into a weekly holiday. It's the popular consensus that Fridays are the best time to go. There’s generally a mix of Tulane and Loyola patrons, and the vibe isn’t as chaotic as some of the other bars on this list.
People have decorum and conduct themselves appropriately while simultaneously enjoying themselves–they practice etiquette. F&M’s is also extremely versatile: there’s an upstairs as well as a spacious downstairs, a photobooth, a large patio with abundant outdoor seating, they play good music, you can grab a bite to eat, and the ambiance is just right. Adorned with the soft glow of twinkling Christmas lights, it isn’t too bright or too dark either. The only ma-
jor qualm with F&M’s is that it requires transportation via Uber because it’s so far away–like, even if you were to take the streetcar, you’d still have to walk a mile. Other smaller qualms provided to me by lovely anonymous primary sources: sometimes they have a cover (typically during Mardi Gras), and they can allegedly be picky with who they let in, but I don’t blame them. I respect the hustle.
#1 Bruno’s Tavern
Yes, Bruno’s Tavern on Maple Street is number one. You can agree to disagree, but hear me out first: Bruno’s is the best because of its versatility. Not only is it 19 and up–more collegiate friendly–but they have deals every single day. For instance, on Thursdays you can play pool for free and on Tuesdays you can get wings for 50¢ a piece, and you simply cannot forget about Wine Wednesdays. Every Wednesday, Loyola students walk over to get full bottles of wine for only $5, where we sit and talk with our friends in booths until everyone else shows up. Bruno’s, in my opinion, is the perfect third space & thus is inherently democratic.
They have something for everyone–whether you want to sit and hang around, get up and dance in an extremely crowded area chalk full of our student body, or pretend to not know how to play pool so your campus crush can show you–they have it all. It’s close to campus, free to get in, the mac and cheese bites are superior to the ones at Broadway Pizza, and you’ll probably have a night to remember.
Patrons dancing at Gasa Gasa, April 16 2025 Sophia Renzi/The Maroon
Patrons at the Boot. Isabelle Duncan/The Maroon
LIFE AND TIMES
Paul Ware brings photography and stories of Iceland to Loyola
By Maria Alvarez-Price mdalvar1@my.loyno.edu
Paul Ware, a photographer from Monroe, Louisiana, is coming to Loyola to talk about his recent photo series in Iceland. Ware is speaking at Loyola on Sept. 11 in Monroe Library to help encourage students to take advantage of the J-term study abroad trip to Iceland.
From an early age, Ware knew nature was his calling.
“I have a ravenous desire to explore around every bend, over every mountain, into every cave. I want to go to the depths of the ocean. I want to explore everything as much and as thoroughly as I can,” Ware said.
This deep connection to nature intertwines with Ware's upbringing, due to his father’s military service, he relocated to different environments which developed his love for travel and photography. “You know, they had Polaroid, and my dad also had some 35mm film cameras, like Canon AE-1. And I remember seeing those and shooting just everything and anything,” he recalls.
As a photographer, Ware finds fulfillment when he takes pictures that make people think.
“Any single picture in my life that I have ever created causes someone to think more deeply,” he said.
Being able to document the moment allows him to “experience a sense of awe and grandeur,” Ware said.
For Ware, travel fuels his photography since he believes “travel is as essential as breathing.”
A particular place he’s fascinated by is Iceland.
“It feels like you've frozen time and stepped into another plane of existence. Out in those remote parts, it's just you and the wilderness,” he recalls.
Ware shares his experience with Icelandic culture.
“It will make you feel small. It’s definitely humbling. The people are incredible, truly. They’re people of few words, but their words have a lot of weight. They’re very friendly. They’re very welcoming. They’re direct. They’re very helpful. They want you to be there. That’s been my experience.”
An Icelandic mountain range. Photo courtesy of Paul Ware.
A bird in flight. Photo courtesy of Paul Ware .
A church in Iceland. Photo courtesy of Paul Ware.
Layers of Icelandic mountains. Photo courtesy of Paul Ware.
FREUDIAN SLIP
THE WORKS MOTHER!!!
By Zach Cesarini zmcesari@my.loyno.edu
The Works is back with a capital W! I want to turn this into a regular installment showcasing the fantastic art of our community here on campus. Treat this as a way to advertise your personal brand or business, wherever you're at or whatever your goal. This section is here to celebrate everyone. You can reach out to me personally at my email listed above. If you We do accept anonymous submissions as well! Any visual or written media is accepted! If you'd like your work featured, please submit it 3-5 days before you'd want it out. We want you!
Prospects: Mayoral candidates discuss a local government overhaul
" e fact that I have not been at City Hall makes me even more quali ed, given the chaos and the dysfunction that currently exists at City Hall by other people who are trying to be mayor,” Duplessis said.
In regards to his recent work in city hall, omas spoke on his e orts to end discriminatory hiring practices for city jobs that exclude persons with criminal records, and the creation of a cultural center in New Orleans East.
“We can't tell private companies what to do, but in terms of government, your relationships, your contract with government departments, agencies that are a liated with the government. We can impact those but I would also hope that once we show success, they send a message to private industry,” omas said.
In regards to these hiring practices, omas believes the city needs to lead by example, and private businesses will hopefully follow suit.
“We will use those examples to show people that you know you don't have to discriminate against somebody because of what they did, especially if they're certi ed or educated in their discipline for
their job, and if they're willing to go to work and function well, you will hold up those examples to show everybody else and hope they follow suit,” omas said.
New Orleans as a multicultural city has had a long history of welcoming immigrants into employment, education, and enfranchising. Recently, certain practices of Custom and Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement have induced major concerns in immigrant communities across the country.
omas said he will try to ensure that ICE interference does not a ect our immigrant communities in their workplaces.
“As mayor, the one thing that I'm going to get ICE to understand is ICE needs to be nice. You can't raid work sites. You can't raid places where people are contributing to our economy, and you cannot disrespect people while I'm there who are contributing to our economy,” omas said.
He said that the state legislature is often able to override decisions of the City, and that the City charter is connected to the state constitution.
“I'll give you an example of the power of the state here. Our city charter is tied to the state constitution, which is why I
don't understand why some of our state o cials are running for local o ce, because we need them in Baton Rouge, ghting, especially with a predatory governor. We don't need the governor to be a predator, we need a partner, but it's a di erent world now,” omas said.
With New Orleanians eeing the city due to rising housing prices and costs of living, Duplessis spoke on their records and priority in regards to a ecting these problems.
“I've led the ght at the Capitol. I serve on the Senate Insurance Committee outlet the ght at the capitol to push for relief for homeowners on homeowners insurance. And the best way we can do that is through expansion of our forti ed roof program,” Duplessis said.
While omas spoke on the fact that the state of Louisiana often is able to impede city-wide policies passed by the city council, Duplessis also spoke on the necessity of the city to accept responsibility and take action.
“ e city needs to do more to lean in just like we've done in other areas like early childhood education, the cities are going to have to lean in more. We can't wait for the state.”
Speci cally, one of Duplessis’ major proposals involves helping New Orleani-
ans deal with housing costs, in regards to reinforcing roofs across the city.
“I think the city is going to have to stand up its own forti ed roof program with the goal of getting 25% of the homes in New Orleans with forti ed roofs. It makes the most sense, and it's the most e ective and e cient way we can get insurance rates down for homeowners.”
omas also spoke on the real estate situation in New Orleans and what he plans to do.
“One of the things I'd like to do in the city is if we can talk with our government partners about creating a fund that people could apply for, especially older couples, whose insurance is pushing them out more so than the mortgage they've gotten,” omas said.
As well, omas spoke on an increase in the construction of a ordable housing.
“10,000 new a ordable homes. Let's put together, philanthropists, investors, and a lot of the older housing experts get them in a room. I think we need to protect that to make sure that smaller developers, people with smaller units, doubles, triplexes, are a ordable,” omas said.
Duplessis also referenced legislation he has managed to push through the
state legislature that has helped not just New Orleans, but all Louisianans.
“ e Prenatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder Act that requires pediatricians to screen new parents for postpartum mental health needs to the health of the child. ere's nothing more important than healthy babies being born, I can't think of anything more important. So we need the health of the child directly connected to the health of the mother.”
Duplessis also spoke on the current state of City Hall, and his hope for the future.
“We just can't a ord more chaos at City Hall. We cannot a ord the division and the politics, that's the only thing that's been coming out in City Hall for the past four years. It's important for you all, as leaders, as journalists who are putting this information out to focus on asking those questions, those hard questions, how can we get change if we continue with the status quo, and I'm ready to turn the page on the drama and the chaos at City Hall. To bring people together to get our city to function, because this is a beautiful city, and I want to, I want to bring New Orleans to the place that we deserve,” Duplessis said.
SPORTS
From the Bayou to Athens and Thessaloniki: The Wolf Pack’s unforgettable Greek adventure
By Kyli Baker knbaker@my.loyno.edu
Loyola University New Orleans had the opportunity to send three members of their women’s basketball team to Greece over the summer. ey traveled to be able to expand their basketball skill sets and experience the game abroad through three high-level games against local teams.
ey were also able to build long-lasting connections with new teammates as they enjoyed local excursions and celebrated the thrill of international play together. Deniya ornton (#15), a junior from New Roads, Louisiana majoring in criminal justice; Alissa O’Dell (#14), a junior from Zachary, Louisiana, majoring in history education; and Caitlin Travis (#10), a junior from Walker, Louisiana, majoring in computer science.
All three athletes said that it was not only a blessing, but an honor to be selected to represent the Wolfpack with not only grit, but also humbleness. From the moment they found out about the opportunity, O'Dell was the rst to say that they should go while ornton and Travis were hesitant about the idea.
With a little in uence they decided to take on the challenge. All three athletes are glad they did. All athletes were thankful and said that they felt beyond blessed for the opportunity that they were given.
“Playing in Greece requires a lot more physically demanding gameplay. ey’re super aggressive and tough out there. ey get away with a lot of hard-moving screens. e referees also let you play a more physical game overseas,” Travis said.
ornton agreed with Travis.
“Euro ball is very di erent from U.S
ball. ey don’t play as fast as we do. ey run lots of plays with screens …. to throw you o . [It’s a] very physical game as well. Refs aren't calling little bumps.” ornton said.
While in Greece they stayed focused on their goals, keeping themselves disciplined while also experiencing a new culture.
“Every time I stepped on the court, it was business. O the court, it was vacation. I’ve grown up disciplined enough to switch in between the two,” Travis said O the court, that balance gave Travis the chance to take in everything Greece
“We
are favored because we were chosen for this opportunity for a reason, so we are favored by God. Maybe all three of us will be playing overseas together one day.”
Alissa O'dell Junior history education major
had to o er.
“ ere were so many things to see and explore in Greece. So many di erent cultural practices, foods, music, and dancing. Some things that the athletes were able to learn are that they are really passionate about the game. It brings out the community for everyone to feel as one. ey hang up posters of Greek NBA players at open basketball courts.
e athletes described this opportunity as a “Once in a lifetime, blessing, and favored,” Travis said.
For Travis, the trip highlighted the unity and passion that basketball sparks in Greece, while for O'Dell, the experience carried a deeper purpose.
Going out of the country to play basketball would have been challenging without a great support system. ey all agreed that God, their parents, and themselves are their biggest support system.
“My biggest supporter is myself. Yes, my parents do support me, but they don’t know the ups and downs of collegiate basketball. I do it for myself and everyone who doubts me”. O'Dell said. ornton says that her biggest support system is her mother.
“She’s been my coach, mentor, mother, and friend when it comes to talking about the game. We are huge basketball nerds so we just love it. Whether I’m playing or not.” ornton said.
For her, basketball isn’t just about her own journey, it's also about honoring her mom.
“She didn’t get to play in college, so I feel like it’s my duty to get her as close to that experience as she can, as well as take the most nancial burden o of her which is paying for college and student loans by going to school for free through doing something I love.” ornton said. e players found themselves immersed in a culture that embraced both the game and the county around them.
“Visiting Greece was an unforgettable experience. From breathtaking scenery, to getting to learn its history and culture, as well as playing with and against some great players, it has granted me memories that will stick with me forever.” Travis said.
Loyola's Bardales shines on international stage
By Keri Smith klsmith1@my.loyno.edu
Loyola University New Orleans trackathlete Andrea Bardales, a second semester freshman majoring in political science, recently represented her country at the Central American Athletics Championship, competing against top athletes from across the region.
What started as a curiosity quickly grew into a passion. After her rst meet, she transitioned from ballet to athletics, ultimately qualifying for the U18 Central American Championships in Costa Rica that same year.
“Competing on an international stage was a dream come true."
“Representing my country and Loyola made the experience even more
special.” Bardales said.
Bardales’ journey into track and eld began in March 2024 after years of ballet training.
“I asked my principal if I could join a meet because I thought it would be fun to try the 400 meters and high jump using my ballet strength,” Bardales said.
According to Bardales, family support played a signi cant role in her development.
“My dad was a Fédération Internationale de Football Association referee, my mom was a basketball player and dancer, and my younger sister is already setting records of her own. ey taught me to be disciplined, humble, and passionate about everything I do.” Bardales said. is past year marked Bardales’ rst full indoor and outdoor season with Loyola, a training cycle that prepared her for international competition.
“ ere were tough days, but I reminded myself to trust God and keep going.”
Bardales said. “ Every tear, every homesick night, it all paid o .”
Balancing athletics is part of her daily
routine.
“It’s not just motivation, it’s discipline,” Bardales said. “I plan my meals, workouts, classes, and recovery to be one percent better every day. I love my major, political science, and I train to dominate my events.”
Bardales also credits Loyola Athletics for their support.
“My coaches, trainers, and the sta at the sports complex always believed in me,” Bardales said. “ ey kept me sharp physically and mentally.”
Looking ahead, Bardales hopes to qualify for more international competitions, set new records, and represent Honduras and Loyola at the highest level. Beyond athletics, she sets her sights on becoming a diplomat.
“I want to give back to my country to help it build stronger connections worldwide.” Bardales said.
For now, Bardales remains focused on her next season and on becoming the best version of herself. “One practice and one race at a time.”
Deniya ornton, Caitlin Travis, and Alissa Odell posed with trophies in Hall of Fame. Pharell Every / e Maroon
Andrea Bardales poses holding her medal in Dixon Court. Qemyne Barns/ e Maroon
Andrea Bardales Freshman political science
Campus life being a rst generation
Makayla Parker/ e Maroon
By Angelica Pineda acpineda@my.loyno.edu
Although Loyola’s student body is relatively smaller compared to most campuses, a total of 31% of undergraduates
are actually rst generation college students. Even with a sizable amount of the student population being in the same predicament as myself, I still couldn’t help but feel isolated on what feels like a di erent planet.
Upon applying to Loyola, I felt all of the applications and forms were in a di erent language. e worst part was that I didn’t have anyone to translate them for me. I couldn’t go to my mom, or my dad, or even anyone in my family. I also felt embarrassed to ask my friends who seemed to have it all gured out. I carried this fear of asking for help when I needed it most. e college system is built for those with parents who’ve done it before, leaving rst-gen students at a disadvantage.
Despite this fear, I spoke up. And when I did, I discovered what felt like an endless stream of resources and support at Loyola. e Student Success Center, Krewe Chats, as well as the people around me were some of the most helpful resources in surviving my rst two weeks of college. ese programs help and they level the playing eld. Without them, rst-gen students slip through the cracks.
e Student Success Center is a great way to nd eld related jobs as well as internships. It really helped me become excited about my future and how I could spend it. More speci cally, Handshake
was a huge motivator in pursuing my major. Seeing all of the possibilities available to my eld of study made it all seem that much more real, and that much more attainable. e student success center also caters to rst generation students through providing career and academic advisors. As great as these resources are, my personal favorite would have to be the OWLS tutoring services. OWLS is a free program available to all Loyola students. Flexible hours and a variety of tutoring in most courses made it extremely easy and accessible.
In addition to the Student Success Center, one of the most valuable support systems are the Krewe Chats, most importantly, the people in them. As uncomfortable as it was to sit through what felt like an eternity of painfully silent icebreakers, I was able to nd myself becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable.
e typically gauche exchanges of, “My name is … What's your major?” were more often than not, pleasantly, followed by genuine conversations with some of the most welcoming and intelligent people I’ve ever met. e icebreaker
miraculously seemed to work. Striking up conversation over even the simplest things such as, “I like your piercings, let’s walk together!” made this new world become a little more familiar. By just getting out of my comfort zone I was able to explore and gure things out alongside other people who were trying to gure out the same thing.
After the rst day, the isolation faded and seemed to disappear into thin air, as if I never felt it. Feeling a sense of community and support changed my outlook on “college life” and the new college “world.” Without that initial discomfort and fear, I wouldn’t have been able to branch outside of the close-minded world I kept myself captive in. Such short lived awkwardness and uncertainty was worth the long term support and community here at Loyola. e amount of resources and support provided by both the university as well as the people around me have made the transition into college-life much more bearable, but most importantly, enjoyable.
Loyola's current untapped alumni system
By Ruby Nieder rrnieder@my.loyno.edu
Imagine if Loyola students did not have to wait for their major's department to plan and facilitate an event to talk to alumni. Imagine a network where you had the opportunity to nd and connect with alumni through a readily available network where students could reach out, ask questions, and build connections anytime. Picture a sophomore, nally settling into their major and becoming ready to explore career paths, unsure of where to start. ey take to LinkedIn but come up short on nding alumni. Now, the same student is opening a Loyolamade alumni network, ltering by major, state, interests, and instantly nding alumni who are willing to help students. at’s the kind of system that creates community, and it’s the kind of system alumni and students deserve.
Right now, Loyola makes some ef-
fort to bring alumni to campus for the occasional event, but that’s not enough. Still, it seems as if you go out of your way to search “Loyola Alumni” on Google, in hopes you could reach out to someone. Whether it be for school or job advice, the only thing that comes up is events Loyola holds for fundraising or class reunions. ere is a section where you learn about certain alumni and what they did after graduation but it takes some digging. Yes, you could go on LinkedIn, but at that point, it feels impersonal. What current students and alumni need is an in-person community to gain those connections.
e issue here is that Loyola has an amazing group of alumni who are in great elds of work for all sorts of majors, and yet, they do not utilize these alumni to their full potential to help out their current students. Alumni mentorship is priceless. ey’ve already walked the path students are on, faced the same
challenges, and learned from both successes and mistakes. Alumni can share their learned knowledge with current students who are looking for reliable guidance. You feel more connected to what your mentors are saying when they were once exactly where you are. We also cannot forget the networking opportunities that can be gained through mentorship.
It is not just about current students. ere are Loyola alumni out there who would be more than willing to talk to and help out current students and help them grow and thrive in their future endeavors. Loyola prides itself on its Jesuit values of connection, service, and solidarity. What better way to live those values than by building a real bridge between alumni and students? Creating this sense of community and giving back is not just about current students, either; it’s also a way for alumni to stay connected. In serving others, they continue to
grow and learn from Loyola and its community, as well as staying grounded in their values. Connecting their past and present students creates a sense of loyalty that would serve to be important in their students' lives. Engaging with alumni gives graduates a reason to come back and serve their community in a way that would inspire others.
Loyola knows they have great alumni, which is why they have a section dedicated to them on their website. From here, the next step is making the system more user-friendly and, with permission, allowing access to alumni emails so current students, or even prospective ones, can reach out directly. Because, as of right now, the “alumni” section on the Loyola website is seemingly only for alumni. If Loyola truly wants to live up to its Jesuit values, it must invest in building a genuine student and alumni network; it should go beyond fundraising links and alumni spotlights. It’s not just about
helping out nancially or hearing great things through a website; it’s about fostering real connections in meaningful ways.
From campus to the world: the impact of study abroad
By Finian Jones jones@my.loyno.edu
Everyone has heard of study abroad programs. Despite knowing this, these programs can still often be overlooked. Many know from high school that studying abroad is something they want to do, but some who are not previously interested don't give it much of a second thought. To others it is simply a fun experience, a chance to travel and spend some time in a foreign place while being able to continue their education. While this is an aspect of the overall concept, study abroad is a far more complex thing, a multifaceted endeavor full of endless opportunities present and future.
Let’s be honest: the biggest hangup
for most students is money. College is expensive enough; why should students have to spend so much extra money on these programs? It is true that the sticker price can look quite steep, but there are always ways to minimize the overall amount. A multitude of grants and scholarships are at your ngertips, not to mention various tuition exchange programs, which transfer whatever nancial aid you’re already getting to a compliant school, meaning you could attend somewhere overseas for the same price you’re paying for current tuition. Why study abroad in the rst place? First and foremost, it looks good. Most college students are already in the mindset of creating a good resumé, and a term, semester, or year abroad can be just the
thing to help you stand out from others in your future career. One major thing that makes an applicant stand out is foreign language pro ciency, particularly Spanish. If you’re learning Spanish and spend time studying in Latin America or Spain, that can help your language goals immensely and put you right on track to adding Spanish to your resumé. ere are so many ways that studying abroad can aid you in your future career. It promotes a sense of global perspective, can help to display your problem-solving skills and adaptability, and allows you to begin networking with foreign contacts in prospective elds. Beyond the career bene ts, studying abroad is life-changing. Even a little bit of time spent somewhere else can
broaden your mind and understanding of the world. Studying abroad gives you the unique opportunity to participate in the global conversation in the most hands-on way possible, while also providing you with the tools for success in your future. I would be remiss not to mention how daunting the task of living somewhere strange while staying on top of your studies can feel. But if the study abroad process were a complete cake walk, surely every single student would sign up. Yes, it can be tough sometimes; but that extra work you have to put in is just another part of the overarching theme–that studying abroad is about trying new things, broadening your horizons, learning adaptability, and perhaps above all,
stepping out of your comfort zone. In short, it is the very challenges that make study abroad intimidating that also make the experience so valuable. Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience for all students no matter their inclinations–and so I believe it is of the utmost importance that our institutions of higher education create as many opportunities as possible for as many students as possible, and in the process, foster a culture of worldliness and respect on campuses across the nation. Because at the end of the day, study abroad programs are not just a lagniappe, they are an integral part of the university system and an invaluable tool for young adults in an increasingly global landscape.
Photo of the front of Loyola University New Orleans. Courtesy of Cori Davis e Maroon
5, 2025
Dreaming beyond a paycheck
Why loan repayment assistant matters
College students today are carrying more nancial anxiety than ever. Tuition keeps climbing, wages for entry-level jobs remain static, and the fear of student loan debt looms large over like a dark cloud. is weight is enough to alter career choices, delay home ownership, or even discourage students from pursuing higher education. It is not just a nancial issue, it is an emotional and psychological burden that follows students into adulthood, shaping the way they imagine their futures. at is why Loyola University’s embrace of the Loan Repayment Assistance Program deserves attention and appreciation, because it is transformative.
e Loan Repayment Assistance Program ensures that graduates won’t be attacked with student debt if their rst job pays less than $50,000 a year. If you step out of college into the working world and your salary is modest, Loyola will step in to help repay your loans. is cannot be seen as a handout. It is a safety net designed to empower students to follow their passions without fear of
Editorial Board
Editor in Chief
Eloise Pickering
Managing Editor for Print
Mary Ella Hastings
Managing Editor for Digital
Callie Honeycutt
Campus News Editor
Lily Bordelon
Asst. Campus News Edito
Valentina Russell
Worldview Editor
Pablo Pineiro
Life & Times Editor
Elise Beck
nances. e message is clear. Students can dream beyond a paycheck.
e program is groundbreaking because it shows what student support looks like. Universities have expected graduates to sink or swim in the workforce. By committing to the Loan Repayment Assistance Program, Loyola is signaling that its responsibility to students doesn’t end at graduation. It is saying that they will walk with us into our careers, and they’ll be there if the way is nancially di cult. at kind of commitment is almost unheard of in higher education.
For students, the di erence is heartfelt. Instead of avoiding lower-paying jobs graduates can pursue meaningful work knowing they won’t be punished by their debt. is freedom changes lives, and it could change the way students imagine their futures. Students who might have felt pressured into corporate jobs for nancial survival now have permission to choose paths of creativity or service.
But while Loyola’s adoption of the
Sports Editor
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Opinion Editor
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e Wolf Editors
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Loan Repayment Assistance Program is cause for celebration, it should also serve as a call to action. More universities need to follow suit. Students across the country are drowning in debt, and a program like this could be the di erence between despair and opportunity. If higher education truly wants to open doors, then the Loan Repayment Assistance Program and similar initiatives must become the rule, not the exception. Programs like the Loan Repayment Assistance Program are a test of whether institutions are willing to back up their promises of access, equity, and support with real action.
“By committing to the Loan Repayment Assistance program, Loyola is signaling that its responsibility to students doesn't end at graduation. It is saying that they will walk with us into our careers, and they'll be there if the way is financially di cult.”
— Editorial Board
is stepping up at a time when the nancial burden of college is one of the greatest threats to accessibility and equality in higher education. Loan forgiveness through the Loan Repayment Assistance Program doesn’t just change numbers, it changes lives. It is a recognition that education should expand, not narrow down.
We thank Loyola for taking this step and hope others have the courage to follow. If the goal of higher education is to create not just workers, then programs like the Loan Repayment Assistance Program are essential.
HOWLS & GROWLS
HOWL to Cookies with Ken GROWL to Potholes
HOWL to Saints Kicko Run
GROWL to Long lines for food
HOWL to Mass of the Holy Spirit
GROWL to National guard
HOWL to Internship fair
GROWL to Francis air conditioning
HOWL to US Open
Loyola students can be proud. Loyola
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EDITORIAL POLICY
The editorial on this page represents the majority opinions of The Maroon’s editorial board and does not necessarily re ect the opinions of Loyola University. Letters and columns re ect the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of The Maroon’s editorial board.
The Maroon does not represent the opinion of administration, sta and/or faculty members of Loyola.
Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and style. Please limit submissions to 400 words. Submissions are due no later than 4 p.m. the Sunday before publication.
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The Maroon, 6363 St. Charles Ave., Box 64, New Orleans, LA 70118. Email us your letters — letter@ loyno.edu.
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