For a greater Loyola | Issue 1 | Loyola University New Orleans | Since 1923 | August 21, 2026 | loyolamaroon.com
Financial aid in flux for a third of students By Katerina Vincent kovincen@my.loyno.edu
Loyola addresses financial aid delays affecting students As the fall 2026 semester begins, some Loyola students are still waiting for their financial aid packages to be finalized. Approximately one-third of Loyola students remain in different stages of the financial aid process as classes begin, according to Vice President for Enrollment Management Anthony Jones. Jones said new federal financial aid requirements, university processing procedures and outstanding requirements for individual students have contributed to the delays, while Loyola’s Office of Financial Aid is working with affected students to finalize their aid. The university has processed more than 3,700 financial aid packages for the fall 2026 semester, totaling more than $80 million in financial assistance, according to Jones. Jones said recent federal changes affecting student lending have introduced new requirements and implementation guidance that colleges and universities are working to navigate. He said the changes have been particularly complicated at the graduate level, where loan limits and other implications can vary depending on a student’s program and individual circumstances. Loyola’s Office of Financial Aid has
been working with graduate programs and affected students to interpret the federal guidance, address individual circumstances and ensure financial aid is administered in compliance with federal requirements, Jones said. The delays come as students face university payment deadlines. Students whose financial aid is still being processed will not be dropped from their fall courses or assessed late fees, according to Jones. However, students who have not already done so must establish a payment plan for the fall semester by Friday, Aug. 21. Jones said the university recognizes that some students may still be completing the financial aid process as the deadline approaches and that flexibility will be considered for students actively working with the Office of Financial Aid. “Students with pending financial aid are encouraged to remain in close contact with the Office of Financial Aid so their individual circumstances can be reviewed and appropriate next steps can be determined,” Jones said. The university is also dedicating additional resources to addressing the delays. Jones said those efforts include strengthening the technology supporting financial aid awards, streamlining coordination among offices involved in the process and improving communication and customer service for students and families.
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Loyola students wait in line to talk to the financial aid counselors at the Fall 2026 service fair on Aug. 11, 2026. Students have been facing various problems with the financial aid department at the start of the semester. Carlos Andrade/The Maroon
“A New Era of Wolf Pack Athletics Gulf South Conference,” sign showcased at the Wolf Pack Athletics Division II announcment on June 9, 2026. Loyola sports officials and athletes weigh in on how this transition will affect them going forward. Dimah Ahmad/The Maroon
The transition to the NCAA How will the Wolf Pack adjust to new competition? By Amari Winchester abwinche@my.loyno.edu
As of early June, Wolf Pack Athletics was officially accepted into the Gulf South Conference (GSC), a sports conference within division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This new journey will be led by the new Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Administration, Chad Leblanc. The GSC has taken a number of schools under their wing located in various states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee. “Loyola
is currently the only Louisiana based school in the conference, and only one out of two Jesuit schools in the conference.” Brett Simpson, Assistant Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, had this to say about the division shift. “What excites me most is the opportunity this creates for Loyola and our student-athletes.” Says Simpson. “The NCAA carries a tremendous level of national recognition and prestige, and becoming a Division II institution elevates the profile of our athletics
See PROGRAM, p.2
By Alana Frank anfrank@my.loyno.edu
As Loyola University New Orleans prepares to make the jump to NCAA Division II athletics, Wolf Pack athletes are already thinking about what it will take to compete at a higher level. Loyola will begin competing in the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference in fall 2027, making the upcoming season one of the final opportunities for current athletes to compete under the university’s longtime NAIA identity. For some athletes, the transition brings excitement. For others, it comes with uncertainty about unfamiliar op-
ponents, tougher competition and what their own place in Loyola athletics will look like by the time the move is complete. Sophomore women’s tennis player Presha Shanthamoorthi said she sees the transition as an opportunity to challenge herself. “Moving to a higher division is a huge step for our program, and I feel ready to step up and compete at that level,” Shanthamoorthi said. But before Division II competition begins, Shanthamoorthi said she is focused on making the most of Loyola’s remaining time in the NAIA. “Since this is our final NAIA season
before making the leap, I’m super hungry and focused,” she said. “I want to make sure we finish it with a blast.” Shanthamoorthi said she has already mapped out specific tournaments and matches she wants to target this season. She is also focusing on physical conditioning and the mental side of her game to prepare for the increased level of competition. For incoming students, the transition means entering a program that will look significantly different by the time they become upperclassmen.
See FRESHMAN, p.4
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FRESHMEN: Loyola athletes prepare for NCAA By Alana Frank anfrank@my.loyno.edu Freshman track and field and cross country runner Meera Hijazi said she was initially surprised and nervous when she learned about Loyola's move. "I felt a little nervous of what that meant for the girls' season because it would bring us to an entirely new type of competition," Hijazi said. Rather than drastically changing her training, Hijazi said she is focusing on consistency and avoiding burnout. While she plans to work harder on weights and core exercises once team practices begin, Hijazi said preparing for stronger competition does not mean constantly worrying about whether other athletes will be faster. "I think it's more important to keep your body healthy and create a balance of running and relaxing," she said. For Sela Myers, the stronger competition is part of what makes the transition exciting. Myers said moving to Division II will push Loyola athletes to improve because conference competition will
become faster and national qualifying standards will become more difficult. "It will be a huge challenge, and it will push me and my teammates to be faster," Myers said. She said that challenge is already being emphasized by her coach, who has encouraged athletes to stay focused and continue training hard so they are prepared when Loyola reaches the Division II level. Junior track and field athlete Tenosh Landry is taking a similar approach to the transition. Landry said she sees the move as an opportunity to test herself against stronger competition and find out how much she can improve. "I am excited about the transition," Landry said. "Competing at a higher level gives me more opportunities to grow as an athlete and challenge myself." For Landry, preparing for Division II has meant paying closer attention to more than what happens during workouts. She said she is becoming more intentional about her training, recovery and nutrition as she prepares for the increased competition. "I know the competition is going to be
stronger, so I'm focused on improving the small things every day and making sure I'm physically and mentally ready," Landry said. That preparation is already showing up in practice. Landry said coaches have increased their expectations and are pushing athletes to become comfortable competing and training at a higher intensity. "They've been pushing us to work harder, train at a higher level, and get comfortable with being uncomfortable because we know the competition is going to be tougher," Landry said. But Landry said his immediate focus remains on the season ahead. She wants to stay consistent, trust his preparation and contribute to the team's success before Loyola makes the transition. "My mindset going into this season is to stay focused, trust my preparation, and continue to improve," Landry said. "I want to compete at a high level, but most importantly, I want to be consistent and help my team succeed." While younger athletes are preparing to experience Loyola's new era firsthand, senior women's basketball player Alissa
Thornton is approaching the transition from a different position. Thornton has not decided whether she will remain at Loyola long enough to compete at the Division II level. She said that decision could depend partly on what she and her team accomplish this season. "If I don't meet my goals and expectations that I have for myself and this team this year, then it'll be more so of me pulling towards wanting to stay rather than leaving because I don't want to have any unfinished business," Thornton said. If she does return, Thornton said preparing for Division II would require more repetitions, focus and discipline, especially because Loyola's current players have little experience competing at that level. "We really don't know what to expect until we get out there," Thornton said. Still, Thornton said she is confident Loyola's program will be able to meet the challenge. For now, her focus remains on what Loyola can accomplish before leaving the NAIA. Thornton said she wants the Wolf Pack to advance as far as possible
in the national postseason and win another conference tournament. With the university preparing to enter a new conference and division, Thornton said she wants Loyola's final seasons in its current conference to leave little doubt about what the program accomplished there. "I really just want to make that statement of, 'We are Loyola. We were here. We ran this conference,'" Thornton said. Both Thornton and Landry said the transition will require younger Wolf Pack athletes to remain committed when the competition becomes more difficult. "Trust the process and take advantage of every opportunity," Landry said. " Stay consistent, listen to your coaches, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself. The work you put in now will show later." Thornton's advice carries a similar message. "Give it your all when you don't really want to," she said. "You're not doing this for yourself. You're doing it for your team also."
Freshmen say they found mold in Buddig Hall By Stella Perdue swperdue@my.loyno.edu When first-year Pre-Nursing student Kaya Tezeno moved into her room in Buddig Hall, she discovered what appeared to be brown mold atop her roommate’s mattress cover. It turns out that Tezeno was not alone in this. Many freshmen who moved into Buddig Hall on Aug. 11 and 12 say they encountered mold in their rooms and on mattresses, leading to complaints addressed to Residential Life, urging them to fix the issue. “My roommate and my suitemate had it but I don’t know anyone else who has complained about it,” said Tezeno. “Residential Life brought us new mattresses after.” First-year Music Business student Charlie Haltmeier said he heard from “two or three other people about mold problems on Buddig floors four, five, and six” inside student rooms. Residential Life Director Chris Rice was asked for an update on the situation. “Loyola was notified of mold on ceiling tiles in the fifth-floor hallway of Buddig Hall on Monday, Aug. 3. Facilities
assessed the area and determined that the issue was related to an air-conditioning system problem. The affected ceiling tiles were in the hallway, not in student rooms.” Rice said. According to Rice, the air conditioning issue has since been “repaired” and that “affected ceiling tiles have been removed and replaced. Facilities will continue to monitor the area and address any additional concerns that arise.” Rice said Residential Life is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and welcoming residential experience for Loyola students. Chief Executive Officer of Air Testing Associates, LLC in Metairie, LA and longtime American Air Quality Association member William Feaheny has been studying and working in this industry since the 1990s. “I was probably one of the earliest people in this area to actively start doing [air quality] testing. My background, you know, I have degrees in biology and I have a Master’s of Science in Environmental Science from Louisiana State University. Of course, with those degrees I also have a chemistry background,” Feaheny said.
Close up of mold in Buddig Hall on Aug 12. Dessadra Tezeno/The Maroon
Feaheny said that a timeframe for any “mold remediation process,” or mold disinfection process, varies based on the type of mold as well as its location. “[Air conditioning remediation is] going to have to be investigated by a professional and that may be somebody beyond a mold assessor. It may be the duct cleaning company and usually duct cleaning companies that are going to deal with commercial ducts,” he said. He added that they are certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. Growth in air conditioning units does not necessarily require an entire replacement. “It's going to be depending upon whether there was direct water damage or microbial growth in the duct, but doesn't always mean that the duct cleaning company is going to make those final decisions on whether they can clean those ducts to the proper standards,” Faheney said. However, Faheney acknowledged that it depends on building occupancy. “It’s a case by case basis. That’s why you go in and do assessment and testing, it’s to qualify what areas are going to be work areas and which areas have to be contained. I’ve done work in hospitals where they are still open but areas being worked within are properly contained,” he said. Feaheny explained that not all mold is allergenic or toxic. Toxicity can vary based on the species. The mold in Buddig Hall is not a new problem. Sophomores who lived in Buddig last year also say they experienced issues with sanitization and odor. Second year Nursing student Kennedy Weir said, “It was always stinking. The smell was horrible. The first few weeks I got really sick. Inside of the vent we could see all the dust and stuff, and black dots. It just stunk.” Her roommate, second year Hip Hop and R&B major Ari Burton nodded along in agreement. “You know, it’s an old building. It felt
Mold on Buddig Hall mattress on Aug 12. Dessadra Tezeno/The Maroon
like a hazing ritual,” said Burton. Sophomore Biology student Rebecca Blackburn said she dealt with a similar situation when she lived on Buddig floor eight last year. “I think it was supposed to be under construction the year before so everything was supposed to be all nice and new, and at least for my room it looked that way, but anytime I took a shower for longer than 10 minutes I would start sneezing consistently. Like every 30 seconds. I also have no allergies or health concerns or anything like that,” Blackburn said. Buddig Hall is currently almost at maximum capacity. Rice followed up with Facilities on Aug. 13th.
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PUZZLES Across 1 Magic: The Gathering fan’s collection 6 “You are __”: map message 10 Slugger Sammy 14 Capital of Ghana 15 Yemen neighbor 16 Birds associated with wisdom 17 Attraction in a neighborhood park 19 Skewed view 20 Flow slowly 21 General idea 22 Lobby group for seniors 25 Illuminating item in an emergency kit 29 Word before metal and music 31 Buoyant 32 Kitchen tool needed for some potato dishes 34 Commuter’s fee 35 Garden implement 38 Phone history list 40 Fail to show up for 42 Streaming interruptions 43 Argentine author Jorge __ Borges 45 Italian town with a namesake coast 46 “Go Birds!” NFL team 48 Iron alloy 49 Outing for two couples 53 Literary governess Jane 54 Up to 55 Love, in Spanish 57 Actor Estrada 58 Consecutive, or a hint to what can follow the first parts and precede the second parts of 17-, 25-, 38-, 40-, and 49-Across 64 Country singer Lovett 65 Shrek, for one 66 Nintendo’s The Legend of __ 67 Notices 68 Some small dogs 69 Official order
Down 1 Lid 2 Knee surgery target, for short 3 Color TV pioneer 4 Unproductive period 5 Mint family herb 6 Fuss 7 Down Under bird 8 Appeared in print 9 Cease 10 “That’s that, then” 11 In debt 12 Cut drastically, as prices 13 Valuable quality 18 Gridiron official 21 Ski races with gates 22 Pet welfare org. 23 On track to win 24 Film spools 26 Away from the bow, on a boat 27 Untidy one 28 Say hi, in slang 30 Dishy memoir 33 Cheek colorer 35 Like moth-eaten clothing 36 Buyer’s proposal 37 Submit taxes online 39 __ the lily: add unnecessary decor 41 Sloshy mattress 44 Salty expanse 46 Chargeable two-wheelers 47 Poles in a tomato garden 49 Old-fashioned showdowns 50 Sandwich request 51 Purposeful 52 First responder: Abbr. 56 Flow slowly 58 Droid 59 In the past 60 Get weepy 61 “__ Baba and the Forty Thieves” 62 Public health agcy. 63 Dennings of “WandaVision”
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Meet the new Market: How does it work?
Loyola student checks in to market using his student ID. The new automation system in the market is now open this semester. Lily Bordelon/The Maroon.
By Nicholas Parrella nrparrel@my.loyno.edu
The Loyola University community will now be able to shop at the market using Amazon’s Just Walk Out Technology which will allow shoppers to purchase items with little to no interactions with employees and without waiting in a checkout line. The Just Walk Out website refers to this as “seamless” tech, utilizing artificial intelligence, cameras and sensors to track shoppers and the items they select. Before entering the Market. Shoppers will stop at
a pay station located right in front of the entrance. Shoppers will tap either a debit or credit card at the station. Once the payment is authorized the entry gate will open granting access to the store. Shoppers can walk around the store as they normally would. They can pick up items, put them back on the shelves, and take them out of the store. Using the system's high functioning AI powered system, it applies a numeric code to the shopper which acts as a temporary form of identification. This allows for more than one shopper to enter
the store without purchases getting mixed up. The new tech also tracks which products are popular, and which ones aren’t, making it easier to keep track of what shoppers at the Market actually want to purchase. When done shopping, the customer can exit the store with their chosen items. A QR code is available for shoppers to scan if they want to access a receipt. Loyola students can also use Wolf Bucks to pay. Wolf Bucks can be accessed through the Grubhub app, however, a backup payment method must be
added to every account in case the shopper does not have enough funds to cover the entire transaction. This new system is designed to make shopping at the Market quicker, and more convenient.
Entergy gives nearly $500,000 in rebates to Loyola By: Alondra Gonzalez amgonzal@my.loyno.edu
The partnership between Loyola University New Orleans and Energy Smart has led to $489,115 in rebates between 2023 and 2025, raising questions across campus as to how this partnership will affect student life and the campus community as a whole. Loyola University shared the news on July 29 about the involvement of Energy Smart which has created an opportunity for cost-efficient improvements across campus. Some of these changes include chilled water system optimization, the installation of a new building management system, and LED lighting upgrades, while also saving approximately $500,000 per month in energy and operational services for the university. “Our partnership with Energy Smart has allowed us to modernize critical infrastructure, reduce our environmental impact, and realize significant operational savings that can be reinvested in our educational mission. We are grateful for Energy Smart’s outstanding partnership and shared commitment to building a more sustainable future.” said Dr.
Xavier Cole, president of Loyola University New Orleans, in the press release. According to their website, Energy Smart is an energy efficiency program developed by the New Orleans City Council in 2010. The site goes on to say that it is committed to helping Louisiana residents reduce energy consumption, while also saving money in the process. The program is administered by Entergy New Orleans, a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Although the press article describes a series of upgrades since having the support of Energy Smart, students wonder what the rebate money means for their future at Loyola. Dennis Ragas, a junior computer science major, shared his thoughts and concerns regarding the collaboration. Ragas stated that he’s "optimistic about the possibilities the partnership offers to Loyola”, but wants the opportunities to “benefit everyone involved, especially students”. “I hope the money can be used to work on construction around campus, including West Road garage and Biever Hall renovations. I’d also like to see my-
self and other students have resources that will benefit us directly and are enjoyed during our time here, as well as by future students”, he stated when asked what changes matter to him the most. Ragas wishes to see changes in dayto-day activities that he feels are often overlooked, such as the vending machines having frequent issues and unsanitary conditions in the dorm halls. “This money would allow Loyola to address inconveniences students feel are too small to express,” Ragas claimed. When asked how this rebate money will affect student life, Julia LeBlanc, Loyola’s Director of Communications, stated “...the impact goes well beyond the rebate itself”, explaining how Loyola has "reduced campus electrical consumption by approximately 22% since 2023 and is realizing approximately $700,000 in annual electricity cost savings.” “For students in particular, this work may happen largely behind the scenes, but its benefits are felt throughout campus,” LeBlanc said. Additionally, she explained how this partnership “demonstrates that sustainability and responsible stewardship can
President Xavier Cole with Entergy executives outside of Marquette Hall. Loyola University New Olreans receives nearly 500,000 dollars in rebates on July 29. Courtesy of Julia Leblanc for the Maroon.
go hand in hand. “We are proud of the progress Loyola has made, and we see this as part of an ongoing commitment to caring for our campus, using our resources responsibly and building a stronger, more sustainable Loyola for the future,” LeBlanc
concludes.
PROGRAM: Loyola prepares for NCAA transition By Amari Winchester abwinches@my.loyno.edu program and the University as a whole.” Simpson explains. For Simpson, this shift not only gives the sports department a brighter future but also honors the traditions of Loyola athletics.
As of Leblanc, he states that he’s excited to take on this new position at Wolf Pack Athletics. "Thank you, Brett Simpson, for the opportunity to guide another Jesuit institution into the ranks of the NCAA. I am thrilled to make New Orleans home,” Leblanc said. “I cannot wait to get started and engage with the campus communi-
ty." 15 of Loyola’s 22 sports programs will be participating in the new division. Swimming and beach volleyball will compete in NCAA independent programs, while cheer, dance, rugby, and esports will compete in other national organizations all together. This shift will be in full effect in Fall
2027. For two years, Loyola will be in a trial membership, and once concluded, that would make the university official members of the division in the 20292030 school year. Loyola University President Dr. Xavier A. Cole states that "This move reflects our institutional growth and the direction we are heading as a university. We
are continuing to elevate Loyola on the national stage while deepening our commitment to our students, alumni, and community.”
The Maroon Aug. 21, 2026
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Meta builds a $50 billion data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana By Angelica Pineda acpineda@my.loyno.edu
Technology company Meta released a multi billion dollar expansion for its data center in northern Louisiana, which has caused environmental concerns among students and staff at Loyola. Meta’s largest project is being built in rural Richland Parish, Louisiana. The project has been nicknamed Hyperion and will cost the conglomerate over $ 50 billion. Hyperion’s campus will span over 3,000 acres following a recent expansion this past summer. Despite all of the resources consumed with this project, Meta plans to give back both money and resources to Richland Parish as well as to the state of Louisiana through initiatives targeting opportunity, sustainability, and restoration. The promise of opportunity has been a factor in the endorsements made towards the data center by Gov. Jeff Landry, as well as students and professors at Loyola. “Meta’s investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana’s rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizes one of our state’s beautiful rural areas and creates opportunities for Louisiana workers to fill high-paying jobs of the future. I thank Meta for their commitment to our state,” Gov. Landry said on Meta's website. The hopes for revitalization were shared among students and professors at Loyola. Alessandro Braga, a business professor at Loyola with expertise in sustainable business practices, is optimistic about what this project could mean for Richland specifically. "Richland Parish is not a very wealthy parish and it’s about the 50th position among the 64 parishes across Louisiana in terms of gross domestic product. That
means it's not a very wealthy Parish, so having Meta invest there is a great opportunity,” said Braga. In terms of investments, Meta plans to give Richland grants that will go towards building a better community. The Data Center Community Action Grants program is Meta’s investment program which will directly fund small businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions within the Parish, and to all other database locations. Maxfield Mabius, a sophomore business student at Loyola agrees with Meta’s project yet feels skeptical about the environmental impacts. “I think if Meta actually follows through with rebuilding the parish and keeping their word it would be a winwin. However, I think the environmental effects will be a problem no matter what, such as sound and water pollution, which have been proven to disrupt the ecosystems around these AI centers,” Mabius said. Another Loyola student has reservations about the Hyperion datacenter based on the impacts of a datacenter that was built in his hometown. Zachary Molnar is a junior computer science student from Memphis Tennessee, where the xAI data center was built. “They were accused of using equipment like methane gas turbines that weren’t originally allowed to be used due to how much pollution they produced, yet this fact went completely unpunished,” Molnar said. Molnar is still skeptical of the Hyperion center despite the difference in leadership between Meta and Space X, who owns the xAI center in Memphis. “I get they are different companies but the effects of data centers are largely the same, all sharing facts of water consumption, treatment, waste, and general equipment in such bulk that it's hard to
give back what they take from their surroundings,” Molnar added. To combat the negative effects on the environment that Hyperion could have, Meta is initiating a “closed- circuit” system to reduce water usage and enable a “dry cooling” process to cool AI computing software. As for the water that is used, Meta promises to replace more than what they have used. According to Meta’s website, the Hyperion center will join other databases in using a new closed circuit system, which is still causing concerns due to how data centers with this model are new and have less data on whether this is truly sustainable for students and staff at Loyola. Students and staff at Loyola have mixed emotions of hope and skepticism towards Meta’s new systems. A sophomore business analytics major at Loyola, Michelle Tran, voiced her opinion on the new system. “I think it’s great that Meta is exploring different and new strategies to implementing to data centers because no matter what I think, data centers will become part of our new reality especially with the strong push for new and advanced technology,” Tran said. Braga has expressed his concerns about the lack of data and whether or not the company will be transparent about the data once the center is built. “We need data for tracking progress. So then sustainability is not a question of yes or no, it's a question of having the necessary transparency for making sure that a project is sustainable. Of course promises are great but they are just not enough,” Braga said. A looming concern for the project is if being transparent is enough to be sustainable. “These companies should be very transparent about the impacts of these data centers especially since it is a new
thing with little research and it really can’t be regulated or controlled by the government,” Tran added. The novelty of data centers and their longevity have also caused questions about sustainability. “I have some personal reservations on some of the elements of it, in particular how the positive externalities of the project will play out within 10 to 20 years, or if it's just going to be a project that will exploit local resources and then eventually consider other resources and move away,” Braga added. Meta is taking its resource usage into consideration as the company does
plan to help restore what they will take. Water stewardship has been a goal for Meta and what this means for Louisiana is the restoration of watersheds and water quality. Meta has partnered with Resource Environmental Solutions and funded the Mississippi River Water Action Collaborative to target issues within the Mississippi River basin. These efforts have made a positive impression on what Hyperion could mean for Richland and for Louisiana. “I believe it’s a good opportunity and we should take advantage of it,” Braga said.
Graphic of a robotic hand holding the state of Louisiana. Lily Borderlon/The Maroon
Mayor Helena Moreno Starts Initiative to Revamp Canal Street By Zoryn Johnson zkjohnso@my.loyno.edu
Photo of Canal Street on August 8, 2026. Sophia Renzi/The Maroon.
During a press conference, New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno announced her plans to revamp Canal Street, a popular staple of downtown New Orleans. On July 28, 2026, the Canal Street Renaissance Initiative was established by an executive order and is set to come in three phases including plans to support economic revitalization, draw in new investment, and boost the overall pedestrian experience. The initiative has already begun, focusing on “public safety, cleanliness, lighting, infrastructure, and quality of life,”according to the nola.gov website. “Canal Street is more than a roadway, it’s the front door to New Orleans and one of the most recognizable streets in America,” Moreno stated. “This initiative creates a clear strategy, strong accountability, and a dedicated coordinator within City Hall to ensure the work gets done to restore Canal Street as a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors,” Moreno added. Alaila McMillian, a Loyola student majoring in psychology expressed her concerns about the state of Canal Street. “I believe that some areas need fixing, such as the sidewalks,” McMillian said. Although her experience has been
largely positive, she believes that the area could still see some improvement. “After reading the articles about Canal, I believe she [Mayor Helena Moreno] has the potential to improve Canal by supporting businesses and keeping the area clean,” McMillian added. Shiloh El-Amin, an English Major from Slidell, Louisiana who currently lives in the city, shared their concerns with the street. “Personally, the biggest issues I’ve found with Canal Street are that the lighting makes it really hard for pedestrians at night, and the way the streetcar line isn’t exactly clean cut from main traffic [makes] it stressful for drivers, which ends up delaying the streetcar even more,” El-Amin explained. The director of this initiative, Saydie Finkel, originally Mayor Moreno’s Chief of Staff, will oversee the plan’s execution and provide progress updates. “Canal Street is one of New Orleans greatest assets and one of the most iconic streets in our country. It has long been a place where commerce, culture, and community come together, and our goal is to ensure it once again reflects the energy and creativity that define our city,” Finkel stated. Alaytia Nelson, a sophomore nursing major at Loyola, spoke on her experience with Canal Street. “It’s always been a place I love, so
much to see, so much to do. My mom used to tell us stories about it, and over the years those stories have changed,” Nelson stated. Although Nelson believes the current state of the famed New Orleans street is “alive and okay,” she also believes it no longer carries the same charm that it used to. “I believe a lot of Canal’s cultural identity has been taken over by capitalistic, forgettable shops that try to sell New Orleans rather than express or represent New Orleans,” Nelson said. “My hope is for Canal Street to become more than a tourist attraction, a true representation of what New Orleans is: a city of culture, wonder, and history.” When asked about whether or not Mayor Moreno will deliver on the initiative, Nelson responded, “I believe she will. I’m choosing to look on the bright side — she has strong qualifications and shows real promise, so I have faith she’ll do her best for this city,” It has not yet been confirmed how long it will take to complete phase one of the Canal Street Renaissance Initiative, but the plan is already underway. Longterm goals include bringing in new businesses to occupy untenanted storefronts and expanding arts, entertainment, and cultural programming in the area. The Mayoral Staff has not responded for comment.
LIFE AND TIMES A local going out guide for Loyola students!
The Maroon August 21, 2026
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By Ella Bozeman mbozema@my.loyno.edu Do you ever find yourself sitting at home on a friday night after a tough day of classes wanting to treat yourself to some fun? Read further for a Going Out Guide for Loyola students wanting to experience what New Orleans has to offer! If your age ranges from 18 to 20 here are some great bar options for you: No.1: The Boot. This classic nola bar is popular amongst the Tulane and Loyola students. They have a DJ most nights and no cover fee at the door, another plus for this bar is that it is a short walk from our campus. It has been around since 1965 and has been family owned for over 60 years, it's actually known as one of the best “college bars” in the country, according to The Athletic Another option for people under the age of 21 is No.2: Tipitina’s. This bar has live music 24/7 and often has some of our very own Loyola students taking the stage. It is a very spacious bar and has been around since 1977. It can be known as one of the best places in New Orleans to hear live music, ranging from local talent to touring artists. One last option for those in the younger crowd is No.3: Bruno’s bar, which is also located very close to Loyola and Tulane's campuses. Recently this bar reopened after being closed for a few months, and now will be under new management. This bar is very fun and can be found near many food places, for late night munchies, like Insomnia Cookies, Burger Nerds and more.
Popular and commercial music students perform on the Tipitina's stage on April 8, 2026. Sophia Renzi/ the Maroon
Moving onto the best 21+ bars in New Orleans, there are far more options, as this can include all the different bars and clubs located on Bourbon. No.4 and 5: Fnms and Grits are probably the most popular college 21+ bars. One fun fact about these two bars is actually that they are located directly next to each other. Therefore if you get bored of one bar you can take a one minute walk to the other saving some money on ubers or paid rides. Both of these bars have no cover fees
and have great vibes inside, as F & M's has string lights around the ceiling and around the bar, including a secret upstairs bar, and Grits has two paintings on the wall dedicated to Loyola and Tulane. One last fun 21+ bar to try out is No.6: Vintage Rock Club. This bar is located very close to Bourbon, and is a rock/music themed bar. Near the bathroom is a wall with many records and pictures of rock artists, giving the bar a vintage vibe. Another cool fact about this bar is that w
hatever song is playing in the bar, the music video from the song is displayed on a huge screen in the bar. This helps you to dance along and enjoy the people and music around you. that whatever song is playing in the bar, the music video from the song is displayed on a huge screen in the bar. This helps you to dance along and enjoy the people and music around you. If none of these bars do the trick for you there always is Bourbon street, but that's a story for a different day as Bour-
bon has over 60 bars. Bourbon is often a tourist trap: everyone visiting Nola has to stop and experience Bourbon as it’s filled with music clubs, special drinks, and more! New Orleans is such a fun place to explore and become acquainted with while you stay here for college, don’t forget to check any of these bars out if ever needing a place to go have fun with some friends after a long day of classes or whenever you have a weekend free!
Ariana Grande’s “Petal”: An open dialogue about rage By Stella Perdue swperdue@my.loyno.edu Despite the noise, Ariana Grande made one thing abundantly clear with her eighth studio album “Petal”: she isn’t going anywhere. Musically, Grande returned to her “Sweetener” roots via an exploration of Imogen Heap-esque sonics and loops. Her vocals, simultaneously poignant yet striking, offer a brooding side to her we haven’t seen in a while. From the get-go, the album transcends into Grande’s starry headspace– quite literally, the first twenty seconds of the record mimic a lift off into outer space–demonstrating her desire to reflect and evolve. Regardless of poor critical reception, Grande stands firm against ongoing public scrutiny by addressing it directly throughout a twelve track journey. At the heart of “Petal” is an emotion Grande describes as “an unfiltered rage” in an interview with Apple Music. While this is more obviously conveyed through tracks like “petal” and “like i do,” it is arguable that a majority of the record runs on an undercurrent of Grande’s ferality. It’s subtle, but there if you listen for it. Backlash against the record has targeted this subtlety, with several critics and fans arguing that it is too soft or not ragey enough, but I disagree. Grande’s career has continuously
revolved around her kind persona, her ability to demonstrate compassion for her fellow man no matter what the general public is saying about her. I’d argue that part of Grande’s mystique is her innate lyrical ability to brush off negativity without raising her voice. She doesn’t require a complete genre makeover or a 180 degree turn into head-banging alternative rock to articulate herself well–she doesn’t need to stoop to the level of the Twitter finger population. A perfect example of this is the track “freak”, where Grande engages in dialogue with those who tear her down as they demand more from her: “no, i won’t do what you say, freak,” Grande sings in a manner I can only describe as utterly exhausted. What I enjoy best about “Petal” is its layered nuance. The central imagery for the album is what Grande explains as a flower sprouting from cracked pavement. Interpretively, it signifies perseverance in light of a broken foundation–the broken foundation being Grande’s trauma. The title track delves into this extended metaphor as Grande’s piercing voice tells us that her relationship with music is here to stay, that “it will never die,” and that she is tired of being confined to past bouts of sadness. Funnily enough, the next track is actually called “stay”, which is all about how
Grande doesn’t want to retreat behind the curtain again. All she wants to do is make music for the people who appreciate her art. She doesn’t want this to be “another corrective experience,” she doesn’t want to be a cautionary tale like the talking heads in misinformed TikTok ‘analyses’ are trying to make her out to be in terrifyingly parasocial ways. With that said, the main issue I’ve noticed with critiques of the record is that listeners are simply unable to grasp that multiple truths can exist at the same time. For one, there’s this notion floating around that Grande’s album is ‘male-centered,' that the songs are mainly about her ex-husband Dalton Gomez or that the bouncier ones are only dedicated to her reunited romance with Ricky Alvarez. All I can do in response is laugh. Grande is not defined by the men in her life–it’s honestly insulting to her breadth as a musician to default to this tired rhetoric, which is quite frankly misogynistic at worst, plain stupid at best. Once again, the panopticon of social media fails to grasp what it means to mix metaphors, to speak to the general public under the guise of a few break up songs. And even if the music is as surface level as critics argue, who cares? It’s her art and her truth. I and so many other fans enjoy this
Ariana Grande's official album cover for her eighth studio album "Petal." The album released on July 31. of the AP News
music for what it is: a raw, honest confessional tackling basic human ferality. From sex and anger to acceptance and accountability, a major takeaway from “Petal” is that regardless of her booming starpower, Ariana Grande is a human being first.
A multidimensional person with flaws and strengths, someone who can keep sprouting anew despite the countless sledgehammers to her pavement.
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LIFE AND TIMES
The Maroon August 21, 2026
Trader Joe’s on Freret street brings affordable goods to students By Lily Bordelon lmbordel@my.loyno.edu With the recent opening of Trader Joe's on Freret Street, Loyola’s students are expressing their excitement about the new, affordable food options available nearby campus. This new grocery store, which opened over the summer on June 12, opens a new door to dieting options, meal planning, and more to students, all because of how healthy foods have become more accessible, especially to those who don’t have their own methods of transportation. Students have been clamoring for a Trader Joe’s for a while, due to its low price and high quality. This contrasts with nearby stores like Rouses that sell their items at higher prices, so students like junior Environmental Studies major Ana “Mars” Serrallés and junior Criminology and Justice major Carolina Herrera have expressed their willingness to begin frequenting the store. “The Trader Joe’s is pretty close to school and cheaper than Rouses, so I’ll probably go more often,” Serrallés said. Even for students who aren’t used to shopping at Trader Joe’s, like Herrera, the opening of one nearby sparks excitement, especially because it makes the opportunity to explore it more achievable. “I’ve never been a Trader Joe’s regular, in fact, I’ve only gone like… once or twice I think,” Herrera. said “With this new one opening close by though, I think I will definitely be going more.” Sophomore nursing majors Zeta Felix and Shiloh Grace also expressed their excitement about the recent opening. As students without cars, they rarely ever had the chance to
shop at Trader Joe’s. “I've done the route to the one that was… I don't know where it was, but it was, like, forever,” Felix said. “I took a streetcar and a bus, and it took half an hour to get there.” Grace additionally mentioned that opportunities to tag along with students who had cars were few and far between. “The only time I would go to Trader Joe's was if I had a ride, and it would be like twice a semester,” she said. Loyola students still recognize the practicality of eating on campus, especially in the Orleans Room, and agree that they will continue doing so. However, having a Trader Joe’s nearby is still a great option in their eyes, as it lets them switch up their diet in a refreshing, healthy way. “The opening of this store will definitely help me out with having more accessible healthier snacks, and even though I eat my meals at the OR, I might go grocery shopping more often since it’s in a much more convenient location,” Herrera said. “Though, I still think I will eat the majority of my meals at the OR.” On the other hand, students like Grace who have dietary restrictions find it difficult to have healthy meals in the Orleans Room. Because of this, having Trader Joe’s nearby as a means to get the right kinds of food helps Grace with choosing what to eat. “I have a lot of dietary restrictions, and Trader Joe's checks off all the boxes most of the time,” she said. If students are interested in frequenting Trader Joe’s or experiencing the shop for the first time, the new location is at 2428 Napoleon Ave. and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day of the week. Locals walk into the new Trader Joes on Freret street on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. Alana Frank/the Maroon
What incoming freshmen actually worry about By Athalie dore atdore@my.loyno.edu
For every incoming college freshmen, the start of a new academic year brings all the excitement of starting a new era in life, along with a wave of uncertainty about what the future has in store. Beneath the surface of all the excitement, many students are struggling with a range of worries. Some freshmen are like Ashley Gernhardt, whose anxiety centers on the more stereotypical shift from adolescence to adulthood. “I guess getting used to…living on my own…,” Gernhardt said. The challenge nearly every freshman faces: the transition from having decisions made for you to making them yourself. Cooking meals,vsleeping with strangers, doing laundry, and balancingtime between classes and a social life are all skills many students are learning for the first time, often through trial and error during their first semester away from home. Others may relate more to Cara Wikoff, whose worry takes a more tangible form. Rather than on the fear of independence itself, Wikoff focuses on being prepared. “I would say I’m definitely worried about having everything that I need. I’m definitely an overpacker. So the
thought of not having something really worries me,” Wikoff said. The fear of being caught unprepared in an unfamiliar environment, where a lost item can’t be retrieved from another room in the house. For students like Wikoff, the instinct to bring extra supplies is more about control. For others still the most urgent worry may be payment rather than packing. Arianna Collins says she is more concerned with a question that could determine whether she’s able to stay in school at all: can she afford it? “One thing that I’m super duper worried about is whether or not education will cost more and I won’t be able to afford school,” Collins said. “At the moment, government funding isn’t covering enough, and expenses are too high. The cost of living is more than anything at this moment, and it just makes school very stressful, especially because the funding that you were supposed to get is no longer guaranteed due to the administration right now,” she continued. Between changes in federal funding by the Trump administration and rising tuition costs and general nationwide economic concerns, this year's incoming class’ more urgent worry is financial. For Collins, and students just like her, the stress of academics is compounded by the stress of staying enrolled.
Freshmen at the student services fair during welcome week on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Carlos Andrade/the Maroon
SPORTS
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The Maroon August 21, 2026
Chad LeBlanc steps into role in Loyola's athletic department By Elise Beck erbeck@my.loyno.edu Loyola brought on Chad LeBlanc as its new associate athletic director for compliance and administration as the university transitioned into the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Until then, Loyola had been a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. LeBlanc noted that the NCAA had a larger network than the NAIA, which could lead to Loyola getting more national buzz. “We want people to come with us. We want something to give the students to rally behind,” LeBlanc said while talking about the change. “Compliance” and “administration” were words that contrasted with LeBlanc’s sunny demeanor as he beamed through his Zoom camera, sitting in the sparse office of someone with a brand new job. “I’m going to be taking a handson approach, leading teams into the NCAA,” LeBlanc said. LeBlanc found his passion for collegiate athletics during his time as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played several instruments in marching band. LeBlanc was inspired to study at Marquette’s sports law institute after graduating, stating that “my successes were tied to the athletic program's success.” LeBlanc hoped that the transition could serve the Loyola student body as a whole, noting that more students showing up to athletic events could improve school spirit as a whole. “The NCAA has more rules than the NAIA,” LeBlanc said. Ensuring that Loyola’s sports teams did not break the rules of the NCAA was an important objective for LeBlanc and was essentially why he was there. “I’ve spent the last week reading through the manual,” LeBlanc said. “It’s a detective-like role.” Catching student-athletes and locking them up for bad behavior was not LeBlanc’s goal, however. “It’s about how we correct violations,” he said. “College is a lot of learning out-
Chad LeBlanc holds up the 2026-2027 Division II manual in the Loyola University sports complex. Leblanc was hired as the new associate athletic director of compliance. Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Elise Beck/The Maroon
side the classroom.” He had experienced many meaningful lessons after failure, and his advice to college students was to “own your mistakes.” “Chad was never too busy to help or talk or anything.” said Kassandra Fairly, a former student-athlete at Spring Hill College who worked closely with LeBlanc. Fairly remembered asking LeBlanc a range of questions, knowing he would always dig and find answers for her. “Considering he’s someone who knows so much about the compliance side of things, I felt like he was always interested in learning something new,”
Fairly said. Another one of LeBlanc’s Spring Hill colleagues, Athletic Director Joe Niland, explained that his first impression of LeBlanc was that he was “highly intelligent, very organized, very knowledgeable, and a tremendously hard worker.” Niland went on to describe LeBlanc as a “perfectionist.” “He’s a highly motivated type of person. He’s one of those people in class who would get mad if he didn’t have 100% on an assignment. He doesn’t like making mistakes,” Niland said. Niland explained that perfectionism was a strength for someone managing
a school’s NCAA status because “if you mess up, you can cost eligibility per student-athlete, or for a team. If you make a mistake, it could be critical.” “That’s why you need somebody who is really dedicated and serious,” Niland said. Niland praised LeBlanc’s legal background for giving him the skills to do the in-depth reading of the NCAA handbook that his role required. LeBlanc explained that before he was an undergraduate, the form of correction that worked most effectively on him was a public dressing-down. “I’m the type that public berating
would get me to fix something,” he said. LeBlanc also understood that discipline was different for everyone. “Don’t be so impassioned that you choose the wrong method of correction,” he said. At convocation that year, President Xavier Cole noted that Loyola’s online presence had been getting more traffic as of late due to its shift to the NCAA. “For the president of the university to be talking about it, it’s a big deal,” LeBlanc explained with a smile.
Loyola welcomes incoming freshman athletes to the Wolf Pack By Angelica Pineda acpineda@my.loyno.edu Loyola’s athletic programs are expanding as the university opens this year with incoming freshman athletes who are looking to grow with the university through multiple sports programs. This upcoming year, Loyola’s athletics department is turning things up a notch as it prepares to enter the ranks as a Division II university for the 2027-2028 year. In the meantime, for the 2026 school year, Loyola is welcoming new athletes who are stepping up to continue the success of the university. One student Markuss Siipko, an incoming international business freshman coming from Latvia, looks forward to his time at Loyola with optimism as he shares his experience during the recruitment stage for the Men’s Basketball team. “I decided on coming to Loyola to play basketball because of the great educational level the school has. Secondly, Coach Lindsey and the coaching staff have made this place seem like family to me, everyone has been really accommodating towards me on moving from overseas, so it was a no brainer overall,” Siipko said. Outside recruitment, Siipko also shares his hopes for growth at Loyola as he gains new experiences through the university. “I feel like coming here will definitely
be beneficial as an athlete in a new environment as well as learning new things. Can’t forget to improve as a student as well,” Siipko said. Noah Clement is a New Orleans local and incoming freshman who will be joining the athletics department as a member of the Men’s Cross Country team. Clement expresses his content with starting a new life at the university as a student athlete as he looks at all of the possibilities for his academic and athletic career. “I am excited to be in a new environment, meet new people, and compete at the next level of athletics,” Clement said. David Melendez is another New Orleans local and incoming freshman athlete at Loyola who shares the same sentiment of optimism for this upcoming school year. Melendez is a psychology major who will now play in Loyola’s recently formed rugby team. “I’m very excited about rugby and how the Loyola community will feel towards the team and the sport. I hope the people find it as fun and interesting and come out to support us for this upcoming season,” Melendez said.Clement expresses the reality of what it means to be a student athlete and how that affects his day to day life with balancing academics, athletics, and a life outside of school. “I expect my day to day as a student athlete to be busy, with early morning practices, midday classes, and evening work. I have been learning how to man-
age my schedule for a while now, and I feel well prepared to take on this next step in my life. I am excited to see what the future holds for me, and I am even more excited to begin this new chapter,” Clement said. The busy schedule of a student athlete is challenging for most freshmen who are trying to find the balance between academic life, social life, and athletics. Haydent Perret, a freshman business major who will be joining the Women’s Volleyball team shares her concerns while still remaining hopeful for what Loyola has to offer. “My fear going into freshman year is balancing student athlete life,” Perret said. Perret also sees a future with Loyola due to the academic prowess of the university. “I also believe Loyola has great resources, especially in the college of business. I am so excited to meet people from all over the world, and connect with my professors,” added Perret. Despite the fears and worries that come with being a freshman, nonetheless a freshman athlete, these students see Loyola as a lifelong opportunity and the reason why they chose to join the pack. “Loyola is the best choice to set me up for my future,” Clement said.
Loyola men's basketball freshmen Jackson Kinzig, Frankie Greenberg, Markuss Sipko, and Langston Adams Jr. pose together ahead of their first season with the Wolf Pack. They're a few of the newest additions to Loyola's athletics department. Aug. 13, 2026. Dima Ahmad/The Maroon.
OPINION
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The Maroon August 21, 2026
Surviving freshmen year: a senior's guide and lines for Chick-fil-a and Jimmy Johns are long. Plan your time wisely — packing snacks can be helpful. Rooming Dorm rooms are liberating, but can also feel claustrophobic. They’re small and don’t often have great natural light. The adjustment to living with a roommate, whether a friend or a stranger, can be challenging. The key to a healthy living situation is communication. Not all freshman year roommates become best friends, and that’s alright. But, having a comfortable living space is vital to keeping stress low throughout college, especially during the first year. A common conflict is cleaning. Have an early conversation about the cleanliness expectations, and residential assistants can help facilitate. Also, make sure to clarify how each roommate feels about guests.
Freshmen moving in to Buddig Hall, as the Fall 2026 school year starts. Freshmen advice on how to survive their first year from a senior. Sophia Renzi/The Maroon
By Eloise Pickering ewpicker@my.loyno.edu
The first year of college is an experience like no other. It’s exciting, terrifying, and surprising in unexpected ways. It’s exhausting and energizing. Adjusting takes time, but it’s much easier to navigate with a couple hacks. Dining
When it comes to dining, there are two things to remember: budget your Wolfbucks and DIY the Orleans Room. Between Starbucks and Chick-fil-a, Wolfbucks can go very quickly and it’s so disappointing to have three weeks left in the semester and a zero dollar balance. For most meal plans, between $30 and $40 Wolfbucks a week is enough to last you for the semester.
The Orleans Room can be delicious, especially with a little creativity. Each section typically has enough to be a complete meal, but don’t be afraid to pick and choose. The first few weeks, take your time to explore and experiment. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, there’s a block from 12:15 to 2:00 p.m. where no classes take place. The OR is packed
Classes Communication is key! Life happens, but make sure to email your professors as soon as an issue arises. They’re often going to be much more accommodating when ample notice is given about a missed class or late assignment. Always do the reading. It’s a pain and sometimes easy to brush aside. But, college is expensive and the readings optimize learning. Yes, they can sometimes be a drag, but they really do make assignments, exams, and studying so much easier. Friends The first couple weeks of freshman year can be lonely, scary, and confusing. Don’t let fear or anxiety get in the way of what could be a wonderful friendship or excursion.
It’s intimidating to try and make new friends, it’s ok to start slow. Ask the person you sit next to in class to grab coffee in between classes, or join a club. A lot of freshmen are in the same boat, people want to make friends. Getting off campus Loyola is a comfortable campus, and just about anything you could need is right here. Leave. Explore this wonderful city. There are some fantastic restaurants within walking distance or right on the streetcar line. Oak Street has some great gems, and is only about ten minutes away by streetcar. Freret Street has yummy food, and often has little pop-up markets on the weekend. Gasa Gasa, also on Freret, is a funky venue for affordable live music. If you’re going out at night, make sure to have a buddy. A lone stroll can be very relaxing, but safety comes first. If you’re going far from campus, especially after dark, bring along a couple friends and always make sure to have a safe meet-up spot. It can help to share locations too. Use your resources Loyola offers great programs to support students. Don’t suffer in silence, use your resources! College can be stressful, and mental health is important. A visit, or visits, to the University Counseling Center can make the transition manageable. The Office of Writing and Learning Services is great for tutoring, and some professors offer extra credit or grade forgiveness if a visit is made. The Career Center is also available for resumes, cover letters, and help with jobs and internships.
Love Island USA had my summer in a chokehold By Alana Frank anfrank@my.loyno.edu
And honestly I wasn’t complaining… And honestly I wasn’t complaining… By now, if you didn't watch Love Island USA this summer, congratulations. You're stronger than the rest of us. For everyone else? Welcome to the support group. Every year, I tell myself I'm not getting invested. Every year I say, "It's just reality TV." And every year, I somehow end up yelling at my TV like the islanders can hear me through the screen. This season was no different. Somewhere between the first bombshell entering the villa and the emotional rollercoaster that was Casa Amor, I completely lost control of my life. My entire schedule revolved around 8 p.m. Dinner? It could wait. Laundry? Tomorrow. Responding to texts? Depends... is the episode over yet? If you tried to call me while Love Island was on, just know I assumed it wasn't important. One of the funniest parts of this season wasn't even the show, it was everyone watching it. Suddenly, every single person became a licensed relationship therapist. "Oh, he's emotionally unavailable." "She's ignoring the red flags." "They need better communication." Respectfully... half of us can't communicate that we're running five minutes late to class. And don't even get me started on TikTok. My For You Page became a full-time Love Island re-run. There were edits, recaps, conspiracy theories, podcasts, interviews, and somehow people analyzing Sincere’s funny metaphors. Apparently, it means you're lying
now. I couldn't escape it, and honestly, I wasn't trying to. The group chats also deserve an award. Every episode turned into complete chaos. "DID Y'ALL SEE THAT?" "HE’S SUCH A LIAR." Oh my God, Sincere this and Sincere that. "I would have gone home because absolutely not." There were approximately 400 messages every night, and somehow everyone watched the episode at the exact same time. It felt less like watching TV and more like attending a fun mandatory nightly meeting. Then came Casa Amor. Whoever invented Casa Amor deserves an Emmy... and maybe a therapist. Every season, we convince ourselves that our favorite couples will survive. Every season, they prove us wrong. Wait, but except my favorite, Trinity and Bryce! I've never been so emotionally invested in people I've never met. The producers also have a personal vendetta against our sleep schedules. Every episode ended with a dramatic cliffhanger. "Tomorrow night..." No. Tell me now. You cannot show someone saying, "I have something to tell you," and then immediately roll the credits. That's emotional manipulation. The craziest part is how quickly Love Island took over everyday conversations. People stopped asking, "How was your day?" Instead it became: "So... did you watch last night's episode?"
If the answer was no, the conversation ended there. Even our vocabulary changed. Nobody wanted to "talk." They wanted to "pull you for a chat." Nobody was dating. They were "exploring connections." Nobody was confused. They're “EXPLORING." Gosh! I’m so tired of that word. At its core, though, Love Island did something few shows manage to do, it gave everyone something to talk about. Whether you were watching every episode, catching up through TikTok, or pretending not to care while secretly knowing every islander’s name, it became the unofficial event of the summer.
“Every season, we convince ourselves that our favorite couples will survive. Every season, they prove us wrong.” — Alana Frank
It wasn't just reality TV anymore. It was a group chat. It was the memes. It was the nightly debates. It was collectively yelling, "Girl, stand up!" at our screens while somehow making the exact same bad decisions in our own dating lives. Will I say I'm not watching next season? Of course. Will I somehow end up emotionally attached to complete strangers after three episodes? Unfortunately... yes. See y'all in the villa next summer. The official poster for Love Island USA, season 8. The reality dating show premiered this summer and attracted a massive fanbase. Courtesy of Peacock
The Maroon August 21, 2026
EDITORIAL
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HOWLS & GROWLS HOWL to First Press Night GROWL to Waiting for Financial Aid HOWL to Silly Week GROWL to Heat Waves HOWL to Brinity GROWL to Microbes Editorial Board
Same old financial aid story, when will it change? By Maria Touzard mstouzar@my.loyno.edu
As classes begin, and students start to swarm campus once again, a deeply concerning issue faces hundreds of students. A third of Loyola students are still pending on financial aid processes, meaning they have not yet received their financial aid packages, even as classes have begun. The Office of Financial Aid explained that those students who had yet to receive their packages were to receive an extension to choose a payment plan until August 21st and would not be dropped from their Fall courses. Yet, the department did not give any official timelines for when these packages would fall into students’ accounts, stating that that there is no single completion date that applies for every pending package. Though students have been asked to maintain contact if they are awaiting their packages, the financial aid department seems to be hard to reach. This is not a new problem at Loyola. The Office of Financial Aid was not taken by surprise on this issue, as this is a recurring matter. After a complete re-staffing of the department last year, it is clear that there is an understanding that something is not working within the department. The delayed financial aid packages are a failure to plan on the Office’s
behalf. This should not have been an emergency in which staff has to work extra hours and as fast as possible to get the awards to the corresponding students. Even with the change in staff and seeming attempts to fix what has become a repeated matter within the department, Loyola students have found the same outcome they did with those who were previously in office. There seems to be an obvious administrative disconnect between Financial Aid and the students. Students have reported a full voicebox when trying to call the office and having the necessity to physically go to the office in Thomas Hall to attempt to talk to staff. Some believe the office is understaffed. An office as important as that of Financial Aid being so poorly organized is a concerning, urgent matter that should be on every student's mind. If this is a known complication for the department, why was no action taken beforehand? The answer is simple, the Office of Financial Aid is broken. There is deficient communication on their part, more so in at least letting students know when they will see their financial aid packages. Responses have, too, left something to be desired. With no official time frame for the packages, an upcoming deadline to choose a payment plan, and difficulty
communicating with the department, a sentiment of helplessness is felt amongst students. However, the foremost issue of this broken bureaucracy is that of organization. It is known that Loyola has had continuous problems with financial aid packages. The fact that the department is still not adequately staffed and has yet to complete assigning students their corresponding packages is nothing short of absurd. Students have a right to be outraged. After the university was so harsh with students over the past few semesters and kicked them out of classes for overdue bills, the Office of Financial Aid’s request for patience and understanding seems like a slap to the face of students. Perhaps if this was a first time issue, they might have received some grace. But as a result of previous mishaps and their severe actions on students’ missed deadlines for lesser payments, they have burned through their good will. We are tired of writing editorials about the Office of Financial Aid’s shortcomings. Students should not feel such mistrust towards an office that by default should be stable and timely. Though they have acknowledged the problem, it does not compensate for their actions, or rather, lack of.
Editor in Chief Alana Frank Managing Editor for Print Elise Beck Pre-Content Director Stella Perdue Post-Content Director Carlos Andrade Campus News Editor Nicholas Parrella Worldview Editor Angelica Pineda Life and Times Editor Amari Winchester Assistant Life and Times Editor Alondra Gonzalez Sports Editor Zoryn Johnson Opinion and Editorial Editor Maria Touzard Assistant Opinions Editor Fin Jones Breaking News Editor Mabel Regalado-Hernandez Wolf Creative Director Makayla Parker Wolf Editoial Manager Laci Williams Senior Staff Photographer Sophia Renzi Assistant Photo Editor Adriana Escobar Design Chief Kate Dalrymple Social Media Manager Adriana Escobar Social Media Manager Clarissa Dupree Social Media Manager Elena Godoy Copy Editor Pablo Editor Newscast Editor Christopher Nesbit Co-Anchor Dessadra Tezeno EDITORIAL POLICY The editorial on this page represents the majority opinions of The Maroon’s editorial board and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Loyola University. Letters and columns reflect the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of The Maroon’s editorial board. The Maroon does not represent the opinion of administration, staff 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. Please send all submissions — The Maroon, 6363 St. Charles Ave., Box 64, New Orleans, LA 70118. Email us your letters — letter@ loyno.edu. Submissions may also be made online at www.loyolamaroon.com.
OPINION College students tackle burnout
The Maroon August 21, 2026
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By Fin Jones ffjones@my.loyno.edu
Entering again the world of tests and assignments–of late nights and early mornings, we are faced with the overwhelming weight of expectations. The demands of college are abundant– not just the immediate demands, but also those of the future; what our hard work is leading towards. These obligations are a major source of anxiety, which can make us feel stuck, and by extension, isolated. This isolation comes from a hyperfocus on goals. We can be so set on achieving these goals that we end up completely losing steam, and the ability to socialize and enjoy our routine falls by the wayside. We enter tunnel vision, and can see nothing but the impossible objectives before us. College comes with many expectations of what it should be. But in the midst of a semester, we are met with the reality of it all. The fact is, nothing is ever as perfect as we imagine it–and it is better to make the best of what we have. Instead of shutting down and stewing in the discomfort, in the words of Albert Camus, embrace the absurd! We can easily lose ourselves during the school year. Our sense of self becomes linked to our ability to perform as a student. We inhabit our idea of what a student is and lose sight of the person we are. This feeling of depersonalization can be hard to come back from, it is a loss of self and reality. Reaching out to others can be a very productive thing to do in a slump like this. As counterintuitive as it may seem, I believe that having the right kind of alone time can be helpful as well. A great mental health break can be as simple as a walk in Audubon park; being outside forces one to be present. Ultimately, we must try and find a school-life balance. We must maintain those two sides of ourselves, and allow them to coexist. We are vibrant and complex beings–and as students, are worth more than our ability to get good grades and study hard. The role we play at this moment in our lives is not the end all be all of our existence. Be a student, but before that, be a person.
College life can quickly become challenging. As students go through the moves and try to balance academics, social lives, and planning for the future, burnout becomes a common theme. Kate Dalrymple/The Maroon
First-generation and low-income students face hidden challenges By Akela McLean akmclean@my.loyno.edu
College is supposed to be one of the best experiences of your life. New adventures, meeting new people, and learning new things. College can also be extremely daunting, especially for low income and first generation students. First-generation and low-income students face several obstacles that hinder their academic success.Since these students tend to worry about finances and family—anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout can become common challenges they face. Colleges should care more about students’ mental health because mental health and academics are intertwined, they go hand in hand; one can impact the other. The school needs to implement better support systems to prevent students from feeling alienated and help them reach their full potential. Many first-generation students never had someone to help or walk them
through college. From filling out financial aid forms to scheduling and figuring out how to navigate campus life, without someone guiding them. Many students become frustrated, leading them feeling unmotivated, which can affect their grades. Feeling as though no one can relate to them or having no one to talk to can make students feel alienated, which can lead to depression and loneliness. For many low income and first generation students who excelled in high school, there can be immense pressure to maintain the same level of achievement. But as grades start to slip, it often feels like you've let your parents down, and that you don't deserve to be here. There are many counseling services on college campuses, and students can walk in for any kind of support. But, a lot of first-generation students aren’t aware of these resources or feel uncomfortable seeking help. First-generation students are less likely to utilize campus mental health services even though they experience
high levels of mental health difficulties. This is supported by a study conducted by Sarah Ketchen Lipson, titled “Mental health among first-generation college students: Findings from the national healthy minds study, 2018–2021.” There are many barriers, such as stigma, lack of awareness, cultural attitudes, and unfamiliarity with what resources are available. Many feel that if they ask for help, they’re weak ,or that they’ll be judged. This is very alarming because the earlier students can receive help for mental health issues, the better they can manage them. Avoiding asking for help can negatively affect their grades, physical health, and can increase their dropout rate. Ash Bayer, who works at the University Counseling Center, mentioned in our interview that mental health can play a big role in academic performance. Ms. Bayer said “While some stress can help motivate students, too much stress can cause students to not get good sleep, miss classes, lose focus, and not participate in class.”
Some students aren’t just worried about school, they have to work one or more jobs to pay for college.They may also struggle to find affordable transportation to campus without sacrificing time for sleep , studying and work. Some may have to stay at home to help take care of family members. Students that have to worry about work and home on top of school, often tend to feel burned out, which is a big factor in missing class and grades slipping. The university should focus on increasing students’ awareness of the mental health and academic support resources already available on campus. With 24/7 counselling services , peer support groups , mentors at the Student Success Center and career advising coaches, students have access to many forms of support. However, some students may not know this exists. By promoting these services more clearly and consistently, more students can find the support they need. Faculty members who genuinely care about students and actively connect students with resources can make
a major difference. At Loyola , there are faculty members who genuinely care about these students , understand their challenges and actively want to connect them with the support they need. With caring faculty and resources already in place, Loyola has a strong foundation to help these students succeed. The university's main focus should be on promoting these resources more so that students know they are available and feel encouraged to use them. Community support and faculty engagement play a major role in improving mental health and academic success for first-generation students. First-generation and low-income students face unique pressures that many overlook, and these challenges can have lasting effects on their education and overall well-being. Colleges must move beyond simply encouraging students to “work harder” and instead create environments where students can thrive emotionally as well as academically.