From: Office of Equity & Inclusion
Date: September 4
Subject: The Office of Equity and Inclusion's IDEA Newsletter! | September 2025


THE IDEA newsletter SEPTEMBER 2025, ISSUE NO. 21
Office of Equity and Inclusion IDEA Newsletter Jan 2023 Issue 3

Welcome to the IDEA Newsletter!

The IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) Newsletter is a monthly newsletter that is designed to curate the diversity, equity, and inclusion opportunities, resources, and initiatives that help to improve the campus climate at Loyola. As a hub, the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) strives to become a University-wide resource for diversity, equity, and inclusion with many campus partners.

To read past issues of the IDEA Newsletter, please visit:
https://www.loyola.edu/department/equity-inclusion/about/idea-newsletter

Meet the Team!

The Office of Equity and Inclusion is dedicated to upholding the university's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice through an integrative model of leadership. Our work encompasses oversight, education, and consultation, allowing us to provide a mission-centered strategy to promote justice and ensure support for equity, inclusion, and belonging for every member of our university community.

Headshot of Dr. Rodney Parker, the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer Office of the Office of Equity and Inclusion at Loyola University Maryland.

Rodney L. Parker, Ph.D. (He/Him)
Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer

Dr. Parker leads the University in stewarding diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and actualizing the mission of the University. His career background includes serving as the Director of ALANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Native American) Services at Loyola University Maryland for 14.5 years, providing support to and enhancing retention efforts for multicultural students. His combined interests in diversity, inclusion, intercultural engagement, and the overall well-being of students have made him an integral part of Loyola University Maryland community for nearly 20 years.

In 2019, Parker joined the academic affairs division as the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies. His primary responsibility as Assistant Dean was working with first-year and second-year students on academic acclimation and success. In addition, he completed a three-year term as the chairperson for the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) Conference on Diversity and Equity in 2016. His professional experience combined with his research interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion serves as motivation for the work that he does at his University. 

Dr. Parker holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from N.C. State University, M.Div. and Th.M from Duke University, and Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with a concentration in Pastoral Counseling at Loyola University Maryland. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland.
 

Headshot of the graduate assistant for the Office of Equity and Inclusion at Loyola University Maryland.

Itzel Mendez Serrano (She/They)
Outreach and Communications Graduate Assistant

Itzel is a first-year M.Ed. School Counseling student, who strives to holistically support students by helping foster an understanding of their individual and collective voices and power, and for them to trust and believe in themselves.

Itzel has three years of experience working in undergraduate education services, specifically regarding leadership education that focuses on self-awareness, collaboration, inclusion, and civic and social engagement to become change-makers. They also have experience working in both early childhood and elementary education as a teacher’s assistant, supporting students’ development of emotional identification and regulation, critical thinking, and social and self-help skills.

Itzel completed their undergraduate education at the University of California, Davis, earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Development with minors in Education and Spanish.

Office of Equity and Inclusion Updates

Light blue banner with differently shaped and colored speech bubbles with the words "Join the conversation." in white letters.

Register for a Diversity Reading Group!


Our annual Diversity Reading Groups offer a range of great reading opportunities in the month of October designed to invite every member of the Loyola community into shared conversations about diversity and inclusion. Diversity Reading Groups support and sustain ongoing conversations around racial justice, gender equality, higher education and slavery, restorative justice, religion, and how to take action against oppression—on our campus and beyond.  

This year, we have groups that will meet virtually, in-person, or in a hybrid format. The Office of Equity and Inclusion will provide complimentary books.

To sign up, please choose one of the groups below and submit your selection.

To make sure all participants receive their books on time, we encourage participants to sign up for a group by Monday, Sept. 22.
 

Tuesdays

  • The Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler; Moderated by Traci James; Hybrid -Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, and 28; Noon - 1 p.m.
  • Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown; Virtual -Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, and 28; Noon - 1 p.m.

Wednesdays

  • The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio; Moderated by Laura McCormack; Virtual -Oct. 8, 15, 22, and 29; Noon - 1 p.m.
  • Loving Corrections by Adrienne Maree Brown; Moderated by Whitney Hobson and Emalee Quickel; In-Person -Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29; 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Untold Truths: Exposing Slavery and Its Legacies at Loyola by Loyola University Maryland; Moderated by Jenny Kinniff, Davis Carey, and Maddy Payne; In-Person -Oct. 1, 8, 15, and 22; Noon - 1 p.m.

Thursdays 

  • A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza; Moderated by Saima Sitwat; In-Person -Oct. 4, 11, 18, and 25; Noon - 1 p.m.
  • What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson; Moderated by Elizabeth Dahl and Terre Ryan; Hybrid -Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30; 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
  • I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán; Moderated by Barry Dalrymple; In-Person -Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30; Noon - 1 p.m.
Fridays
  • Subtle Acts of Exclusion: How to Understand, Identify, and Stop Microaggressions by Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran; Moderated by Mary Ann Scully and Christina Spearman; In-Person -Oct. 3, 10, 24, and 31; Noon - 1 p.m.

Learn more about these books throughout the month of September on the Office of Equity and Inclusion's Instagram.

IDEA Resources


Below are links to resources, initiatives, support networks, and campus updates that help to foster inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility across Loyola.

2025 Loyola Well Fest promotional flyer.
Loyola University Maryland Bridge and crosswalk

Campus Highlights and Events


Loyola is host to a variety of training, activities, and events throughout the year, many of which foster engagement and open dialogue surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Below are upcoming events taking place across campus.

EVENT

Fall Fest 2025: Do It for the Plot

Clock Thursday, September 4
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Location pin Loyola Notre Dame Library, 200 Winston Ave., Baltimore, MD 21212,
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Do it for the plot and celebrate the start of a new school year with games, prizes, crafts, and more at the Loyola Notre Dame Library! Raising Cane’s chicken and fries, drinks, snacks, and desserts will be provided. RSVP encouraged but not required.
RSVP

EVENT

Fall 25 Blessing in the Halls: Individual Room Blessing for Southwell, Lange Court, Gardens, Campion and Newman Towers Residents

Clock Thursday, September 4
6:30pm - 8:30pm
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Join Residence Life and Housing and Campus Ministry for this opportunity to Bring Peace, Purpose & Positivity to Your Space!.

What is Blessing in the Halls*?
Blessing in the Halls is an optional offering aligning with our Jesuit mission and identity to provide an opportunity for a visit to your residence hall room for a short, personalized blessing. It can be faith-based, spiritual, or simply a moment of mindful reflection — tailored to your comfort level.

*Inclusive for students from all religious, spiritual, or non-religious backgrounds!

This opportunity is open to all residential students and is a chance to reset, reflect, and welcome good energy into your living space as you embark on a new academic year at Loyola University MD.

Registration is required! To register for a individual room blessing, please complete the form here: https://cglink.me/2hL/s91214
RSVP

EVENT

Block Party

Clock Friday, September 5
3:00pm - 5:00pm
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The Annual Block Party is a welcome to the academic year event. Join us on the 3rd floor of the student center to meet and interact with the Thrive Staff, as well as meet the Student Clubs, and representatives from SGA's Diversity and Inclusion Team. Refreshments and Free Prizes, including a large raffle prize announced towards the end of the event.
RSVP

EVENT

Drag Bingo: Serve, Slay, Win!

Clock Friday, September 5
8:00pm - 10:00pm
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Free Bingo. Fabulous Drag. Fun Prizes.
RSVP

EVENT

Soul Kitchen Sign Up

Clock Sunday, September 7
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Location pin Govans Presbyterian Church, 5828 York Rd, Baltimore, MD 21212, United States
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Prepare, Cook, and Serve over 50 meals for the community. Come volunteer and release your inner chef! (Make sure to log your hours on the Bridge!)
Contact ccsjonetimefood@loyola.edu if you have any questions!
RSVP

EVENT

Community Engagement Fair

Clock Tuesday, September 9
3:00pm - 5:30pm
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Join us at the Community Engagement Fair where you can explore the various community engagement, service, advocacy, and justice opportunities offered by the Center for Community, Service, and Justice + York Road Initiative throughout our York Road and Baltimore community. Meet community partners and find the right opportunities for you. Community engagement, advocacy initiatives, and civic engagement are just a few of the opportunities at Loyola where you can live out our Jesuit values of being a person for and with others. Student leaders and professional staff will be available to share more information about occasional/one-time and weekly service opportunities as well as advocacy opportunities and courses you can take on-campus that offer service-learning opportunities. If you're interested in learning more about ways to serve and connect to our Baltimore community, you won't want to miss this event.
RSVP

EVENT

Cohn Hall Café - Fall Kickoff

Clock Wednesday, September 10
9:30am - 12:30pm
Location pin Cohn Hall Common Space (below the chapel), 4501 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210, United States
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Join Campus Ministry and CCSJ as we launch Cohn Hall Café for the semester! We're kicking things off with Dunkin’ Donuts, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate — and a chance to connect with our team and each other.

Come learn how you can get involved in Campus Ministry and CCSJ through spiritual growth, community-building, and service opportunities on and beyond campus.

📍 Wednesdays | 9:30–11:00 AM | Cohn Hall Common Space
Whether you stay and chat or grab and go, everyone is welcome. Coffee and community await!
RSVP

EVENT

Rita's & Resources

Clock Wednesday, September 10
1:00pm - 3:00pm
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Join us for some Rita’s Italian Ice and information about on & off campus resources!
RSVP

EVENT

York Road Our Home - September 13th 9am to 1pm

Clock Saturday, September 13
9:00am - 12:00pm
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*Attention First Year and Transfer Students*
Interested in learning more about the diverse communities that surround Loyola? Join Loyola’s Center for Community, Service, & Justice (CCSJ) as we explore one of Baltimore’s greatest places, the York Road Corridor on the “Neighborhood Resilience: Our Story, Our Home” Shuttle Tour and Service Day! We will hop on a Loyola shuttle and learn about York Road’s vibrant history and culture and engage with Soul Kitchen and other community partners to prepare delicious meals for the community. Lunch will be provided! (Applications due September 10th)

All Messina students are welcome, but spots are limited to 20 students, make sure to sign up below!!
Contact immersion@loyola.edu with any questions
RSVP

EVENT

Snowballs on Campus

Clock Thursday, September 18
1:30pm - 4:30pm
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Egg Custard? Skylite?? Spearmint??? Come try a Maryland Snowball. These delicious cold treats are like sno-cones but BETTER! Come experience and learn about a piece of Baltimore culture and cuisine that dates back a hundred years.

All snowballs are free of charge courtesy of Messina

Snowball Truck will be parked outside Starbucks from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
RSVP

EVENT

Choice Program - College Night Volunteer Kickoff Session Fall 25'

Clock Thursday, September 18
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location pin CCSJ + Campus Ministry Common Space (Cohn Hall Rm. 100), Baltimore, MD United States
Link
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Come learn about volunteering at College Nights - the program that brings youth from the Choice Program to Loyola for fun, food, and a positive experience on a college campus. Attendees will learn more about College Nights, what you need to do to get ready to volunteer, and build more context for the experience.
 
RSVP

EVENT

Peace & Justice, Elisabeth Anker - "Every Man a Sovereign: Violence and Power in America Now"

Clock Thursday, September 18
6:00pm - 8:00pm
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Professor Elisabeth Anker (George Washington University), author of Ugly Freedoms, examines how American ideals of liberty have often justified violence and inequality while also inspiring new forms of resistance.

Join us for light refreshments at 6:00PM followed by presentation and Q&A at 6:30PM.
RSVP

EVENT

First Year Ignite Retreat 2025

Clock Friday, September 19 at 3:00pm
to Sunday, September 21 at 4:00pm
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Join us for First-Year Ignite Retreat! This weekend retreat is a chance to:
• Build friendships with fellow first-year students
• Learn about Ignatian Spirituality
• Hear reflections from student leaders on topics like finding community, navigating transitions, and deepening in your faith and spirituality while at a Jesuit university
• Relax in nature with campfires, hikes, or quiet time at our beautiful retreat center in the Appalachian Mountains

This retreat is open to students of all faith traditions and backgrounds. All are welcome!

When:
Friday, September 19–Sunday, September 21, 2025

Where:
Loyola Retreat Center, Flintstone, MD
🚐 Transportation provided

Register now via https://cglink.me/2hL/s91176!
The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 10.

Have questions? Contact Mark Dushel at mdushel@loyola.edu

The cost of this retreat is $75. However, Loyola believes that cost should never prohibit a student from experiencing a retreat. Generous donors provide scholarships for any and all students who require support to attend a retreat. If you need scholarship assistance, please contact Mark Dushel.
RSVP

EVENT

Peace & Justice Lunch Talk - "Autograph Books as Holocaust Objects"

Clock Wednesday, October 1
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location pin CT*M113 (conference room behind Starbucks), 4501 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210, United States
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When Jewish girls were deported to concentration and labor camps during the Holocaust, they often brought small objects with them. One type of object was the "autograph book," a very small bound set of blank pages. Before the war, a young person was supposed to collect sayings, poems, and drawings from friends by circulating these books. We have found that young people circulated them inside spaces of persecution, such as camps. What did people write and draw, inside camps? Why did girls risk harm to secretly carry and circulate these books? What do these items tell us about girlhood and the Holocaust?
RSVP


If you would like to contribute relevant news items, events, professional development opportunities, or community updates and accomplishments, please send them to officeoftheceio@loyola.edu


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