LGBT Student Services
In 2010, the LGBT Student Services Office became only the second LGBT center at a Jesuit institution. LGBTSS promotes equality, visibility and inclusion of LGBT students within the LMU community through education and dialogue, including a library and DVD collection. The office, which is run by professional staff, also serves as the primary resource and support center for students of all orientations and gender identities. The Center’s establishment marks a departure from LMU’s more conservative position about homosexuality, represented when, in 1990, president James N. Loughran denied full recognition of a club to support gay and lesbian students.
Ethnic and Intercultural Services
In addition to housing Asian Pacific Student Services (APSS), Black Student Services (BSS), and Chicano Latino Student Services (CLSS), Ethnic and Intercultural Services is home to Jewish Student Life (JSL). JSL provides opportunities for connection and growth while creating a community in which Jewish students can celebrate their Jewish identity. It also seeks to build bridges between all faith-based communities at LMU, embodying the third tenet of the LMU mission, i.e., the service of faith and the promotion of justice. Currently, LMU does not have a Hillel building; however, the Rabbi’s office can be found here in this suite. Jewish holidays and Shabbat programs, including regular Shabbat dinners, are celebrated all over campus, including but not limited to The Loft and The Bird Nest.
Palm Walk: LMU is known for its year-round student demonstrations. The Palm Walk--located between Von der Ahe and St. Roberts Hall--specifically has evolved into a public arena for student activists, groups and organizations who aim to raise consciousness for and about their causes (e.g., homelessness). During the most populated time(s) of the week, i.e., Convocation Hour, many student groups post signs, photographs or other materials to increase their peers’ knowledge about specific issues. Whether it is Marians Service Organization hanging their iconic decorated bras to raise awareness for breast cancer, or Students for Justice in Palestine placing their ten-foot artistic forms of non-violent resistance to advocate for Palestinian peace, the Palm Walk has become a recognizable place for students to express their ideas, anger and action.
The Center for Service and Action
Established in 1992 as the Educational Participation in Communities Program (EPIC), the office now known as the Center for Service and Action (CSA) offers a variety of opportunities for LMU students and graduates to volunteer their time and to have direct personal contact with marginalized communities, which upholds the third tenet of the LMU mission. Service opportunities are available both locally and abroad through dedicated service groups or special events, including but not limited to Alternative Break (AB) trips domestically and internationally.
The LMU library, Hannon Field, and the Hannon Apartments are named in honor of LMU alumnus, William H. Hannon, real estate mogul and philanthropist. A first-generation college student, Hannon could not afford tuition when he was admitted in 1933; however, his mother promised the LMU President that her son would pay back the school once he obtained a job after graduation. Indeed, William Hannon would go on to become a major benefactor of the school and other local institutions.
The Interfaith Peace Garden was created in the memory of Avi Schaefer, son of Loyola Marymount University Professor (and Rabbi) Arthur Gross-Schaefer, who was killed after being struck by a drunk driver on February 12, 2010. Avi was active in the Santa Barbara Jewish community and, at age 18, volunteered to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. Upon his return to the states, he was committed to the pursuit of peace in the Middle East and actively sought to change the atmosphere towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The garden memorial is comprised of stone pillars and benches with quotes about peace etched on them. The LMU community is welcome to gather in the space for classes and to discuss peace and understanding.
Tongva Memorial
In April 2000, LMU tributed and memorialized the original settlers of the Los Angeles basin, the Tongva natives. Accordingly, the university created a memorial site that honors various Tongva traditions and values, and the space venerates the two archaeological sites that were destroyed during the Leavey campus development. The memorial was specifically planned and built to reflect Tongva beliefs about the natural world. For instance, it is embellished with special directional plaques that recognize the Tongva Indians’ connection to the historical and spiritual world, a medallion engraved with a representation of a dolphin--the sacred animal of the Tongva people--and an ethnobotanic garden that contains the plant life that the natives used throughout their daily lives. LMU applauded the opening of this commemoration by celebrating it with a traditional Tongva Indian blessing ceremony.
Student Worker Program:
Established by Thomas O’Rourke, S.J. in 1957, the Student Worker Program was created for students who are in need of financial assistance, many of them also first-generation college. The program is restricted each year to a cohort of 24 men and women who live together and work specific campus jobs to pay off and earn their education. As part of Student Worker tradition, every new Crew Member (or “Rookie”) is required to work up to 20 hours per week in the campus recycling yard, alongside full-time facilities employees.