This week, we celebrated Loyola Week with events such as the Ignatian Carnival, Dinner with the Jesuits and Dear Loyola pictures. These events are fun and help unite and involve the individuals on this campus.

This week celebrates tradition -we always have the yearly Tulane vs. Loyola basketball game – and presents plenty of opportunities to don maroon and gold and cheer for the Wolf Pack.

However, Loyola Week is different from your high school spirit week. It’s more than free food and fun pictures. Loyola Week honors the 500 years of tradition upon which Loyola is founded.

We are privileged to have so much history behind us. However, when we take that walk across the Peace Quad by the library, do we ever take the time to look at the stones under our feet and think about what they mean?

Those stones, detailing the 12 ideals of a Jesuit education, are more than just suggestions. Our values form the basis of our Loyola community identity.

For example, “pursuit of excellence” challenges us to look beyond what is expected of us and perform better, while “special concern for the poor and oppressed” reminds us that, even though we are busy and have bills to pay, we have a responsibility to help those who are not as well off as we are.

The ideal of “international and global perspective” is especially pertinent as we move closer to having a global economy.

We are reminded to keep in mind that our world is only part of the picture. We have a responsibility to look outside ourselves and use our gifts to improve the world around us.

No matter what your personal beliefs are, our values are absolutely applicable to our lives and our futures, where keeping such values will not only help us personally and professionally but also distinguish us from the rest of the world.

It is easy to write off Loyola Week as another slew of events that take place at Loyola. However, we invite you to take some time to reflect upon the rich history and tradition that influences your growth at this university.

As you reflect on Loyola Week, let this past week also be a celebration of your personal growth and the ways that this school enables you to pursue your goals after you graduate.