Throughout my freshman year, I have had the pleasure of being part of the first class to witness first hand the initiation of “Year of the City.” This program evaluates the Loyola family and its eagerness towards taking up the question of “how Loyola’s presence in Baltimore shapes the way we approach Catholic and Jesuit higher education.” Through this evaluation, “Year of the City” and Loyola takes flight, making its existence known in the city of Baltimore.
Is Loyola well known in Baltimore? I can attest that not too many Baltimoreans know of this great institution. I can name several incidents when I have taken a cab, asked to go to Loyola College, and have the driver give me a peculiar look. Not only do some drivers not know the location of the college, they assume I am going to Morgan State. Loyola has not made enough efforts to involve the city and culture of Baltimore into the curriculum and the lives of students. What “Year of the City” has done is remarkable. After the events of Hurricane Katrina, Father Linnane, founder of the program and president of the college, the college has taken a different perspective on their involvement with the community of this great city. Long overdue, “Year of the City” has changed the city for the better throughout the year.
I was almost positive “Year of the City” was Beans and Bread and guest speakers who spoke periodically throughout the semester. However, I was taken aback as I attended “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” a synopsis of activities, programs, and committees that have enriched themselves as well as the city of Baltimore through “Year of the City.” After School Be Fit! Program, Baltimore’s Big 3 Lecture Series, and Shadow Day were just tips of the iceberg known to Loyola. So many programs were initiated throughout the year. I have never actually taken the time to seek out the programs initiated by “Year of the City.” I was most embarrassed of just recently finding out “Year of the City” sponsored a good portion of the Multicultural Awareness Program (MAP). This program single handedly helped me adjust to Loyola College and the Baltimore community overall. I was even more embarrassed about speaking in front of a crowed room and tell my experiences (public speaking is not really my thing). I was hopefully able to convey my deepest appreciations towards Loyola College, ALANA Services, and “Year of the City” for promoting such a program.
“Year of the City” has brought light into the minds of all those who have participated. It has opened the minds of the students to interact with this city. Not only should students give back to the great city of Baltimore, they should be able to take in as much of the city’s richness and culture. “Loyola’s destiny is Baltimore City,” said Father Gillespie; and yes, through “Year of the City,” Father Linnane, and this great institution known as Loyola College, we are fulfilling this quote step by step.
