As a Jesuit institution of higher education, Loyola University Chicago stands firm in its commitment to fostering a learning environment where students are encouraged not only to grow in their scholarship but also to transform their passions into lifelong commitments that better the world. 

This fall, a crowd of Loyola students gathered in JoAnn Rooney Hall to be formally inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the international Jesuit Honor Society founded on three pillars: scholarship, loyalty, and service. Each year, Alpha Sigma Nu invites the top 15% of students from each school to apply for membership in the prestigious cohort. Only 5% of applicants are accepted annually.  

At the induction ceremony, University President, Dr. Mark C. Reed, congratulated the inductees and emphasized the importance of their continued efforts to be outstanding individuals. “As members of Alpha Sigma Nu, you embody the ideals that make a Jesuit education singularly transformative,” Dr. Reid said. “We encourage you to continue carrying out those words of the Alpha Sigma Nu pledge: commitment to intellectual integrity, pursuit of wisdom; genuine commitment to the well-being of others and active service for and with them; upholding moral, social, and religious ideals.” 

Along with this, President Reed honored Alpha Sigma Nu’s 2024’s three honorary inductees, including Provost Dr. Douglas W. Woods. Provost Woods took the stage to give a heartwarming speech about his personal experience with each of the three pillars of Alpha Sigma Nu, inspiring the inductees to lead lives and careers that prioritize work dedicated to being a leader and serving others. “Of course, the Jesuit tradition has always emphasized learning,” Dr. Woods said. “Not learning simply for the sake of acquiring new knowledge, but learning in service of others, learning for a greater purpose.” 

This year, Alpha Sigma Nu inducted eight School of Education students who have shown a tremendous commitment to their academic success and involvement in service to the community. 

The School of Education is proud to congratulate Emily Fenske, Shannon Hayes, Ryan Johnson, Sydney Lewis, Gianna Pacante, Claudia Pensamiento, Katherine Rushton, and Zaria Sutton for their induction into Alpha Sigma Nu as well as their dedication to their academic and personal endeavors. 

Beyond the achievement of membership into the honor society, inductee Ryan Johnson also received the Reverend Ronald J. Ferguson, S.J. Award. This award is given in honor of the late Rev. Ronald J. Ferguson, S.J., who served as Loyola’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu’s adviser and dedicated his life to service, loyalty, and scholarship. The Jesuit Community chose Johnson to receive this year’s award as recognition of his care for his community of fellow students and commitment to service in the wider community. 

Dean David E. McIntosh is proud of each inductee for their scholarly work and service to others. “Being inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu is a profound honor, reflecting the dedication of our students to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and service to others,” McIntosh said. “This recognition highlights our inductee's commitment to the Jesuit values that will guide their professional journeys and shape their future impact on the world.”  

Congratulations to this year’s Alpha Sigma Nu inductees representing the School of Education. May you each go forth with a continued commitment to scholarship, loyalty, and service. 

Emily Fenske, Educational Leadership EdD 2025

Shannon Hayes, Community Counseling MEd 2025

Ryan Johnson, Teaching & Learning EdD 2025

Sydney Lewis, Teaching & Learning MEd 2025

Gianna Pacente, Community Counseling MEd 2025

Claudia Pensamiento, Teaching & Learning MEd 2025

Katherine Rushton, Community Counseling MEd 2025

Zaria Sutton, Community Counseling MEd 2025

Story by Kate Roudebush