Having started as a graduate student working on his dissertation at Loyola, SCPS senior lecturer Ryan Cumming recalls a time when the school was much smaller, with just a handful of faculty members gathered around a single conference table. The structure of classes was different then, with courses held in the evenings and few online options available.

Years later, Cumming reflects on the diverse life circumstances of SCPS students and his role as an instructor. With SCPS students balancing full-time jobs, families, and other significant responsibilities, it has been crucial to Cumming to create learning experiences that are not just informative but deeply relevant to the careers of students. Cumming’s role as a theology instructor, teaching courses that are part of the core curriculum rather than a major, pushes him to ensure that the content he delivers resonates with students on a practical and personal level.

"How can I make this relevant to them? How can I make it important to their profession and who they are? Students obviously have so much content that they have to learn to become equipped to do their job; however, it's also really leaning into that Ignatian tradition of asking the question of not just 'What do I need to know to be a professional?' but 'What kind of professional do I want to be?'"

Cumming admires the collective celebration of student achievements at SCPS where there is a genuine commitment to challenging students while also providing them with the support they need to succeed, making their success all the more meaningful.

"SCPS really celebrates student achievement. There is this palpable sense that every faculty and staff member from the Dean on down wants nothing more than every student to succeed."

While Cumming acknowledges the significant challenges faced by younger, traditional undergraduates, he also values the unique perspectives and life experiences of SCPS students. These adult learners often enter the program with a wealth of knowledge and experience, which can both enrich the learning environment and present challenges when their established worldviews are confronted.

In his role at SCPS, Cumming has found a community that not only understands but celebrates the complexities of adult learning. The faculty and staff at SCPS are deeply attuned to the realities of their students’ lives, making their support and encouragement both authentic and impactful.