Magis Moment: May 2024

A Message from the Interim Vice President of University Advancement 

As the Class of 2024 crosses the stage at commencement on May 10 and 11, we will proudly welcome them as the newest members of the Loyola University New Orleans Alumni Association. This time of year reminds us of the mixed emotions present in moments of goodbyes. There is beauty in a chapter ending and excitement in the potential of new beginnings.

Laurie Eichelberger Leiva ’03 joined the Office of Alumni Engagement in September 2011 and has been a respected leader, thoughtful colleague, and loyal friend to all of us in University Advancement and to our alumni volunteers near and far. Soon after Loyola’s graduation ceremonies in the coming weeks, Laurie will experience her own commencement as she assumes her new role as president of Ursuline Academy New Orleans beginning July 1. We are immensely grateful for the important work she’s done to keep our community engaged and connected over the past 13 years. On a personal note, I deeply value the meaningful friendship that has flourished between us during this time.

At Loyola, we encourage our students to “Become who you are called to be.” While Laurie’s absence will be greatly missed, we are proud to watch her grow and take on this new role.

Alumni Association Board President Gene Hernandez ’07 shared, “The alumni board and entire community will miss the passion, organization, and fervor with which Laurie has led the Office of Alumni Engagement for the past 10 years. We wish Laurie all the best in her next chapter at Ursuline. With an impressive 15-year tenure at Loyola, and having known Stephanie personally for more than 20 years, we take comfort and pride in the continuity of leadership with another dedicated Loyola alumna at the helm.” As Interim Vice President for University Advancement, I will continue Laurie’s tireless work to engage Loyola alumni near and far, as this continues to be a top priority for President Cole.

At Loyola, we instill in our students the concept of Magis. What it truly means to be people of Magis is to be men and women with and for others, who seek to contribute their life's activities towards the greatest good. When our students and colleagues move on from Loyola to pursue this mission in the community we serve, it is bittersweet. But we take solace and pride in knowing that they will do great things with all of the tools they’ve learned here. Dedicated to their success and challenged to experiment with new ideas, become thought leaders, and enrich their beliefs, we wish them all success in their next chapter.

Stephanie Hotard '04, M.B.A. '10

Interim Vice President of University Advancement