Our Global Community
The diverse experiences of our students, faculty, and alumni shape the vibrant academic community that so many have come to call their second home. Discover what makes Loyola special—from the inspiring journeys of international students, to the successes of our global alumni, to the dedicated faculty from around the world, who guide and mentor students every step of the way. Explore their experiences and how Loyola’s inclusive environment fosters personal growth, academic excellence, and lifelong connections.
Students
“I chose Loyola because of the great Division I soccer program and excellent marketing major. When I arrived on campus, everyone at Loyola was so welcoming. All my professors have been so supportive, too—constantly exposing me to internship opportunities, offering advice, and answering questions. Here, I can be who I truly am and be accepted fully.”
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Marketing
Campus Involvement: Midfielder for the Loyola Women’s Soccer Team (Go Hounds!)
“I would encourage an international student considering studying at Loyola to take advantage of the university’s supportive community, academic resources, and opportunities for involvement. Loyola offers a welcoming environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically, socially, and personally. The university’s commitment to social justice and service provides a meaningful context for learning and growth, and the vibrant city of Baltimore offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.”
Class Year: Junior
Major: Finance
Campus Involvement: “I am a member of the Investment Club and the Barbell Lifting Club. These organizations have provided me with opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, develop valuable skills, and engage in activities that complement my academic interests.”
"Watching the Evergreens work with first-year students and making our campus such a lively environment made me excited to apply to the program—and I was thrilled to be accepted! I've had the opportunity to meet and work with other student leaders with similar goals and strengths and to learn new skills that will help me not only with the Evergreen responsibilities but also in the future when I am working an internship or a job. I am beyond excited to meet the new first-year students I’ll get to mentor in the fall and to put those skills to practice!"
Class Year: Senior
Major/Minor: International Business and Sustainability Management double major, Spanish minor
Campus Involvement: Ignatius Scholars Program, Philosophy Club, Evergreens, Women’s Club Rugby, Study Abroad
"During my senior year of high school, my college counselor had recommended Loyola University, so with my family, we drove on a weekend to tour the campus and received a warm welcome from student ambassadors and a complete tour of the facilities. I was raised as a Catholic and many of my family members received a very good education in Jesuit institutions in Africa. All this comforted me that it would be a good fit for me to continue my family legacy and values. By the time we left the campus, I was convinced that Loyola University Maryland was the right place to further my college education."
Class Year: Senior
Major: Communication and Media
Campus Involvement: Club running, Boxing Club, Black Student Association (BSA), African Student Association board member
"My favorite thing about Baltimore is how diverse the city is and how many activities there are to do in the city. I like Baltimore’s location since it makes traveling easier and faster. For example, Washington, D.C., is only 45 minutes away by train, and you can be in New York City in just three hours by train."
Class Year: Senior
Major/Minor: International Business and Marketing major, Communication and Media minor
Campus Involvement: Women’s DI Volleyball
“I appreciate the close-knit community that is fostered here at Loyola. The university’s small class size and emphasis on collaboration create an environment in which students can build strong relationships with professors. My involvement with the Black Student Association has opened doors—I’ve been introduced to more people on campus and able to build friendships.”
Class Year: Junior
Major: Psychology
Campus Involvement: Black Student Association (BSA)
HEAR FROM OUR ALUMNI
The Loyola experience was invaluable in preparing me for my career and life. The university’s ecosystem was perfectly designed for international students like me, giving me access to a diverse network of peers and professors. This allowed me to constantly seek new information and advice, which has been instrumental in my professional growth.
HEAR FROM OUR ALUMNI
One of the many lessons I learned at Loyola is that to grow and develop as an individual, it’s key to step outside your comfort zone—to become comfortable with the uncomfortable—because that’s where life starts. Loyola made me want to chase the difficult, the uncomfortable, the unknown. I became confident at Loyola because I was supported here. Loyola has readied me for whatever the world has in store.
Faculty
“At Loyola, we care for each other, we watch out for each other, we push each other, we challenge each other.”
Birgit Albrecht, Ph.D., a native of Germany, earned her Ph.D. from the University of Oxford and conducted postdoctoral research at Yale University. Since joining Loyola, she has been dedicated to creating a dynamic learning environment, incorporating interactive tools and technology into her classroom. Her research focuses on computational chemistry and protein-ligand interactions, bridging the fields of chemistry and biology.
“The members of this community care for one another, and you see that being exercised everywhere—from students to faculty to staff. It’s not like a big school where no one knows one another. At Loyola we all know and care for others. It’s what I love most about this university.”
Originally from Iran, Jalal Soroosh, Ph.D., has been teaching accounting at Loyola since 1983. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi and focuses his research on financial accounting for practitioners. He is passionate about building close relationships with his students and colleagues.
“My core values align with the relentless pursuit of academic excellence and a constant challenge to improve. I pursue those goals with the programs that I direct, with the students whom I teach and mentor, and with myself through clear understanding of metrics, assessment, and goals.”
Maiju Lehmijoki Wetzel, Ph.D., originally from Finland, is a registered nurse and theologian. She directs Loyola’s Pre-Health Programs, fostering student engagement in health care fields. Fluent in seven languages, she has lived and taught worldwide, bringing a truly global perspective to her teaching and advising.
“Loyola graduates have a spark in their eye and a fire in their hearts. They are involved in their communities... They are working to create a better world for those who don’t have the same rights or privileges.”
Originally from Venezuela, Marianna Carlucci, Ph.D., moved to the United States as a child and has been part of Loyola since 2011. She holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in Psychology from Florida International University. Her teaching and research focus on diversity, social justice, and the unique educational opportunities in Loyola’s Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science program.
“One of the best parts about teaching at Loyola is the openness and enthusiasm students bring to the classroom.”
Oghenetoja Okoh, born in International Falls, Minnesota, spent much of her childhood in Warri, Nigeria. She earned her Ph.D. from New York University, focusing on minority identity and citizenship in Nigeria. Before becoming a historian, she pursued art and continues to inspire creativity and confidence in her students.
“Students at Loyola know the value of education and therefore are ready to work hard.”
Ravi Srinivasan, Ph.D., is from Hyderabad, India, and holds a Ph.D. in Operations and Sourcing Management from Michigan State University. Before teaching, he worked for nearly a decade in supply chain management for global firms. His research focuses on buyer-supplier relationships and the impact of structural decisions on supply chain performance.