Summer 2025
WWII Incarceration
In 1942, a president’s executive order launched the U.S. government’s policy of rounding up, forcibly relocating, and incarcerating some 120,000 Japanese Americans.
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What’s the Matter With U.S. Soccer?
Is the pay-to-play system prevalent in U.S. youth soccer the reason for frequently disappointing results from the U.S. Men’s National Team?
A Conversation With Laurie Levenson
With judges and courts under pressure, LMU Loyola Law School Prof. Laurie Levenson assesses the state of the U.S. court system.
Behind the Hits
Denny Tedesco’s films, “The Wrecking Crew” and “Immediate Family” turn the spotlight on the session musicians behind the hundreds of songs and albums that have lived in the playlists of our minds for decades.
The Road From Loss
After the wildfires of January 2025 ravaged Pacific Palisades and Altadena, we asked nine writers in the LMU community to reflect broadly on the experience of loss.
Elizabeth Taylor: Myth Made and Remade
Once at the apex of the Hollywood film industry, Elizabeth Taylor was not only a symbol of female beauty during the 1950s and ’60s, she also became a symbol of American cultural-political power.
L.A.’s Guardian Angels
If L.A. politics has shifted toward the progressive end of the spectrum in recent decades, Catholic organizations and activists have played major roles in the process.
The Stuff of Legends
LMU’s advances during the presidency of Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D., range from dramatically heightened visibility to academic excellence, student success, capital improvements, increased diversity, athletic success, and more.
Radical Change and Challenges to the Constitutional Order
President Trump has regularly bypassed the legislative process and, instead, chosen to rule by executive order. Michael A. Genovese looks at why and whether it’s effective in the long term.
The Long Run
Got an extra two hours and a few minutes to spare this summer? Take a shot at Kelvin Kiptum’s marathon world record (2:00:35). Here are some tips to get started, from former women’s world record holder Jacqueline Hansen.
A Conversation With John Mayer
Coach John Mayer, AVCA Beach Volleyball Coach of the Year who recently led LMU to the NCAA championship match, talks about the role that recruiting plays in building a No. 2-ranked team.
The Plants We Live With
Sarah Pardi ’18, who holds a Ph.D. in plant biology, describes some of her favorite housemates — the plants she likes to keep and care for in her home.
The Lines on the Field
Noel Caliskan ’22, now in the MLS with Real Salt Lake, learned his soccer in his native Germany. He compares the youth systems in the U.S. and his homeland.
Table Talk
Prof. Brett Hoover studied the impact of immigration on Midwestern Catholic parishes, where even dinner table conversations revealed starkly different views of immigrants.
This Side of Paradise
LMU Prof. Emeritus John Dorsey, who has surfed the nearby waters even longer than he taught at LMU, ranks the 10 best beaches in L.A. County.
A Conversation With Brendan Busse, S.J.
LMU alumnus Brendan Busse, S.J., who is pastor of Dolores Mission Church in Los Angeles, discusses the impact of Pope Francis on the parishioners he works with every day in his Boyle Heights parish.
Shrouded Proof
The convoluted and controversial history of the Shroud of Turin remains as fascinating as ever, according to LMU Professor Amir Hussain.
A Conversation with Mairead Sullivan
Prof. Mairead Sullivan discusses a new research project that explores the ethical and social implications of applying AI to disabilities rights issues.
Water Fight
NorCal surfing has the Mavericks; SoCal surfing, the Lower Trestles. Who gets brag rights for the best surf in California? Read on, then decide for yourself.
Trail Life
After Connor DeVane ’14 graduated, his career path began with a 2,400-mile hike along the Pacific Coast Trail. Now, he’s helping farmworkers in California’s wine country.
A Conversation With Natalie Ngai
Prof. Natalie Ngai examines how kawaii aesthetics, a transnational phenomenon, are marketed and consumed in Japan and the West.
Faith in Fiction
James T. Keane ’96, literary editor for America magazine, offers his short course on Catholic fiction by taking note of six writers and their Catholic novels.
The Lost Neighborhood
Joseph Wakelee-Lynch, editor of LMU Magazine, suggests loss is like an eddy in time that carries us back and forth from past to present.
Science Meets Wildfire Recovery
Two LMU centers are helping provide needed research to aid recovery efforts after recent Southern California wildfires.
Special Games’ Big Boost
Special Games, established in 1977, was boosted through a matching grant this year that translated into a $30,000 donation to the program.
AAAA Honors Professor Cheryl Grills
In February 2025 the African American Alumni Association honored Prof. Cheryl Tawede Grills for her longstanding commitment to civil rights and social justice.
Snap, Crackle, Pop
Snapchat founder and CEO Evan Spiegel shares his best advice and his worst advice, and energizes LMU future entrepreneurs.
Map of the Heart
Mary Katherine “Katie” North ’17 and Joaquín Loustau ’16 met by repeatedly crossing paths on campus. Now, traveling the world is a centerpiece of their marriage.
Dispatches Summer 2025
It’s the stuff of life — our alumni keep us all up to date with news, developments, work, achievements, accomplishments and more.
In Memoriam Summer 2025
A list — a memorial wall, in a way — of those in the LMU alumni community who have passed away.
