Ignatian Scholars

From Palm Desert, California, Seth Gitmed is majoring in Music Education. After visiting Loyola on a high school trip, he made it his goal to return to New Orleans as a student. As an Ignatian Scholar, Seth hopes to live out the Jesuit mission of being a person for and with others. He plans to start Actively Moving Forward, a club he founded in high school to support students facing mental health challenges.

Seth looks forward to building strong connections with professors, learning what it means to be a teacher, and strengthening his relationship with God. He loves video games, is excited to explore the history and food of New Orleans, and sees this new journey as an opportunity to grow.

Amanda Riley, from Frisco, Texas, is studying Music Industry Studies. She was first drawn to Loyola by the strength of its music program, but what made her feel at home was the sense of support from faculty and the Jesuit mission that encourages faith alongside academics. Amanda describes being named an Ignatian Scholar as a blessing that lifted a burden from her family and reminded her of what can be accomplished through faith and hard work.

She is excited to join the Honors Program, participate in the Community Action Program, and connect with other musicians through ensembles. Amanda was born in New Orleans and looks forward to returning home to experience Mardi Gras for the first time.

From Bucharest, Romania, Phoebe Kohl is pursuing Pre-Nursing. She chose Loyola for its Catholic community, its commitment to service, and the sense of belonging she felt among its diverse culture. Being an Ignatian Scholar empowers Phoebe to pursue her goal of becoming a travel nurse while also living out the values of compassion and service.

She is eager to join sports and sorority life, volunteer for social justice initiatives, and deepen her faith through Loyola’s supportive community. Traveling and exploring new cultures are among her passions, and she is especially excited to attend her first crawfish boil and try soft shell crab.

Addysen Tabb, from Toledo, Ohio, is majoring in Neuroscience with a Biology focus. She chose Loyola for its strong sense of community, and the Ignatian Scholarship allows her to pursue her dream of medical school without the weight of undergraduate financial stress. Addysen is eager to join LUCAP, meet new people, and step outside of her comfort zone by embracing life in New Orleans.

She describes herself as curious about how the brain and body work together and is committed to growing both personally and academically. Addysen is a type 1 diabetic and is excited to take part in unique local traditions like Po-Boy Fest.

From Southfield, Michigan, Anaiah Green is majoring in Nursing. Loyola’s partnership with the Ochsner Health System offering clinical training with one of the region’s top healthcare providers drew her to New Orleans. For Anaiah, being an Ignatian Scholar is both an honor and a responsibility to live out the values of service, leadership, and integrity. She looks forward to getting involved in service organizations, building meaningful relationships, and growing in her vocation to care for others.

Her goal is to become a NICU nurse, living out her calling to care for the most vulnerable. Anaiah loves connecting with people through their stories and is excited to explore the culture of New Orleans, starting with a beignet.

Veronica Victor Ishengoma is from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and is majoring in Finance. She was drawn to Loyola for its small classes, supportive community, and opportunities to explore interests outside her major. Veronica describes the Ignatian Scholarship as a recognition of her journey of service, leadership, and faith, which began with her work in orphanages, church, and youth programs at home.

At Loyola, she looks forward to joining the Executive Mentor Program, Black Student Union, and Student Government Association. Veronica enjoys photography, videography, music, and dance, and she is excited to experience New Orleans through its food, jazz, and culture.

From Seattle, Washington, Takeya Mitchell is majoring in International Business. She chose Loyola for its close-knit and diverse community, small class sizes, and commitment to Jesuit values. Being an Ignatian Scholar reflects her dedication to education and developing as a student and leader. Takeya looks forward to joining student organizations, pursuing study abroad opportunities, and meeting new people.

Her goals include excelling in her program, gaining confidence in public speaking, and building strong friendships. A music lover, Takeya especially enjoys K-Pop and is excited to experience New Orleans traditions like crawfish boils.

Ana Camila Aponte Cruz, from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, is majoring in Neuroscience with a focus on Psychology. She chose Loyola because it combines her interest in neuroscience with her desire to help others through psychology, while also offering a sense of home away from home. For Ana Camila, being an Ignatian Scholar means having the opportunity to pursue studies and mentorships not available in Puerto Rico, which she hopes will allow her to give back to her community in the future.

She is eager to get involved in The Maroon, as well as dance, theater, and Latino student organizations. Ana Camila has studied ballet for 13 years, recently taught young dancers, and is excited to explore New Orleans through food and the streetcar.

From Bethesda, Maryland, Mia Javadpour is majoring in Entrepreneurship. She was drawn to Loyola for its Jesuit mission and commitment to educating the whole person through service and justice. Mia says being named an Ignatian Scholar motivates her to continue serving her community while exploring new academic and professional paths. She is excited to participate in programs like JRS Advocacy Day, Café Con Ingles, and LUCAP. Mia hopes to explore a wide range of subjects, meet new people, and align her passions with her career goals.

Outside of class, she enjoys baking and looks forward to experiencing New Orleans traditions such as Mardi Gras and trying local favorites like beignets and king cake.

Katalin-Bay Sullivan Palmer is from Mandeville, Louisiana, and is double-majoring in Public Health and Political Science. She chose Loyola for its welcoming community and the values it upholds. For Katalin-Bay, being an Ignatian Scholar is both an honor and a responsibility to live with integrity and serve others. She looks forward to joining LUCAP, student government, and pre-law clubs as she prepares for law school.

Born in Scotland and raised in Louisiana, she is excited to spend time in Audubon Park, enjoy New Orleans parades during Mardi Gras, and connect with her classmates and professors.