Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Advocacy

A Loras Community for All

Loras College is committed to creating an environment where every member is beloved and accepted. Grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and guided by Catholic social teaching, the Loras community supports diversity, equity, and inclusion and together creates a culture of mutual respect and understanding for one another. This is a shared vision and a shared responsibility inspired by the life of Jesus.

Continue Diversity Statement

Human Dignity

We believe all persons have equal, inherent dignity. At Loras, we affirm that all are created in the image of God and each individual is treated as an equally valued part of our community.

Justice and Equity

We actively work toward the creation of a more just society. As neighbors in solidarity with one another, we work for the equitable treatment of all persons. We understand that as long as any individual remains oppressed we fall short of our own full human potential. We embrace the differences among and between our community members and acknowledge our human connection for the promotion of justice.

Community

We foster a welcoming and inclusive community in which all members are encouraged to engage in mutual encounters and accompaniment. As an educational community, it is our belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial to living our mission of forming a community of active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision-makers and responsible contributors.

We are committed to providing an educational environment where all can discover who they are called to be in the world. Through our shared values, our understanding of interconnectedness is constantly evolving and our commitment to justice and advocacy is unwavering. As a Catholic institution, it is the shared responsibility of all members of the Loras community to foster these values through the creation of meaningful encounters that embrace the rich diversity of our global family.

Center for Inclusion & Advocacy

Our mission is to support historically marginalized and underrepresented students by providing mentorship and programming that promotes inclusive, successful, competent, and transformative experiences for Loras students.

We are committed to celebrating identities and experiences and advocating for the betterment of God’s creation by supporting various student groups.

Black/African American

The Loras Black Student Union (BSU) has been actively promoting community, diverse leadership, cultural awareness, and advocating for the needs of our Loras students since 2016.

Over the years, the BSU has evolved and played a pivotal role in organizing a wide range of programs such as the Black Excellence Night Celebration in collaboration with our athletic department, Celebrate Africa, and the African American Museum and Soul food community. The BSU participates in a variety of regional conferences focused on Black/African American leadership, including Ebony Conferences.

Black Student Union Adviser
Director of Inclusion & Advocacy, Sergio Pérez

First-Generation Students

We recognize and support our first-generation students and their families. We define first-generation college students as any student who will be the first in their family to earn a four-year degree from an American college institution.

Through the First-Generation Scholars program, we offer scholarships and strives to support you and your family through engagement, communication, and experiential opportunities. By creating a supportive infrastructure, the program aims to enhance your college experience through:

educational and career opportunities

peer mentorship
resume building
financial literacy
personal mentorship

First-Generation Scholars Advisor
Director of Inclusion & Advocacy, Sergio Pérez

LGBTQIA+/ Queer

Students who belong to the Queer community, as well as individuals who want to learn more about sexuality and gender, can count on the center for being a support to you wherever you may be in your journey of learning or self-development.

Programming efforts include queer film nights, queer issue discussions, and LGBTQIA+/Queer alumni social events. We are home to the Alliance, our LGBTQIA+ student organization.

Students who might be struggling with who they or need an ally, you can count on our center being a space where privacy is guaranteed and support (however it is needed and determined by the student) can be given.

Alliance Adviser
Director of Inclusion & Advocacy, Sergio Pérez

International/ F-1 Students

Loras is home to students from over twenty counties from around the world!

Our center helps students coming from abroad, as you transition and adjust to living and learning in the United States. We assist with obtaining all necessary documentation for VISA appointments, and provide a comprehensive orientation assisting you on a variety of needs including obtaining US bank accounts, phone service, food, initial transportation assistance when arriving to campus, and more.

International and F-1 Advisor
Office Coordinator of Inclusion & Advocacy, Cindy Behnke

Global Student Union

We also are home to the Global Student Union (GSU), our student organization focused on building support and visibility for our international student community.

Programming has included the Global Family Potluck, Holi and Thingyan celebration, Tihar and Diwali, Festival of Lights, and more.

GSU Advisor
Director of Inclusion & Advocacy, Sergio Pérez

Latinx/a/o

Through Loras LULAC and the center’s support, our Latinx/a/o students and families can expect support throughout their college experience.

Programming has included Latino Heritage Night with athletics, taquizas, leadership development through LULAC Emerge Conference attendance, and more. Loras LULAC provides a space for our Latinx students to find comunidad. We are proud to have heritages from Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Honduras, and more here at Loras College!

Our Loras LULAC leadership team would be happy to connect with any student interested in learning more about Loras LULAC or about the Loras Latinx/a/o student experience.

Si tus padres necesitan un traductor en español, nuestra oficina podría ayudar!

LULAC Advisor
Director of Inclusion & Advocacy, Sergio Pérez

Loras Students standing in front of a table promoting Clubs and Orgs at Campus Fest

Global Student Union meeting with food from different cultures

Four female students at campus fest outside in front of Black Student Union table

outside campus festival with students at table signing a banner

Group of students and faculty smiling for group photo at diwali event

Signature

Annual Events

Somos Duhawks Night

This annual event celebrates Latinx community and culture with Spanish announcements, Latinx music, and food from local Mexican-owned El Paisano.

We honor Latinx Duhawks and distribute popular “Somos Duhawks” shirts to early attendees. This Latinx Heritage Night celebration is an effort between CIA, Loras LULAC Council #380, athletics, and our soccer programs.

Global Family Potluck

During Family Weekend on campus, our Global Student Union welcomes international and long-distance students to share time and a meal.

During this annual community potluck, our faculty, staff, and students come together, each bringing a home-cooked meal to celebrate our international students with a family-style dinner.

Black Heritage Month Kick-Off

Join us for our annual Black Heritage Month kick-off event, organized in collaboration with our Black Student Union.

We celebrate our Black Duhawk community with a social gathering in the Center for Inclusion and Advocacy lounge, featuring cuisine from several Black-owned Dubuque restaurants.

Duhawks with PRIDE

We host our Duhawks with PRIDE event in collaboration with our LGBT+ Alliance, Loras athletics, and the women’s volleyball program.

We provide resources, education, and a fun, supportive atmosphere. And the first fans in attendance receive our Duhawks with PRIDE shirts!

Farewell & End of the Year Celebration

Our longstanding farewell celebration, running for over a decade, honors all student communities including BSU, LULAC, Alliance, GSU, First Generation Scholars, and AAPI. We give a special sendoff to graduating students and feature an alumni speaker. This event is joyous and memorable for all.