Momentum does not just define progression — it is the force that creates a lasting, positive change in yourself and the world around you. In a society where mental and physical health can often be put aside, Momentum, a campus club directed towards male Loyola students, offers a refreshing environment for men to prioritize their well-being. This newly founded club encourages open discussion about mental health and holistic well-being, creating a space where members can connect, share, and build upon each other.
With only two meetings held thus far, club founder and leading officer Ray Strozyk ‘26 has high hopes for its future.
“We create that authentic space where men can hold genuine conversations with each other. It could be the big things or it could be the small things in life,” Strozyk said.
Strozyk explains the club’s structure as a thread that weaves through each meeting, starting and ending with introductions and casual conversations. Between the more lighthearted bookends, members are invited to move into deeper or more meaningful discussions — like how their semester is going, personal conversations, or things on their minds. Building rapport and meaningful connections is a core goal of the club, as members talk, listen, and open up about life experiences.
“I’m hoping next semester we can really dive into mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social wellness so we can kind of review and reflect and say, ‘What have I been doing well? What can we work on together?’” Strozyk said, reflecting on the group’s potential.
This sense of camaraderie and brotherhood, which might traditionally be missing from conversations around men’s health, is what makes Momentum stand out on campus.
Strozyk recalls similar environments he’s experienced in his past, wanting to replicate a similar space for men on campus to meet with fellowship in mind. Momentum’s inclusive, open atmosphere is at the core of what Strozyk envisions for the group. While the focus is on fostering personal well-being and mental health, it’s also about creating a sense of community — a sense of belonging that is often absent in traditionally male-dominated spaces. And Strozyk said that the community is only getting bigger.
“We’ve had two meetings thus far. Our first meeting had 20 people, which was awesome and it blew me away. Last meeting, we completely blew it out of the water with 32 people.”
When asked about intentions for Momentum, Strozyk explained plans for community service outreach days and partnerships with other wellness clubs and organizations on campus. The club’s mission statement reflects just those plans: to inspire and uplift others around you. It’s not just about what’s on the inside but how you approach things on the outside as well.
Towards the end of high school, Strozyk looked back on when he first became interested in self-development and self-improvement – terms that, for him, extend beyond simple personal growth. Self-development, he explained, is a lifelong journey of growth and self-awareness, while self-improvement focuses more on refining independent skills and mindset – Years later, as a junior in college, his motivation surrounding holistic health ideals translated into Momentum.
“Momentum is not a hush-hush men’s group. We’re proud, we’re a little loud – not too loud – and we’re vocal about that,” Strozyk explains. “We want to support other people, you know? People in our lives, our families, our friends.
Momentum creates a tight-knit community on campus that mirrors the inviting energy similar to a friend group, or brotherhood. This group’s growth and future success reflect a broader trend of men on college campuses seeking ways to connect, support one another, and break the stigma that surrounds mental health.
Momentum meetings are offered weekly, every Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. All male Loyola students are encouraged to register now on The Bridge to join the group. With the momentum they have gained, it has become quite clear that the club is on its way to making a lasting impact on the Loyola community, one meeting at a time.
