Spring semester at Loyola means warmer weather, students lounging in hammocks or on blankets on the quad, and getting the chance to enjoy the various annual traditions such as the Black Student Association (BSA) Fashion Show and Loyolapalooza. Loyolapalooza is Loyola’s take on the Chicago music festival, “Lollapalooza.” Loyolapalooza is a longstanding tradition at Loyola and features carnival games, food, giveaways, and a concert from a headlining artist. An approximated 1,800 students attend the event.
Loyola’s Student Government Association (SGA) and Office of Student Engagement are currently working behind the scenes to make it happen. SGA Director of Events and Traditions Gabby Mudric ‘25 plays a vital role in the planning process of Loyolapalooza.
“Palooza planning has already started. We started back in September. We look to see what artists are available and we like to see what students like–particularly, what genre…surveys are sent out and we look at data from the past,” Mudric said.
Mudric explained that Palooza is an experience for students to enjoy as the event is hosted before the start of spring finals. She must take into consideration what food, rides, and games there will be. The goal of these combined organizations is to make it an overall successful event.
Mudric works alongside Associate Director of the Office of Student Engagement Becca Winkler to create and solidify plans for Palooza.
“One of my primary responsibilities is serving as the SGA advisor. So, Gabby and I work really closely together. We meet weekly. We’ve already started having conversations about Palooza since it’s a very large-scale event and lots of planning goes into it and lots of pre-planning,” Winkler said.
Winkler explained that part of her job is considering what will be offered at the event aside from the musician. The event has many moving pieces, so it is crucial to solidify what will be provided for students.
“It’s really important for me as an administrator at the university to think about the full day experience–it’s not just a concert. So, what else is being offered in terms of food…what’s offered in terms of giveaways that the different class years provide, what rides are there, what other attractions are there to excite students and make the day really fun,” Winkler said.
Other organizations on campus such as Loyola Dining Service and Events Services help to make Loyolapalooza what it is by creating menus and setting up carnival rides. Additionally, Winkler points out that she enjoys the crossover between SGA and BSA through the announcement of the Loyolapalooza musical artist. Every year, the BSA reveals the musical artist towards the end of the annual BSA Fashion Show in Reitz Arena.
Winkler said, “It’s a great collaboration between two huge Loyola traditions. It’s a really nice way to kick off the end of the semester and the end of the school year by supporting BSA and their work.”
Mudric encourages students to come to Loyolapalooza. She highlights that it is a crucial tradition at Loyola and allows students to unwind before finals begin and celebrate the completion of the school year.
“It’s one of our biggest traditions! It’s just an end-of-the-year celebration for all the students and their accomplishments before going into spring finals. It’s a break for them to just feel relaxed and have an entire experience just for the student body,” Mudric said.
Loyolapalooza is set to be on April 27, 2025. Visit the SGA and Office of Student Engagement website to learn more.
