Zlotkowski reinforced the importance of service-learning on university campuses. For years, Jesuit education has sought to educate the whole person. Tomorrow's whole person cannot be whole without an educated awareness of society and culture. When students experience involvement with suffering and injustice, they are better able to reflect intellectually, Zlotkowski said. Students may act as tutors for at-risk students, teach special classes in the areas of art and music, draft grant proposals, participate in marketing and public relations plans or develop organizational newsletters.
Students learn how to learn in environments outside the classroom.
Erich Mattei, marketing freshman, said he thinks service-learning should be more prominent on Loyola's campus. There is a strong tradition among faculty to incorporate experiential learning activities in their courses. This, plus administrative support from the university will help Loyola move toward a more academically engaged campus, Joyner said. Even so, a tradition must begin among universities to take a good look at both students' and society's needs, Zlotkowski said.