Schools
Loyola Dining Brings Jesuit Values to Life Through Community, Culture, and Care
From daily meals to meaningful traditions, dining at Loyola University reflects a deeper commitment to Cura Personalis and student belonging
NEW ORLEANS, LA — At Loyola University New Orleans, dining is more than a daily routine. It is a central part of campus life where community, culture, and care for the whole person come together.
From the annual Last Supper meal to the St. Joseph’s Altar, dining spaces often serve as the backdrop for moments that connect students to one another and to Loyola’s Jesuit mission. These experiences reflect a broader philosophy rooted in Cura Personalis, or care for the whole person.
For Dining General Manager Charlie Casrill, that philosophy guides every aspect of the operation.
“Jesuit values really show up in the idea of caring for the whole person,” he says. “It’s about feeding students while also creating spaces that make them feel welcomed, seen, and connected.”
Recent renovations across campus have transformed the dining experience, creating flexible environments designed for connection, study, and reflection. Enhancements such as the updated dining hall, The Market, expanded dining options, and a new Starbucks location provide greater convenience and reinforce dining spaces as key gathering points on campus.
Supporting students beyond daily meals remains a priority. Dining Services partners with Iggy’s Cupboard, Loyola’s campus food pantry, and the Food Recovery Network to address food insecurity and reduce waste, reflecting a strong commitment to service and sustainability.
Creating inclusive dining experiences is also central to the program. The Simple Servings station offers allergen-friendly meals, ensuring all students have access to safe and welcoming options.
Cultural and faith-based traditions remain an important part of the dining experience. Loyola Dining supports events such as Ramadan meal offerings, a Día de los Muertos altar, the Black History Luncheon, and seasonal observances like Rosh Hashanah, helping foster understanding and connection across the campus community.
Dining spaces also provide opportunities for reflection, an important element of the Ignatian tradition, offering students moments to pause, connect, and be present in their daily lives.
Service and social responsibility remain central to the Jesuit tradition, and Loyola Dining brings those values to life through daily practice. Through campus partnerships, community engagement, and responsible operations, Dining Services reflects a broader commitment to justice, stewardship, and care for others.
Dining Services also collaborates closely with the Office of Student Life and Ministry, Office of Residential Life, and the Office of Mission and Identity to create experiences that connect food, faith, and fellowship.
“Our partnership with Sodexo reflects a shared commitment to Cura Personalis in ways that extend far beyond the plate,” said Alicia A. Bourque, Vice President of Student Affairs. “Together, we are creating spaces and meaningful encounters where students feel a true sense of belonging; where cultural and spiritual traditions are honored; and where access, dignity, and community are at the center of the dining experience. Our partnership embodies our values which makes our collaborative work seamless and authentic. This also allows us to live our Jesuit mission in tangible, everyday ways that support student well-being and formation.”
Ultimately, Loyola Dining is more than a place to eat. It is a daily expression of the University’s mission in action, where hospitality, inclusion, and care for the whole person shape the student experience.
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