Interview with Erin Moriarty Loyola Education

83

Interview with Erin Moriarty Loyola EducationErin Moriarty has worked in the field of higher education for more than 20 years and is currently serving as the Associate Vice President and Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Loyola University Chicago.

Prior to that, she held the position of Associate Director at Loyola University till the end of 2013, as well as the position of Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at Creighton University from 1999 to 2001. Erin Moriarty has a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for fostering the growth of her students.

As the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, she is dedicated to assisting students in discovering the path that is best suited to them because she is of the opinion that every student already possesses a specialization.

Interview with Erin Moriarty Loyola Education – Loyola University Chicago’s Associate Vice President

Interview with Erin Moriarty Loyola Education

Erin Moriarty earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Creighton University towards the beginning of her academic career.

After that, she continued her education at Loyola and earned a master’s degree in global strategic communication and business administration. She is an ardent supporter of the Jesuit order and puts in a lot of effort each day to foster a community that values diversity, seeks God in all aspects of life, and strives to increase knowledge in order to better serve humanity.

Erin Moriarty, who beat cancer in the past, is very passionate about providing financial support to groups that work to eliminate the disease.

Erin Moriarty cycled as part of the Pedal the Cause event to bring attention to the cancer cause and contribute to the funding of cancer research. After a long day at the office, Erin Moriarty can frequently be found making the most of her time in Chicago by taking in its many attractions.

In her spare time, she likes to go mountain biking along the shores of Lake Michigan, visit the museums and concert halls in the area, go skiing or trekking nearby, and spend time with her family and friends.

Tell us about yourself.

I have four older sisters and I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States. My father started and concluded his career in banking by teaching economics at the collegiate level after earning his Ph.D. in Economics. My mother was a social worker who helped people who were through dialysis and treatment for cancer.

Our parents brought us up to be strong, independent women who would each go our own separate way in life. My journey brought me to a profession in the field of higher education. I received a degree in Environmental Science from Creighton University, which is located in Omaha, Nebraska.

I completed my education there. Before I took organic chemistry, I spent my whole life thinking that I was going to study medicine. I changed my major to environmental science since I’ve always loved being outside and it felt like a natural fit for someone like me. I had a lot of fun in my major and would choose it once more if I could.

Read more: Who Is Aiden Fucci? The Murder Case Of Tristyn Bailey 

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 42, despite the fact that there was no history of breast cancer in my family. Having to go through treatments and witnessing the kind of real care that all of my physicians and nurses provided has helped to remind me to savor every moment of my life because anything can happen at any time.

Finding a healthy equilibrium in my life hasn’t always been easy for me. The fact that I enjoy what I do for a living kept me busy for a good portion of the day. Since receiving my cancer diagnosis, I have been able to better balance the various aspects of my life, and for that I am grateful.

Tell us how you got your start.

I had a close family friend who was a Jesuit, and he would always talk about social justice and making a difference in the world. Because of this, I always wanted to attend a Jesuit university. Because of him, I decided to concentrate on Jesuit universities.

The moment I set foot on Creighton’s campus during my junior year of high school for a tour, I knew that it was the ideal institution of higher education for me. During my time there, I got engaged on campus by working as a resident advisor and running for office in the student government. I made the most of my time in college because of these opportunities.

When I was in the process of graduating, I came across an advertisement for a position as an admissions counselor, and I thought to myself, “What better way to give back to my school than to recruit for it?” They say that what happened after that is now part of history.

After working in the Admissions Office at Creighton University and subsequently in the Alumni Relations Office there, I made my way to Chicago to work for Loyola University Chicago and eventually found my way back to the Admissions Office there.

Because my own college experience was essential to who I am now, and because I want others to have the opportunity to have that experience as well, I came to realize that helping students during their search for colleges is where my love rests.

What makes you different from other professionals in your field?

My time spent working in the Alumni Relations Office broadened my perspective and made me realize how significant the sum of one’s experiences is to their overall development and how critical it is to provide excellent customer service to each and every student.

I recognize that each student is unique, as is their educational experience, and I do my best to ensure that they have a positive takeaway from their contacts with me and the rest of my team, regardless of the college that they ultimately choose to attend.

How would you characterize the defining moment of your working life?

Always have an open mind and be a lifelong student, because you may learn something new from everyone and everything. I have been blessed with wonderful role models throughout my life, and especially when I was younger, I made it a point to quiz them extensively in an effort to learn as much as I possibly could.

As I gained experience in my field, I observed, took notes, and eventually developed a technique that was uniquely mine. My sincere gratitude goes out to those who took me under their wing and forced me to consider issues from a new perspective.

Because in the midst of challenging situations, they brought to my attention an essential aspect of our line of work, which is that at the end of the day, we are here for the children and to make a difference one student at a time.

If you could go back in time and relive any two purchases, which would they be?

The most worthwhile investment I’ve ever made was in my education at Creighton. Still contributing to the value after all these years.

The iPod shuffle has to go down as the worst buy I’ve ever made. When it originally came out, I was beyond ecstatic to get it, but because it was so small, I kept misplacing it. It goes without saying that people didn’t make much use of it.

What takes up too much of your time?

Talking to my siblings. It’s a blessing and a curse that my parents and sisters and I live so close to one another because we all love to chat.

On certain evenings, it feels very much like playing the telephone game. People who know me well might be surprised to learn that I am not the talkative one in my family. One positive aspect of the pandemic is that it has given me more time to spend online with my sisters. Why on earth didn’t any of us consider that before?

My other unpleasant habit is that I check my email on my phone far too frequently, which is a waste of time.

How about giving three pieces of guidance to high school seniors who are thinking about college?

When considering your options for the future, you should know that it is fine if you are unsure of what you want to do with your life.

Interview with Erin Moriarty Loyola Education – Loyola University Chicago’s Associate Vice President
Interview with Erin Moriarty Loyola Education – Loyola University Chicago’s Associate Vice President

There is an infinite number of opportunities, and going to college will enable you to explore your hobbies and discover new passions. It will also open doors for you that you were possibly unaware existed for you.

Ask questions. If you ask a lot of questions, you’ll pick up a lot of new information. Your choice of college is a significant one, but there is assistance available. You don’t have to go through this ordeal by yourself.

Remember that we are here to help, so don’t be scared to ask one question, and if it leads to twenty more questions, that’s completely good. This applies whether you are talking to your family, friends, instructors, guidance counselors, or the team responsible for college admissions.

Make an effort to relax and not worry or stress. It won’t be a problem at any point. The process of applying to college can be fraught with anxiety due to the inherent ups and downs and unpredictability of life.

It may not feel like it when you are in the middle of it, but everything will be okay in the end, so try not to be too hard on yourself or make expectations that are unrealistic and just take things one day at a time. Ask for assistance when you feel like you can’t handle everything.

Who among them has impressed you the most with their achievements?

J.J., who is my grandfather. He had just completed the eighth grade of schooling. When he was 13, both of his parents passed away. He was at the graveyard when a relative approached him and asked him where he was going to spend the night.

At that time, he did not have a place to go. His grit, determination, and quick wit led him to find opportunities, and when there weren’t any, he created them for himself. His grit, determination, and quick wit led him to discover opportunities.

After some time, he decided to launch his own company. He was a prosperous businessman who played an active role in his church and served as a leader in his neighborhood. He was always looking for new ways to give back to the community and help others who were struggling.

Because of what he did and the way he lived his life, I am reminded of how important it is to lend assistance to those in need and to give something back to the community.

When times are rough, what keeps you going?

My faith. During challenging moments, I draw on my inner fortitude and find serenity. I also make an effort to still my mind and put the distractions of daily life to the back of my mind so that Erin Moriarty can concentrate on whatever is now in front of me.

In what ways may people get in touch with you?

My LinkedIn profile.