“When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.” - Dalai Lama

Our newest mural features Loyola University Chicago’s innovative two-year college, Arrupe College! Since 2015, Arrupe has offered talented students from the city’s many diverse neighborhoods the opportunity to earn an associate degree in the rigorous Jesuit tradition. The college was created with a unique model that leverages the resources of Loyola to expand access and welcome historically underrepresented students to pursue their dreams.   

The mural facing inbound traffic features icons of classic Windy City favorites such as Sue the Tyrannosaurus rex, the L train, and the Art Institute of Chicago lions. The next panel is a sampling of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods, written on street signs along with images of the types of talent found there such as scientific, artistic, and aeronautical. This design inspires people coming into the city to step outside their comfort zones to visit new places and try new things. Such a message also demonstrates the local pride in the diversity of our hometown and the talent we’re humbled to offer each other. On the outbound route, the mural’s rising sun and city skyline encourage drivers to go forth and make a difference in the world, no matter which neighborhood they call home.

While providing care for the whole person—intellectually, morally, and spiritually—the college prepares its graduates to continue on to a bachelor’s degree program or move into meaningful employment. Many of these students are the first in their families to pursue higher education, and it can have a transformative effect on their lives. Arrupe’s model is one that ensures affordability because most students graduate with no debt, giving them the opportunity to take the next step with less financial worries. 

In the spirit of its namesake, Jesuit leader Father Pedro Arrupe, S.J., the college also provides wrap-around services to support and inspire its students to strive for excellence, work for justice, and become persons for others and agents for good in the world. Those values are the foundation of a Jesuit education.

As Chicago’s Bank™, we’re honored to partner with Loyola University Chicago and Arrupe College as they make college accessible for a diverse array of students from all neighborhoods of the city. The mission of Loyola’s Arrupe College closely aligns with ours: uplifting and bettering the communities in which we work and live. Through this mural, we’re proud to bring awareness to, and support for, Loyola University Chicago’s Arrupe College.

To learn more about Arrupe College, please visit LUC.edu/Arrupe