The University Libraries is proud to announce the outstanding 2026 scholarship recipients of the Student Employee Scholarship Program, an initiative supporting students employed at library locations on the Lake Shore Campus and Water Tower Campus. Thanks to donor generosity, our Student Employee Scholarship Fund provides financial support to help offset students’ tuition at both Arrupe College and Loyola University Chicago. The scholarship fund also recognizes the valiant efforts students make to balance student employment with academic responsibilities and fulfill their job commitments.
After a thorough review, the selection committee has chosen three students as this year’s awardees. These students have demonstrated excellent academic performance and meaningful contributions to the Libraries. We are proud to share their perspectives on receiving the award through a series of posts. Here to share her story is Manuela Munoz Chalan, who works at Lewis Library.
Business Management major, Manuela Munoz Chalan, reflected fondly on her time working at the Libraries, “Working in the library has been a meaningful part of my college experience, allowing me to grow. Through small, often quiet tasks, I’ve been able to contribute to a space that helps students feel supported and focused in their learning. This recognition reminds me of how important student library workers are in creating a welcoming and dependable environment. I am very grateful to be part of the library community, and this award motivates me to continue approaching my work with care, consistency, and a strong sense of service”.
Munoz provided advice to fellow students who may want to work in the University Libraries, “I encourage students to approach this role with intention and openness. Working in the library is not just about completing tasks; it’s about being present, dependable, and willing to help others, even in small ways. This job taught me the value of patience, teamwork, and taking pride in doing things well. Those lessons will stay with me and have shaped how I approach other responsibilities both on and off campus.”
Munoz shared their experience working at Loyola and with the Libraries, noting that “Working in the library has helped me feel more connected to Loyola. It has been a place where I’ve felt trusted and supported, and where I’ve been able to meet people who care deeply about students and learning. I’m thankful for the sense of community I’ve found through this experience in the library. It’s an experience I will always value as part of my college journey.”
If you are interested in learning more about the scholarship program or how you can support it, please contact Jocelyn D. Cheng, Community Relations and Communication Coordinator at jcheng5@LUC.edu.
Spotlight on More Student Awardees
Kaushal Bhattarai
Candace Mack
Post by Rahshona Saydazamova, senior, Political Science and Philosophy major
