Dear Loyola Community,
It’s no secret that New Orleanians know how to celebrate year round, but I’ve been amazed to see how the Crescent City takes Halloween to another level.
I’ve loved walking the streets this month to admire the care and creativity our neighbors put into decorating their front yards. You may have even noticed the elaborate display at the intersection of State Street and St. Charles Avenue featuring skeletons representing myself (as Dr. Cold) and the other local university presidents. From the decor to the parties and parades, we are doing it right!
Whatever your plans for tomorrow night, let’s reflect on the tradition of Halloween and how it embodies the spirit of our community.
Halloween assumes the best of us in a lot of ways. We dress up our children and take them from house to house for treats. We open our doors to strangers. We come together to celebrate creativity, individuality, and diversity.
That we can so enthusiastically throw ourselves into Halloween says a lot about our community. Halloween requires a special environment of trust, safety and inclusivity.
I invite us all to embody these values not just over the next couple of days but in the weeks and months to come, and I wish you a safe (and spooky) happy Halloween.
Peace and Blessings,
Dr. Xavier Cole
President
