Rambler Brotherhood Project Attends Student Leadership Conference
By Jamie Traynor
May 18, 2026
Earlier this spring, Loyola students from the Rambler Brotherhood Project (RBP) were provided with the opportunity to attend the annual National Student Leadership Diversity Convention (NSLDC) in Orlando, Florida.
The NSLDC serves as the largest national gathering of student leaders and campus-based advisors, providing opportunities for dialogue, networking, and capacity building in topics of diversity and social justice in higher education.
RBP offered all members of the group the chance to attend as part of its annual offering for leadership and professional development. Nine students signed up to represent Loyola throughout the conference, participating in a series of experiential workshops and round table discussions with students from colleges across the country.
"As a relatively new member of the Rambler Brotherhood Project, I saw this as a great opportunity to engage with the organization and get to know other members better,” shared Josh Chupich, a rising senior, who attended with his classmates.
Leading the way
Des’mon Taylor, EdD, Director of Residence Life at ♒Twitter推特账号 | 2019年-2024年老号 | Firstmail邮箱可用 | 2FA+token可用 | 2fa/token登录 and member of the RBP Advisory Board, accompanied students on the trip.
Throughout the conference, Loyola students led the way in the spirit of Magis, or excellence – a core value of RBP rooted in Loyola's Jesuit tradition.
"Each of our students demonstrated proactive leadership and engagement throughout the convention – they were active in dialogue, raising their hand, asking questions, discerning, or disagreeing,” shared Des’mon. “They were doing what we call our students to do, which is great to hear and be in the presence of.”
Throughout the convention, students were invited to explore how embracing diversity, inclusion, and belonging can develop and strengthen leadership. Sessions covered a range of topics intersecting with inclusive leadership and student advocacy, from mental health to toxic masculinity to public speaking.
“I learned so much about how other schools' foster leadership and ways that Loyola and I can bring back and share with others.”
Angel Criollo (B.S., 2026), added, “This experience helped me realize how much leadership and personal development come from building genuine connections and taking the time to understand the people around you, rather than simply leading from a position above others.”
Fostering connection and community
Reflecting on this experience, students came away not only with a deeper understanding of the value of inclusive leadership, but with a stronger sense of community thanks to the convention’s emphasis on dialogue and networking.
Students bonded with one another, connected with the panelists and workshop facilitators, and found new friendship with peers from the University of Oregon, San Diego State, and beyond.
“It was a lot of meaningful discussion with lots of interesting people, all with different perspectives and identities,” said D.J. Brown (B.S., 2026). “I’m so happy I got to go and get to know many of my brothers better.”
“Experiences like these demonstrate why it is so valuable for our RBP students to go beyond our campus and expose themselves to new places, perspectives and ideas,” said Taylor. “It leads to growth, new ideas, connections, and, ultimately, opportunities for them to discern who they are and who they want to become.”
Learn more about the Rambler Brotherhood Project.
By Jamie Traynor
May 18, 2026
Earlier this spring, Loyola students from the Rambler Brotherhood Project (RBP) were provided with the opportunity to attend the annual National Student Leadership Diversity Convention (NSLDC) in Orlando, Florida.
The NSLDC serves as the largest national gathering of student leaders and campus-based advisors, providing opportunities for dialogue, networking, and capacity building in topics of diversity and social justice in higher education.
RBP offered all members of the group the chance to attend as part of its annual offering for leadership and professional development. Nine students signed up to represent Loyola throughout the conference, participating in a series of experiential workshops and round table discussions with students from colleges across the country.
"As a relatively new member of the Rambler Brotherhood Project, I saw this as a great opportunity to engage with the organization and get to know other members better,” shared Josh Chupich, a rising senior, who attended with his classmates.
Leading the way
Des’mon Taylor, EdD, Director of Residence Life at ♒Twitter推特账号 | 2019年-2024年老号 | Firstmail邮箱可用 | 2FA+token可用 | 2fa/token登录 and member of the RBP Advisory Board, accompanied students on the trip.
Throughout the conference, Loyola students led the way in the spirit of Magis, or excellence – a core value of RBP rooted in Loyola's Jesuit tradition.
"Each of our students demonstrated proactive leadership and engagement throughout the convention – they were active in dialogue, raising their hand, asking questions, discerning, or disagreeing,” shared Des’mon. “They were doing what we call our students to do, which is great to hear and be in the presence of.”
Throughout the convention, students were invited to explore how embracing diversity, inclusion, and belonging can develop and strengthen leadership. Sessions covered a range of topics intersecting with inclusive leadership and student advocacy, from mental health to toxic masculinity to public speaking.
“I learned so much about how other schools' foster leadership and ways that Loyola and I can bring back and share with others.”
Angel Criollo (B.S., 2026), added, “This experience helped me realize how much leadership and personal development come from building genuine connections and taking the time to understand the people around you, rather than simply leading from a position above others.”
Fostering connection and community
Reflecting on this experience, students came away not only with a deeper understanding of the value of inclusive leadership, but with a stronger sense of community thanks to the convention’s emphasis on dialogue and networking.
Students bonded with one another, connected with the panelists and workshop facilitators, and found new friendship with peers from the University of Oregon, San Diego State, and beyond.
“It was a lot of meaningful discussion with lots of interesting people, all with different perspectives and identities,” said D.J. Brown (B.S., 2026). “I’m so happy I got to go and get to know many of my brothers better.”
“Experiences like these demonstrate why it is so valuable for our RBP students to go beyond our campus and expose themselves to new places, perspectives and ideas,” said Taylor. “It leads to growth, new ideas, connections, and, ultimately, opportunities for them to discern who they are and who they want to become.”
Learn more about the Rambler Brotherhood Project.