Aloha from LMU
For decades, students from Hawai'i have made up an important part of Loyola Marymount University. Drawn to our breathtaking Los Angeles bluff for LMU's academic excellence, welcoming spirit of community, and relative mainland proximity to home, Hawaiian students have created a true culture of 'Ohana on campus.
We welcome you to learn more about the impact of an LMU education and begin to picture our not-so-distant shores as your next home away from home.
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Within seconds of meeting LMU student Cole Ichikawa ’24, you can’t help but be inspired by his infectious attitude and desire to build community. The student leader is a member of Nā Kōlea, which celebrates Hawaiian culture at LMU. For Ichikawa, the goal is simple: To help incoming Hawaiian students feel welcome and acclimated in their new environment.
Part of his strategy to make new students feel at home – thousands of miles and an ocean away – is to share local culture and values. And an integral piece of that approach is food.
“We know food brings people together, so we incorporate Hawaiian dishes and snacks into our gatherings,” Ichikawa said. He is also known for making “overspill” dinners where he cooks too much of one meal in his on-campus apartment and then walks down the hall to offer a plate to his neighbors.
Ichikawa recognizes that his ability to build meaningful connections is especially unique to LMU, crediting its small size and thriving student body based on community and inclusion.
Meet Us in Your Hometown
Los Angeles is just a short plane ride from the islands, but this fall we look forward to bringing a little piece of LMU home to Hawai'i. Events will give participants the opportunity to hear directly from the Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Admission on topics including the application process, financial aid, and life on campus!
Events in Your Area - Coming Soon!
Prospective Student Reception
Join the Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Enrollment in this reception for prospective students from Hawai'i.
Details to Follow
A 21st Century Education 500 Years in the Making
LMU is rooted in an educational tradition steeped in 500 years of history and known the world over for its intellectual prowess, values and global network of leaders.
With Jesuit institutions all over the globe, you will find “Jesuit”-educated leaders and professionals in every corner of the world devoted to the service of others and the promotion of justice. LMU Lions emerge from the bluff as fully realized individuals, leaders of tomorrow, eager to engage their community and embody the philosophy of "Magis," a Latin phrase meaning "to be more for the greater good."
Explore our Digital Viewbook
Discover LMU's Bluff
LMU is conveniently located on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Our campus provides an environment in which students focus deeply on academics, while also embracing life outside the classroom — from arts to athletics, spirituality to service. LMU provides diverse experiences that educate in mind, body and spirit.
Nā Kōlea Leads LMU's Aloha Spirit
LMU’s student organizations are the hub of student involvement, leadership and excellence. Student-run, these organizations offer opportunities for everyone to get involved, contribute, lead and make lasting friendships along the way. Asian Pacific Student Services (APSS) advises 7 Asian Pacific Islander cultural organizations - including Nā Kōlea.
An important part of LMU history, Nā Kōlea is a student-run organization that serves as a home away from home for both students from Hawai'i and students with an interest in Hawaiian culture/Hawai'i. Through various cultural events, including the annual Lu'au, social events, and bi-weekly meetings, students have the opportunity to learn about themselves while engaging with the LMU and Los Angeles communities.
Explore our 200+ Student OrganizationsBeyond the Bluff
From day one, we encourage you to take ownership of your career pathway by tapping into all the resources that we offer through Career and Professional Development. Our approach offers integrated career development and planning programs, involving faculty, advisors in your school or college, and our nationally recognized career center.
Whether you long to pursue professional success back home in Hawai'i, make your mark on the mainland, or explore career opportunities abroad, LMU can help you realize your limitliess potential.
Forming Leaders Who Transform the World
Learn how young alumnus Chasen Himeda '18 moved from Kaneohe, Hawai'i and engineered his LMU education into real-world success.
Spotlight on Student Achievement
The outcomes of an LMU education are limitless. Discover how recent Lions turned life on the bluff into real-world success.
Meet the Pride
At LMU we take pride in our Pride. As we like to put it... "Once a Lion, Always a Lion." That means our global network of alumni - over 100,000+ members strong - stands ready to help new graduates launch their careers. The Pride also includes an online mentoring platform, connecting LMU students and alumni through interest groups and allowing Lions to search for alumni by company, region, major, campus involvement, and more to build professional and purposeful connections.
One notable member of our pride is Dr. Edison Miyawaki '52. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii and raised in Hiroshima, Japan, Dr. Miyawaki previously served on LMU's Board of Trustees and is a co-owner of the Cincinatti Bengals.
Read About Dr. Miyawaki '52
Take the Next Step
We hope you enjoyed learning what makes Loyola Marymount University an exceptional place to live and learn. Ready to take the next step toward joining our creative and collaborative community of scholars, dreamers and doers? Read our first-year and transfer requirements, then begin your application.