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Loyola psychology senior selected to participate in Peace Corps project focused on youth development and HIV/AIDS prevention in Botswana, Africa

For others, it might just be words written in stone in front of Monroe Library - "commitment to service" and "special concern for the poor and oppressed." But for Chêle de Marigny Landry '16, the Jesuit ideals are a way of life. 

Whether it's working with summer programming for the visually impaired and deaf or building connections with the homeless of New Orleans, her Loyola education is preparing her to tackle the big issues. And now, she's getting ready to embark on her greatest adventure of all. Marigny, as she likes to be called, was recently selected by the Peace Corps through a highly competitive process to serve the next two years in Botswana, Africa, working on a project focused on youth development and HIV/AIDS prevention.

Marigny will graduate in May from Loyola University New Orleans in psychology. She would like to eventually pursue graduate studies, but is hoping her upcoming experience in the Peace Corps will help her discern what's next.

As a student at Loyola, she has worked for the past four years with the Loyola University Community Action Program (LUCAP) preparing and distributing monthly meal service to the homeless and assisting with the operation of Crescent City Cafe's monthly brunches where meals are served in a restaurant style environment with dignity and respect for its patrons.

"I think going out and working specifically with the homeless and making those connections especially with Crescent City Cafe ... has helped me to continue going back and getting involved," she said.

She's also worked with LUCAP's Best Buddies program, which strives to raise awareness about individuals with Down Syndrome, and she is a dedicated volunteer each year with Loyola's MLK Day of Service.

She said Loyola's mission to prepare its students to lead meaningful lives and be men and women with and for others is a lofty goal and something that keeps motivating her to do more.