LOYNO History Department

Congratulations to History Major and Black Studies Minor Charlotte Berg for receiving the Student Volunteer Attendance Stipend from the African Studies Association (ASA). The award, given to Charlotte on the basis of her performance in African history classes and her work as an intern at local archives here in New Orleans, includes an ASA membership, registration for the upcoming ASA conference to be held in New Orleans in December of 2026, membership to the ASA Women’s Caucus, and a stipend. This award reflects Charlotte’s consistent hard work and her growth as a history scholar and is well deserved. Congrats Charlotte!

What a fabulous evening we had on April 30th when we convened to hear our History Department thesis presentations! These will be hard to top! 📷 from left to right, Alyssa Hendren, Sophia Dickens, Sydney Piglia, Ben Chehebar, Harvey Quiddington, Riley “Kincaid” Leger, Oliver Ball, and Abigail Gallagher. Congrats to all, you were very impressive!

Six graduating History majors and we were able to spy 5 of them@at today’s poster presentations!

It was a fine evening to remember last night . Thanks to all who came and especially those who played music for us. So wonderful to hear Mark’s songs again! Our love to Dione and Wes and all the family. Special thanks to Gasa Gasa for hosting us!

We will have a special gathering to remember Dr. Mark Fernandez on Monday, April 20 at Gasa Gasa from 5 to 7 pm. There will be music and memories, and probably a few tears. Please come and be part of this celebration of Mark’s creative spirit and generous soul.

Thank you to our friends at the venue for hosting us and especially Kate Duncan in Music Industry for all the help! (Gasa Gasa is an 18+ venue)

Prof Grams leads students in dance at the Student Peace Initiative opening gala!

This is your sign. Last Friday donuts of the semester!

Along with countless others in our community and beyond, we are devastated by the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and professor, Dr. Mark Fernandez. Mark was a towering presence at Loyola for over 30 years. He was unfailingly supportive and kind, rigorous and engaged, and always fought for what was right, both on campus and beyond. He filled many roles including husband, father, grandfather, professor, songwriter, author, activist, and friend.

Mark’s memorial service will take place next week:

Visitation: Wednesday, April 8, 9:00 - 11:00am
Funeral Mass: Wednesday, April 8, 11:00am
Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home
3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
A gathering will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Mark Fernandez to the Loyola University New Orleans History Department, where he spent over three decades doing the work he loved. Donations can be made at spark.loyno.edu/tribute, please select “Other” and note “In Memory of Mark Fernandez.”

We are also in the planning stages of a more informal gathering to for the community to remember Mark. Please keep an on eye on this space.

Last Wednesday students made dumplings 🥟 in Dr. Shi’s “Taste of East Asia” class. There were no leftovers!!