Grace Alcedo '25

Grace Alcedo '25
Major: Psychology
Involvements: Campus Ministry, Human Resource Management Society, Isang Bansa, Ignacio Companions, Resident Advisor

Grace Alcedo ’25, a psychology major from Santa Clarita, California, has made the most of every opportunity Loyola Marymount University had to offer, especially outside the classroom. Her college journey has been defined by meaningful involvement in campus life and building community through student organizations.

“LMU fosters a really good intimate space to want to be involved in things that are bigger than just yourself,” she says. Alcedo was able to find meaning in her college experience from the relationships she has built to the service work she was able to do. Over the years, she’s been part of Isang Bansa, Campus Ministry, Ignacio Companions, and Human Resource Management Society, each one helping her grow in purpose and direction.

One project she’s especially proud of contributing to is being a student leader on the Ignacio Companions service immersion trips with Campus Ministry, with the last three serving in Jamaica. “In my time leading, it was not super easy because a lot of people struggle or haven't done service in such an immersive way,” Alcedo explains. “The fact is that you're there, with them, and you're serving. And that is so good.” 

One of her favorite LMU memories is the Isang Bansa’s Pilipino Cultural Night, a celebration of Filipino culture that has been celebrated at LMU since the 1990s. It consists of cultural dances, student-written skits and performances, and Filipino food. “It’s such a beautiful expression of our club,” she says. “It truly creates so many new bonds and friendships. You're up multiple days of the week practicing folk dances and modern dances that are allowing you to learn more about Filipino culture.”

Through it all, her extracurricular journey was more than building a résumé, it was about becoming the person she wanted to be. “I've come to learn that I can still be committed to service and justice, no matter where I go and in every phase of life,” Alcedo shares. That’s why she is most closely connected with the Commit to Service and Justice pillar of the LMU Student EXP. “I love people, and what better thing to do than to be able to serve them. Especially those who are most vulnerable and marginalized by society.”

Looking back, she describes her LMU experience in one word: home. “I found people here that I can call home. One thing I'm so thankful to LMU for is that sense of home,” she said with a smile. After graduation, Alcedo is preparing to apply for graduate school and a career in human resources. 

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to know myself better,” Alcedo says. “Thank you for creating a space where I could grow into a person I am proud of today.”