Olivia Palombo '25

Olivia Palombo '25
Major: Journalism
Involvements: Alpha Phi, Los Angeles Loyolan, Spirit Squad, Isang Bansa, RHA, ASLMU Programming

As a former editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Loyolan, Olivia Palombo ’25, spent her time at Loyola Marymount University doing what she loves most: telling stories that matter. From investigative reporting to uplifting student voices, she shaped the publication into a space for dialogue, creativity, and truth.

Hailing from San Diego, California, and majoring in journalism with a minor in economics, Palombo naturally felt drawn to LMU. “Ultimately it was a prime location that I really wanted to be in,” she reflected. “I really wanted to be in L.A. It had so much opportunity for me.”

“The biggest lesson that I learned coming to LMU, and coming to a place that really places emphasis on understanding the practical impact of what you're learning, is that the classroom is not everything,” said Palombo. “If anything like the classroom is just point A, but you need to have a point B or a point C, and that needs to be out in the community.” This philosophy was woven into her experiences with LMU journalism and student media.

Palombo found joy in meaningful connections with peers and faculty alike. But it was her leadership with the Loyolan that stands out as a defining experience. “I think that in my year as editor we did a lot of really good work. I think we did a lot to share information with the community that we needed to know.”

When asked to describe her LMU journey in one word, she chose impactful. “It's just one of these places that I know I will literally never forget,” Palombo said. “It was such a beautiful four years. I'm so grateful and thankful to everybody that made the experience.”

Her experience, she notes, most closely aligns with the student EXP pillars of Committing to Service and Justice, and Living a Life of Purpose. “I said to myself, at the beginning of my freshman year in my second semester, ‘I really want to do something tangible. What am I supposed to do?’ It was almost like I was kind of searching for that greater purpose. I think that LMU really was just such a great launch pad to really find that.” Finding her path through the newspaper allowed her to practice her services to the public as a journalist, in the classroom, and in the community.

After graduation, Palombo plans to move to New York City and work full time in professional journalism through the Dow Jones News Fund Program, taking the skills and values she’s gained at LMU into the next chapter.

Her advice to fellow Lions? “There is more risk in almost not trying, because you never know what you're really going to like, and you never know what you're not going to like.”

As Palombo leaves the bluff, she has one final message. “I'm so grateful for all of it. I think that it was just such a net positive experience. Like I said, it's just one of those things that you'll truly just never forget.”