At Loyola, we talk a lot about excellence in academics, in the arts, and in the community. One program that brings all of those together is the Dumbach Scholars Program, a unique three-year honors track that takes students deep into the worlds of art, literature, and film.
The program is led by Mrs. Shifrin, who has been involved with Dumbach for fifteen years and has served as its director for the last nine. Under her leadership, the program has continued to grow and adapt. “We’re always evolving,” she says. “The goal is to keep the experience fresh and meaningful for our students.”
Dumbach kicks off in sophomore year with AP Art History, where students explore world history through the lens of art, architecture, and sacred spaces. Students visited local mosques, temples, churches, and synagogues to see religious imagery and sacred spaces in person.
Junior Silvie Berkerts said one of her favorite moments was visiting the Art Institute of Chicago on the culminating field trip. “It was so special because I had so much fun looking at the artworks with new eyes,” she said.
Senior Quinn Reynolds added that the trip was a great way to bond with his Dumbach small group while also seeing all their learning come to life. “It was fun and educational,” he said.
In Junior year, the focus shifts to literature. The “Great Books” course dives into modern and class texts. Recent years have included The Nickel Boys and Hamnet. Students also attend live performances at places such as the Chicago Shakespeare Theater to compare the books to the theater production version to see how stories change across mediums.
Small group discussions are a big part of the experience. “We want them to be able to wrestle with big ideas, ask tough questions, and connect literature to what’s happening in the world today,” Mrs. Shifrin explained.
Senior year is all about film. Students watch ten films throughout the year, two over the summer, and each quarter is centered around a theme such as “Home”, “Identity”, or “Storytelling in Film.” The movie list includes everything from Oscar-winning dramas to international films in other languages. The goal is to analyze not just the plot, but the deeper ideas behind what we watch.
To remain in the program, Dumbach Scholars must maintain a 90% unweighted GPA, complete four honors or AP courses per year, and log at least 50 service hours. Junior Santiago Rodriguez stated that the program has promoted good work ethic and organizational skills. But Dumbach is more than just a list of requirements. It’s a community of students who are curious, thoughtful, and excited to explore the world through the arts.
Students also get to take part in exclusive events and field trips, including a special arts and culture trip to New York City.
Even with all the moving parts, Mrs. Shifrin and the fifteen mentors who support the program stay committed to keeping it meaningful. “We listen to feedback, change things up, and make sure it doesn’t get stale,” she said.
In the end, Dumbach is about more than what you learn in class. It’s about the conversations you have, the places you go, and the people you experience it all with. For students looking to explore big ideas in a close-knit community, Dumbach continues to be one of Loyola’s standout programs.
