Academics
Lourdes College is small Catholic school 10 miles west of Toledo that “caters to the nontraditional student,” offering “excellent academics” and “convenient” schedules. With a strong “spiritual component” and an “emphasis on service,” Lourdes is “a perfect environment for learning.” “The concept is to learn so you can give back,” says one student. Professors “teach with enthusiasm,” “are always there for you”---“One-on-one attention [is] plentiful”---and bring “real-world experience” to the classroom. “I know what I am learning from them can be applied to what I will be doing in the future,” declares one student. The library could use “extended hours,” but the “totally accessible” administration staff is “always there to listen and help.” “I feel like I can go and talk to anyone in the school about any subject,” relates a senior. “I love this college,” agrees another, “If I could stay, I would. Actually, I’m considering a master’s program.”
Student Body
“Students range from new high school graduates to people in their sixties” and “from black to white to Hispanic and Asian,” but they are predominantly “around 25--30,” and “female” and “have families and other responsibilities.” Most chose Lourdes because it is “close by.” “They have previous careers and are coming to Lourdes College to seek their dreams or change careers,” states one student. People are “serious” here. They want “to get an education and to do well.” That doesn’t keep them from being “very friendly and easy to get along with.” “Everybody is so nice, and I’m not just saying that,” swears a junior.
Campus Life
“If you are looking for the typical college experience, Lourdes is probably not the place for you,” confides a student. “It’s not a party school.” “There are no dorms” on this “pretty little campus,” but “Students still meet, mingle, and study in the main building on campus.” “In warmer weather you can find students hanging out on the campus lawn.” Social life consists of “shows, associations, [and] intramural sports,” though the hours can be a bit weird---“Most activities are scheduled at odd times when people are working.” However, because “Approximately 60 percent of students are nontraditional,” many are “too busy” with other responsibilities to engage in much extracurricular life anyway. “Lourdes is a college that focuses on academics yet understands that students have a life outside of school,” says a business major. “I chose Lourdes College because it met my needs as a returning college student working full-time during the day.”