Outstanding Graduates

As we approach Commencement on May 9, we wish to share a group of standout student success stories from across the university. These students reflect the heart of Loyola.

James "Jimmy" Chilimigras, College of Law
After starting his JD at just 15 years old, 18-year-old Jimmy Chilimigras will graduate this weekend with his juris doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.

While most teenagers across the country are graduating from high school, Jimmy will be earning his law degree. A native of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi and the oldest of seven children, he completed high school at age 12 and earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting by age 15. He is widely considered the world's youngest Certified Public Accountant and is projected to be the youngest law school graduate in Louisiana.

At Loyola, Jimmy has excelled at the highest level. He ranks in the top 2% of his class, has earned the top grade in more than 40% of his courses, and is projected to graduate summa cum laude. He was named an Ignatian Law Scholar upon admission and will graduate as a William L. Crowe, Sr. Scholar, awarded to the top 10% of his class. He has served on the Loyola Law Review, competed and coached on the ABA National Moot Court Team, and worked as a student practitioner representing clients in immigration matters through the Stuart H. Smith Law Clinic.

He will graduate with five certificates of concentration including taxation law, social justice, immigration and citizenship law, international legal studies, and technology and entrepreneurship, a distinction believed to be unmatched at Loyola.

Following graduation, he will attend Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law to pursue an LLM in taxation, earning his fourth degree before the age of 20.

Jason Marsalis, College of Music and Media
A member of one of the most iconic families in American music, Jason Marsalis is part of New Orleans' legendary Marsalis family, often referred to as the "first family of jazz." He is the son of renowned pianist and educator Ellis Marsalis Jr. and the brother of internationally acclaimed musicians Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, and Delfeayo Marsalis.

An accomplished jazz drummer, vibraphonist, composer, and bandleader, Jason has performed internationally, recorded extensively, and is recognized as a major force in contemporary jazz. He began performing professionally as a teenager and has built a distinguished career while remaining deeply connected to the New Orleans music community.

His connection to Loyola reflects the university's deep ties to the city's musical legacy and its continued role in shaping both emerging and established artists.

Manal Azer, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
As she prepares to graduate with her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, Manal Azer is already stepping into a role of national significance. Manal has been selected to help lead a nationwide Alzheimer's initiative, positioning her at the forefront of one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time.

Her work will focus on advancing care strategies, improving patient outcomes, and supporting families navigating Alzheimer's disease across diverse communities. This opportunity reflects both the growing national demand for innovative nursing leadership and Manal's exceptional commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.

Throughout her time at Loyola, Manal has distinguished herself through a deep dedication to service, clinical excellence, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Her leadership embodies the Jesuit value of cura personalis, care for the whole person, by addressing not only the medical needs of patients but also the emotional and social dimensions of care.

As she begins this next chapter, Manal represents the very best of Loyola's mission in action - using knowledge, skill, and purpose to make meaningful change for the greater good.

Amanda Braham, Accelerated BSN Program
Before returning to school to pursue nursing, Amanda Braham worked at Ochsner as a Telemetry Supervisor. She returned to Loyola through the university's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program and will continue her healthcare career as a nurse at Ochsner following graduation. Her journey reflects the growing number of healthcare professionals advancing their careers through Loyola's nursing programs and continuing to serve the New Orleans community.

Clifford Myatt, Loyola Online and City College
A powerful story of perseverance and second chances, Clifford Myatt returned to Loyola nearly a decade after first attending the university to finally complete the degree he had started years earlier. After leaving Loyola, Clifford re-enrolled through Loyola Online's Bachelor of Applied Science program in Spring 2025 while balancing the responsibilities of work and everyday life.

During his return to Loyola, Clifford earned all A's, demonstrating extraordinary determination, discipline, and personal growth. Faculty and staff describe him as both an exceptional student and professional whose journey reflects the mission of Loyola Online and City College: helping working adults finish what they started and transform their futures through education.

Navi Aguilar, Political Science and World Religions
Originally from Nicaragua and raised in New Orleans, Navi is a globally focused scholar and Gilman Scholar who studied abroad in India and participated in international conferences in China. He has been accepted into the Johns Hopkins SAIS-Tsinghua Dual Degree Program, a highly selective program in international relations. His work reflects a strong commitment to global affairs, diplomacy, and cross-cultural understanding.

Daniela Mogollon, Business Analytics and Economics
A double major who published her first academic paper this year and received the John X. Wegmann Award for Outstanding Baccalaureate Graduate, one of the college's highest honors. She is also a recipient of the Francis Robert O'Brien, Sr. Memorial Scholarship.

Laura Hamilton, Music Theatre and Catholic Studies
A deeply engaged member of the Loyola community, Laura frequently sings at Ignatius Chapel Mass and has received multiple Jesuit scholarships. She was also selected as a recipient of the Tom and Gayle Benson Endowed Scholarship, recognizing her academic achievement and commitment to Loyola's mission.

From the College of Law, we also have several other graduates whose work reflects Loyola's commitment to advocacy, justice, and global impact:

Tava Mazhindu (Harare, Zimbabwe) - A lifelong Jesuit-educated student who served in the Civil Litigation Clinic and held leadership roles in trial advocacy. He will return to Pittsburgh to practice litigation.

Alejandro Medina (San Juan, Puerto Rico) - A dual accounting and finance graduate and student practitioner in youth justice, Alejandro also served as Online Editor of the Loyola Law Review. He will graduate as a William L. Crowe, Sr. Scholar, awarded to the top 10% of the class.

Alicia Sucre (Hialeah, Florida) - President of the International Law Society and a member of the Loyola Journal of Public Interest Law, Alicia has contributed to death penalty defense work and international legal advocacy.