The third week of each October, LMU joins institutions across the nation to celebrate National Transfer Week and everything that transfer students bring to the LMU community.
Meet three of LMU’s current transfer students
Savannah Aguilera ’25, a communications major and public relations minor, from L.A. transferred to LMU from Tulane University in New Orleans. Aguilera decided to transfer after talking with a friend who had recently transferred to LMU, “She told me how much she loved LMU and how happy she was that she made the decision to transfer,” said Aguilera. “After talking to her, and seeing how much she loved LMU, I immediately applied. And after starting here, LMU’s small class size has helped me to succeed, I feel like I am getting an individualized education for my learning style. The professors are so helpful inside and outside of my classes. They encourage students to ask questions, and you can tell it is important for them to make sure the students understand the material.”
Outside of academics, Aguilera is the fundraising coordinator for Special Games and last semester was the assistant new member educator for Delta Zeta. Aguilera also serves as the service chair for Share a Meal, a club in which students go to Venice Beach every Thursday and hand out food and water to the unhoused community.
Julian Smith ’26, a civil engineering major from Walnut Creek, California, transferred to LMU from Virginia Tech. “The main reason I chose to transfer here was because of how much I loved the campus. As soon as I visited, I knew I was coming here,” said Smith. “Students at LMU are very nice and always willing to help. On my first day, I had no problem asking students for help finding things on campus. My advice for prospective LMU transfer students is to visit campus in person. You will not want to go anywhere else.”
Smith lives in the Transfer Living Learning Community, which he attributes to helping make him comfortable and make a smooth transition to the LMU campus community. In his free time, Smith is a part of the American Society of Civil Engineers Club and enjoys using the Burns Recreation Center.
Kaylee Horrell ’26, a psychology major from Portland, Oregon, transferred to LMU from Syracuse University after doing online research on West Coast schools and talking to some friends who attended LMU. Since starting at LMU, Kaylee has become more comfortable with going with the flow and accepting change in making the transition to LMU. “All of my professors have been so understanding and communicative throughout the semester so far,” said Horrell. “This was especially helpful when I had to switch around my schedule at the beginning of the year.”
Horrell’s advice to future transfer students would be to attend the involvement fair and get connected as soon as possible. “There are a lot of really great opportunities at LMU that you want to get a hold of right away.” Horrell is involved currently with the Fashion Society at LMU and holds an on-campus job working for Student Affairs.
National Transfer Student Week Programs Oct. 16-20
This week Student Transitions and Success, which includes Transfer Programs, offers events and programs to celebrate and connect transfer students to opportunities to further their success.
Tuesday, Oct. 17, Palm Quad, 5 p.m. PDT
Tye, Tie, Thai
Make your “Tie and Tye” shirt while eating Thai! Open to all transfer students. RSVP to reserve your shirt! If you have dietary restrictions, please indicate that in the questions.
Thursday, Oct. 19, Bowlero, 5 p.m. PDT
Transfers and Veterans Bowling Night with Student Transitions and Success
Come relieve your stress with a couple of bowling games! Meet your fellow transfer and veteran peers as well as staff in the Student Transitions and Success. Shoes, lanes, food, and drinks will be provided.