After nearly 41 years of dedicated service to Loyola Marymount University, Darlene Wilson, associate director of Compliance and Processing, will retire on Sept. 30, 2026.
During her four-decade tenure at LMU, Wilson has been a valued member of the Financial Aid team and supported the university through significant changes in higher education and financial aid administration. A trusted resource for colleagues and a steady source of support for students and families, her extensive institutional knowledge and experience have been especially valuable in compliance and processing. She has helped lead the office through numerous successful audits and has shared her knowledge of financial aid regulations and institutional processes throughout the years. Her work has also helped countless students and families navigate the financial aid process as they pursue an LMU education.
“Darlene Wilson’s dedication to LMU and our students has made a lasting difference over the course of her career,” said Maureen Weatherall, vice provost for Enrollment Management and Academic Engagement at LMU. “Her expertise, commitment to helping students and families, and active involvement in our community have strengthened this university and supported generations of Lions. We are deeply grateful for her service.”
Wilson said the most significant change during her tenure has been the growth and size of the campus and staff. She recalled a moment from her first week at LMU:
“My first week at LMU, paychecks were brought around to offices by the president’s secretary, Barbara Bonney, for whom LMU’s Staff Member of the Year Award is named. Because I had started between pay periods, I did not have one. She asked me if I needed anything, because if I did, she could get a check printed for the week that day. I did not need anything, but it was the concern and the willingness to help others that embodies the LMU spirit to this day.”
This Thursday afternoon, Sept. 24, the LMU community is invited to join colleagues and friends at the Von Der Ahe Family Suite in Hannon Library to celebrate Wilson’s career and wishing her well in retirement.Those who would like to attend are encouraged to RSVP at the event page.