Both a dramatic performance and awards presentation, Hidden Heroes gives witness to the service and action by university colleagues and partners that traditionally goes unseen. Honorees’ stories are shared in a dramatic narrative performance, a genre of theatre also known as verbatim theatre. Honorees are matched with playwrights who, through one or more interviews, develop a story using the honoree’s own words. That story is then brought to life on stage (or screen) by a company of actors and artists.
Honorees are also presented with a tile of original art by Ellen O’Leary, C.S.J. commissioned specifically for Hidden Heroes. The piece (pictured) expresses gratitude to those who have “blessed our planet”, in Ellen’s words, with the tapestry of their lives. And yet, the tapestry remains unfinished.
Both the tile and title of the award, Hidden Heroes, is an expression of the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange – to serve the dear neighbor without distinction – a tradition of ministry that began in 1650 with a commission of Jean-Pierre Medaille, S.J. for women to go into the neighborhood and respond to the needs of people.
2026 Hidden Heroes | Sunday, October 25
Join us virtually on Sunday, October 25, 2025 at 2 p.m. Pacific to honor members of our community through the telling of their story in a dramatic narrative with formal awards presented at the conclusion of the performance.
Announcement of honorees is forthcoming.
Directed by Judith Royer, C.S.J., professor emerita of theatre arts and director emerita of the CSJ Center, with Doris Baizley as story editor, this virtual performance and presentation is free and open to the public. All are welcome!
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Directed by Judith Royer, C.S.J., professor emerita of theatre arts and director emerita of the CSJ Center, with Doris Baizley as story editor.
Jean Boylan, LMU Loyola Law School
Written by Mary O’Malley
Performed by Mary O’MalleyPatrick Furlong, LMU Pam Rector Center for Service and Action
Written by Mark Marino
Performed by Julian ArmayaGregory Lontok, LMU College of Business Administration
Written by Bonnie Banfield
Performed by Radmar JaoDelmy Ruíz, LMU Center for Religion and Spirituality
Written by Catharine Dada
Performed by Andrea Negrete with Mark MarinoView the performance and presentation on the CSJ Center YouTube channel.
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Directed by Judith Royer, C.S.J., professor emerita of theatre arts and director of the CSJ Center, with Doris Baizley as story editor.
Randy Roche, S.J., LMU University Chaplain
Written by Mark C. Marino
Performed by Shelby BondAriane White, UCLA Library
Written by Julianne Homokay
Performed by Julianne Homokay and Jim HolmesJoy Pirshaheli, LMU School of Education
Written by Doris Baizley
Performed by Maria Lingbanan and Bonnie BanfieldMaria Lai, C.S.J., LMU Campus Ministry
Written by Mary O'Malley
Performed by Karen HuieLisa Fimiani, LMU Center for Urban Resilience
Written by Bonnie Banfield
Performed by Joan ChodorowView the performance and presentation on the CSJ Center YouTube channel.
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Directed by Judith Royer, C.S.J., professor emerita of theatre arts and director of the CSJ Center, with Doris Baizley as story editor.
Gary Craig, LMU Loyola Law School
Written by Bonnie Banfield
Performed by Jim Holmes and Bonnie BanfieldDiane Gasper, LMU School of Education
Written and performed by Catharine DadaSchoene Mahmood, LMU Center for Urban Resilience
Written and performed by Mary O'MalleyJamal Epperson, LMU Mission Integration
Written by Bonnie Banfield and David Haley
Performed by David HaleyMaria Elena Perales, St. Joseph Justice Center
Written and performed by Rose PortilloWith a memorial tribute to Nestor Pereira, LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts, performed by the company. View the performance and presentation on the CSJ Center YouTube channel.
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Directed by Judith Royer, C.S.J., professor emerita of theatre arts and director of the CSJ Center, with Doris Baizley as story editor.
Bryant Keith Alexander, LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts
Performed by Desean K. TerryJoanna Carroll, C.S.J., LMU Campus Ministry
Performed by Catharine DadaCristina Cuellar, Operation Progress
Performed by Zilah MendozaErika Cuellar, Alma Backyard Farms
Performed by Erika HoffmanLuis De La O, LMU Facilities Management
Performed by Marco RodriguezView the performance and presentation on the CSJ Center YouTube channel.
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Directed by Judith Royer, C.S.J., professor emerita of theatre arts and director of the CSJ Center, with Doris Baizley as story editor.
Antonio Felix, LMU School of Education
Performed by Carlos AlvaradoAbigail Magallanes, Leimert Park Community Fridge
Performed by Cecille Forsyth, with Bonnie BanfieldElena Meloni, New Star Family Justice Center
Performed by Julianne Homokay, with Catharine DadaAlicia Partnoy, LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
Performed by Rose Portillo, with Beth RuscioLinda Whitfield, LMU Loyola Law School
Performed by Bonnie Banfield, with Carlos AlvaradoView the performance and presentation on the CSJ Center YouTube channel.