2,462 research outputs found
Letter from J. E. Gavin to Louis C. Cramton regarding Sale of Bright Angel Trail
No full textLetter from J. E. Gavin to Louis C. Cramton regarding the Bright Angel Trail controversy, including newspaper clipping
Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University
No full textFall 2008 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis UniversityINSIDE:
A Q&A with
John Kavanaugh, S.J.
page 12
Emergency Preparedness
page 16
First Class of Presidential
Scholars
page 19
16
2
Volume 35, Issue 1
Editor
Laura Geiser (A&S ’90, Grad ’92)
Contributors
Clayton Berry
David Chilenski (Cook ’98)
Marie Dilg (Grad SW ’94)
Nick Sargent
“On Campus” news stories
University Communications
Medical Center Communications
Billiken Media Relations
Design
Art Direction: Matt Krob
Universitas is published by Saint Louis University.
Opinions expressed in Universitas are those of the
individual authors and not necessarily those of the
University administration. Unsolicited manuscripts and
photographs are welcome but will be returned only if
accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Letters to the editor must be signed, and letters not
intended for publication should indicate that fact. The
editor reserves the right to edit all items. Address all
mail to Universitas, DuBourg Hall 39, 221 N. Grand,
St. Louis, Mo. 63103. We accept e-mail at utas@
slu.edu and fax submissions at (314) 977-2249.
Address fax submissions to Editor, Universitas.
Postmaster: Send address changes to
Universitas, Saint Louis University,
221 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103.
World Wide Web address:
www.slu.edu/pr/universitas.html
Universitas is printed by Universal Printing Co.
and mailed by Specialty Mailing.
Worldwide circulation: 118,600
© 2008, Saint Louis University
All rights reserved.
FALL 2004 WINTER 2005
Twenty years ago, I had just begun to
settle in for my first year here at Saint
Louis University when I challenged
our board of trustees and administration team
to create new ways for us to fulfill our mission
of forming women and men for others. We
knew that the Saint Louis University educa-tional
experience was a unique opportunity,
and we were striving to find a new way to
attract students who not only were high-caliber
academic scholars but also had the potential to
become the type of leaders needed to improve
our communities.
Due to the generosity of alumni and SLU
supporters, we were able to establish the Presi-dential
Scholars program, which back in 1988,
awarded the first 10 recipients with full schol-arships
to Saint Louis University. In this issue
of Universitas you will see how that investment
continues to pay dividends for these 10 men
and women and for the communities in which
they live.
I am blessed to have been at SLU long
enough not only to witness the growth of this
first class of Presidential Scholars during their
years at SLU, but also now to see how they
have grown and fulfilled the promise we saw in
them two decades ago. Starting on page 19, you
can read about this “first-class” group — an
emergency room physician, owner of a social
service agency, corporate lawyer, business
analyst, piano teacher, researcher, pediatrician,
manager for a home health care company and
two alumnae serving their families as full-time
mothers.
Although they have settled on careers and
homes that literally are all over the map, the
members of the initial class of Presidential
Scholars — much like the more than 300
Presidential Scholars who have followed them
— show a commitment to service to others as
well as an appreciation for the opportunities
they received here at SLU. Their continued
success is one of the best endorsements for the
next generation of students who apply to Saint
Louis University.
And that’s one of the most important ways
our original scholars are returning the invest-ment
many SLU alumni and supporters made
in them 20 years ago. We have great faculty,
staff, researchers and alumni at Saint Louis
University, but to keep SLU a great university,
we need to continue to attract great students.
All of you already are doing a wonderful job
promoting Saint Louis University as you
achieve success in your professional, personal
and service lives. But I ask you to join your
alma mater’s efforts to attract even more of
tomorrow’s leaders to SLU.
During the last academic year, SLU’s total
enrollment increased 3 percent, and our goal is
to continue to provide more opportunities for
students who are eager to study at SLU. Even
outside of St. Louis, many of you will see in
movie theaters and hear on the radio a new
SLU recruitment campaign, that encourages
students to “Be a Billiken.” Using our Univer-sity’s
unique mascot, the campaign highlights
SLU’s equally unique attributes, which sepa-rate
SLU from other top national schools.
But your help, whether setting up one-on-one
meetings with prospective students in
your city or joining SLU recruiters at a college
fair in your area, can make the difference in
whether a student seriously considers SLU. If
you’re interested in lending some of your valu-able
time to the SLU recruitment cause, please
contact our alumni relations office at alumni@
slu.edu for more information.
I hope you enjoy reading about our 20th
anniversary class of Presidential Scholars as
much as I have enjoyed catching up with these
10 alumni.
Lawrence Biondi, S.J.,
President
SLU’s Presidential Scholarship celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Photo by Jim Visser
{ president’s message } { contents }
8 | The Billiken: From Fad to Icon
Learn how the Billiken came to be
and how he came to SLU in this
article celebrating the unique mascot’s
100 years. — By Nick Sargent
12 | Life, Hope and Homilies
Philosophy professor John
Kavanaugh, S.J., has been raising
tough questions for more than 30
years. Now he gives some answers.
— By Laura Geiser
16 | In Case of Emergency
How well is SLU prepared for a crisis?
A new emergency preparedness team
is making sure the University is ready
for anything. — By Clayton Berry
19 | Primary Scholars
SLU’s inaugural class of Presidential
Scholars arrived on campus 20 years
ago. Find out where these 10 alumni
are today. — By Marie Dilg
2 | On Campus
Homecoming marks the Billiken’s
birthday • New rankings released •
Avian flu research • Heritage Hall •
Art exhibits • Convocation
6 | Billiken News
Basketball schedules • Trost on all-
NCAA team • Volleyball wins big
7 | Advancement News
A conversation with David
Suwalsky, S.J., director of SLU’s
museums and galleries.
24 | class notes
Catch up with classmates.
28 | In Memoriam
Remembering those members of the
SLU community who recently died.
30 | alumni events
Find SLU alumni activities wherever
you live.
32 | Perspective
A recent alumnus discusses the
criminal justice system.
33 | the last word
Letters to the editor.
8 19
12
features depar tments
6
2 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S F A L L 2 0 0 8 3
{ on campus }
To celebrate the Billiken’s 100th year, the University
threw two birthday celebrations to coincide with
Homecoming and Family Weekend, which drew
thousands of graduates and parents to campus Sept. 26-28.
In all, more than 2,500 alumni and friends and 1,200 par-ents
and family members made their way to SLU’s campus.
The schedule of events included class reunions, jazz socials,
campus tours and a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.
The birthday celebration kicked off in the Family Fun
Area on Saturday, where alumni, parents and students
turned out to make birthday hats, enjoy birthday-themed
activities and eat cupcakes. The Billiken had only one wish
for his birthday party: that all of his friends bring new
children’s books, later donated to a special program at SSM
Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center. Almost 200
books were collected.
The birthday celebration continued that night, as the
men’s soccer team won its game against in-state rival Mis-souri
State University by a 3-0 margin, with almost 5,800
in attendance. It was the second largest crowd in Hermann
Stadium history.
During halftime, the stadium lights dropped, and a three-tier
cake was brought onto the field. The capacity crowd
sang “Happy Birthday” to the Billiken. As soon as the song
ended, a fireworks display erupted over the stadium.
Homecoming Weekend also featured tours of the new
Chaifetz Arena, the annual golf cart parade, a barbecue,
Mass, brunch and a concert.
“With wonderful events and spectacular weather, we
really celebrated the Billiken’s birthday in style, and we are
already looking forward to next year,” said Meg Connolly
(A&S ’90, Grad ’92), associate vice president for alumni
relations and annual giving.
The 2009 Homecoming Weekend is scheduled for Sept. 25-
27. Call the office of alumni relations at (314) 977-2250 to help
with reunion planning.
Homecoming celebrates 100 years of the Billiken
Scenes from
this year’s
homecoming
This summer, two national
publications recognized
Saint Louis University as
one of the best schools
in the country for under-graduate
education. U.S.
News & World Report’s
“America’s Best Colleges”
ranks SLU 80th out of
more than 260 national
universities in the United States. The ranking placed
SLU among the top five Jesuit universities in the
country for the sixth consecutive year. U.S. News
also gave high marks to the University’s undergrad-uate
engineering and business programs.
The Princeton Review’s 2009 edition of The Best
368 Colleges places SLU in the top 15 percent of
America’s 2,500 four-year colleges. Listings in book
are based on institutional data, school visits and
feedback from students, independent college coun-selors
and parents. However schools are chosen
primarily for their outstanding academics.
SLU earns
U.S. News,
Princeton
Review
honors
Researchers
study avian flu
Saint Louis University School of
Medicine has begun one of the larg-est
avian flu clinical trials in the United
States to test a new vaccine approach to
prevent the disease.
The study tests whether an injection
of an FDA-approved avian flu vaccine
created in 2004 can prime the body’s
immune system so a second shot of a
different avian flu vaccine can protect
against avian flu infection.
Public health experts are concerned
that the avian flu could become the
next influenza pandemic because bird
viruses have started previous outbreaks.
The study will examine the vigor of the
body’s antibody response and the safety
of the vaccines.
SLU is the lead site of the research,
which is sponsored by the National In-stitute
of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,
part of the National Institutes of Health,
and will include up to five study sites.
SLU named a great
place to work
In its “2008 Great Colleges to Work For”
issue, The Chronicle of Higher Education
recognized Saint Louis University as one of
the best universities to work for in the nation.
SLU was one of five institutions of higher
education with 2,500 or more employees
recognized in the following categories:
Teaching
Environment:
Faculty members
say the institution
recognizes innova-tive
and high-quali-ty
teaching.
Tenure Clarity
and Process:
Requirements for
tenure are clear,
faculty members
say.
Housing
Assistance
Programs:
The “Hometown
SLU” program
provides forgiv-able
loans toward
homes purchased
in neighborhoods
near the University.
403(b) or 401(k):
Saint Louis
University offers
an award-winning
retirement plan.
New endowed
chair benefits
ophthalmolo g y
Dr. Anwar Shah, a former
SLU faculty member, has
established an endowed chair
in ophthalmology. Shah began
his relationship with SLU as an
intern and resident in ophthal-mology,
after coming to the
United States from Pakistan as a
Fulbright Scholar in 1955.
After completing fellowships
at Washington University in St. Louis and Harvard Medical School,
Shah became director of retina services in SLU’s department of
ophthalmology. He was a member of the SLU faculty for years,
training numerous ophthalmology residents. In 1980, he built the St.
Louis Eye Hospital, a 160,000.
4 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S F A L L 2 0 0 8 5
CONVOCATION
CELEBRATION
For the first time, in August Saint
Louis University’s annual convocation
to welcome new students and their
families to the SLU community was
held at Chaifetz Arena. Previously
held in St. Francis Xavier College
Church, convocation moved to the
arena this year to allow more faculty
and staff to participate in the event.
{ on campus } Viewing Heritage Hall on the day of its dedication are (from left): Dr. Patricia
Demuth, former coordinator of gerontological nursing at the School of
Nursing; Sister Noreen McGowan (seated), former faculty member and director
of nursing at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital; and Virginia Patton Spe-noga,
former faculty member.
Nursing School marks anniversary
with Heritage Hall installation
When Saint Louis University School of Nursing marked its
80th anniversary by unveiling its Heritage Hall, one sec-tion
was left empty by design.
“Visitors to Heritage Hall will learn of the many greats we have
achieved as an innovator in nursing education. But the best is yet
to come,” said Dr. Teri Murray (Nurs ’79, Grad ’93, ’97), dean of
the School of Nursing.
Located on the second floor of the School of Nursing Building,
Heritage Hall is a three-dimensional timeline of the School of
Nursing’s milestones. It was dedicated Sept. 27.
A seed donation for Heritage Hall was made in honor of Dr.
Joan Carter (Nurs ’58, Grad ’62), associate dean emerita of the
School of Nursing. Alumni and other friends of the School of
Nursing contributed to the historical remembrance.
Faculty from Saint
Louis University’s
Doisy College of
Health Sciences and
the department of
nutrition and dietetics’
Fresh Gatherings
cafeteria are featured
in a book by author
Patricia Corrigan called Eating St. Louis: The Gate-way
City’s Unique Food Culture. The hardcover book
serves up stories and photos of the places, people
and foods that have
come to define and feed
St. Louis. It also features
little-known tales about
local restaurants, food
manufacturers, groceries
and specialty food shops.
Eating St. Louis can be
ordered online at: www.
eatingstlouis.com.
Doisy
College
featured
in book
Rec Center reminder
Whether you’re a member of SLU’s
Simon Recreation Center or
not, alumni may enroll in most of the
center’s fitness classes, including Pilates,
yoga, aerobics, spinning, kickboxing,
bouldering and swimming. Several
dance classes also are offered. There is
a moderate fee for class enrollment, and
all skill levels are welcomed. Classes and
schedules vary, so visit www.slu.edu/
organizations/crcisc for details or call
(314) 977-3969.
As the Billiken
celebrates
his 100th
birthday
Issues of Universitas that feature the
Billiken on the cover (including this one)
NCAA Division I Billiken
teams at SLU
Billiken statues on campus
(plus, there’s a Billiken-shaped
topiary)
Individuals inducted
into SLU’s athletic
Billiken Hall of Fame
Pageviews of SLU’s “What’s a Billiken?”
page (www.slu.edu/billiken.xml) during
the last three months 8 18 2 227 5,397
t h e A R T S a t S L U
SLUMA shows
‘Diebenkorn,
Hockney and
Dine’ works
The Saint Louis University
Museum of Art is present-ing
“Diebenkorn, Hockney
and Dine: Selected Prints
from the Bank of America
Collection.” This iconic trio
of contemporary artists
is represented by more
than 100 of their respec-tive
prints spanning the
period between 1950 and
1986. The works on paper
reveal explorations into the
aesthetics of line, color and
formal complexity. SLUMA’s
hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Wednesday through Sun-day.
For more information,
visit sluma.slu.edu.
MOCRA’s
‘Pursuit of the
Spirit’ marks
15 years
This fall, visitors to SLU’s
Museum of Contemporary
Religious Art can view the
exhibition “Pursuit of the
Spirit,” which draws on art-ists
and artworks selected
from the museum’s first 35
exhibitions. As the museum
celebrates its 15th an-niversary,
the selections are
dedicated to the ongoing
dialogue between con-temporary
artists and the
world’s faith traditions. The
museum is open 11 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Tuesday through
Sunday. For more informa-tion,
call (314) 977-7170 or
visit mocra.slu.edu.
Campaign
memorabilia
on display at
SLUMA
The Saint Louis University
Museum of Art is exhibit-ing
“Persuasive Politics:
Presidential Campaign
Memorabilia.” Centuries of
presidential memorabilia are
showcased in the collec-tion:
a George Washington
coat button, an “I Like Ike”
cigarette pack and an 1860
Abraham Lincoln campaign
coin are among the more
than 700 campaign items,
ranging from the historic and
stoic to the contemporary
and whimsical. SLUMA’s
hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Wednesday through Sun-day.
For more information,
visit sluma.slu.edu.
Madonna and Child. Frederick
J. Brown (1994-95), oil and
mixed media on canvas.
McKinley campaign pin
with flag ribbon.
Clubs-Blue Ground. Richard
Diebenkorn (1982), etching,
spitbite aquatint, drypoint.
Public Health receives 26.3 million contract from
the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The new contract is in addition to last year’s $26.8
million, five-year contract to the School of Public Health to follow the health of children
from St. Louis City and Macoupin County in Illinois.
FIRST CLASS
This fall, Saint Louis
University debuted a new
classroom building at 3721
Laclede Ave. The building,
which was the former home
of Forest Pharmaceuticals,
was completely gutted and
renovated this summer.
Now known as the Laclede
Classroom Building, the fa-cility
boasts 15 classrooms,
a new forensics/anthropol-ogy
lab and several seminar
rooms.
Photo by Steve Dolan
Photo by Steve Dolan
Photo by Kevin Lowder
date opponent place time
Nov. 05 vs. Harris-Stowe State St. Louis 7 p.m.
(ExhIBITION)
Nov. 14 vs. Missouri-St. Louis St. Louis 7 p.m.
Nov. 19 vs. Kent State St. Louis 7 p.m.
Nov. 22 vs. Boston College St. Louis 1 p.m.
Nov. 25 at Nebraska Lincoln, Neb. 7 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Detroit Mercy Detroit 1 p.m.
Dec. 02 at Southern Illinois Carbondale, Ill. 7 p.m.
Dec. 06 vs. Savannah State St. Louis 7 p.m.
Dec. 13 vs. Samford St. Louis 4 p.m.
Las Vegas Classic
Dec. 17 vs. USC Upstate St. Louis 7 p.m.
Dec. 19 vs. Liberty St. Louis 7 p.m.
Dec. 22 vs. DePaul Las Vegas 7 p.m.
Dec. 23 Las Vegas Classic Las Vegas 6:30 or
Championship 9 p.m.
Dec. 30 vs. UMBC St. Louis 8 p.m.
Jan. 02 vs. North Carolina A&T St. Louis 7 p.m.
Jan. 08 at Xavier Cincinnati 7 p.m.
Jan. 14 vs. Massachusetts St. Louis 7 p.m.
Jan. 17 vs. George Washington St. Louis TBA
Jan. 22 at Temple Philadelphia 7 p.m.
Jan. 25 vs. Richmond St. Louis 2 p.m.
Jan. 29 at Dayton Dayton, Ohio 7 p.m.
Jan. 31 at Fordham Bronx, N.Y. 6 p.m.
Feb. 04 vs. Duquesne St. Louis TBA
Feb. 08 at Richmond Richmond, Va. 1 p.m.
Feb. 11 vs. Charlotte St. Louis 7 p.m.
Feb. 14 at Rhode Island Kingston, R.I. 1 p.m.
Feb. 1
Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University
No full textSummer 2006 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis UniversityS i n g i n g
g roup
wo r k s i n
h a r mo n y
pg. 9
B i o l o gy
fac ult y
m a k e t he ir
m a r k
pg. 12
A l um n i
c h a n g e
c hil d r e n’s
l i v e s
pg. 18
B a s e b a l l
t e a m p l ay s
i n n c a a
t our n a me n t
pg. 6
F E AT U R E S DE PA R TMEN T S
E d i t o r
Laura Geiser (A&S ’90, Grad ’92)
C o n t r i b u t o r s
Allison Babka Burney
Marie Dilg (SW ’94)
Shannon McGuire (Student Assistant)
Rachel Otto
“ O n C a m p u s ” n e w s s t o r i e s
University Communications
Medical Center Media Relations
Billiken Media Relations
D e s i g n
Art Direction: Matthew Krob
Universitas is published by Saint Louis University. Opin-ions
expressed in Universitas are those of the individual
authors and not necessarily those of the University admin-istration.
Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are
welcome but will be returned only if accompanied by a
stamped, self-addressed envelope. Letters to the editor
must be signed, and letters not intended for publication
should indicate that fact. The editor reserves the right to
edit all items. Address all mail to Universitas, DuBourg Hall
39, 221 N. Grand, St. Louis, Mo. 63103. We accept e-mail
at [email protected] and fax submissions at (314) 977-2249.
Address fax submissions to Editor, Universitas.
Postmaster: Send address changes to
Universitas, Saint Louis University,
221 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103.
World Wide Web address:
www.slu.edu/pr/universitas.html
Universitas is printed by Universal Printing Co.
and mailed by Specialty Mailing.
Worldwide circulation: 111,720
© 2006, Saint Louis University
All rights reserved.
Volume 3 2 , I ssue 3
In April, I had the privilege of speaking to a
group of outstanding local citizens to accept
St. Louis’ 2005 “Citizen of the Year” award,
which is presented by a committee of former recip-ients
and sponsored by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
It was truly an honor.
The humbling experience gave me the oppor-tunity
to reflect on my early days in my adopt-ed
hometown and how much I have seen things
change here during the last 19 years.
Although I had a very brief visit to St. Louis
in 1967 on my way to Mexico to hone my Span-ish
skills, I didn’t spend any time in the city
until I was named to Saint Louis University’s
board of trustees in 1983. On my first trip to
SLU for a board meeting, I extended my stay
so I could see the city. After taking the Lindell
Boulevard bus downtown on a Saturday after-noon,
I found so little to do that I caught an
earlier flight back to Chicago.
For four more years, I came to St. Louis for the
trustees’ quarterly meetings — and I came only for
the meetings. Then, in 1987, when I was elected
president of SLU, I decided that I had to get to know the city. One Sunday morning shortly after
my arrival, I took former SLU President Tom Fitzgerald’s old, green-colored Oldsmobile and drove
around downtown, trying to memorize the street names.
I saw progress. In four years, some things had certainly changed for the better. But as I drove
back to campus, I saw that there was still much to do. Right in Midtown, in my own new back yard,
there were dilapidated buildings, plots of asphalt and rundown city blocks.
In my early days at SLU, I was like a new homeowner. I wanted the best for my neighborhood,
and I was willing to make the effort to improve it. When I came to this city to live and work, I
quickly adopted it as my home. But I still needed a shot of hometown pride.
I found that pride away from buildings and ball clubs. I love St. Louis for more than its Arch,
toasted ravioli and Ted Drewes frozen custard. I love it for the people who are trying to make a dif-ference
— visionaries such as Joe Edwards and Richard Baron and many others. And while I did use
my “Citizen of the Year” acceptance speech as an opportunity to challenge my fellow St. Louisans
to aspire to make our city greater, I also know that I — and our University — have enjoyed unprec-edented
cooperation from city officials and local business leaders.
I can remember being here for just a few months and working with then-mayor Vince Schoemehl
(Grad ’86) to get trees — substantial trees — planted along Grand and Lindell. In Chicago, I would
have never had as much direct access to the Board of Aldermen or to the mayor himself. Today, we
continue to receive tremendous support from Mayor Francis Slay (Law ’80) and from the Board of
Aldermen. I am truly grateful for the trust that city officials have always placed in SLU.
And it’s not just the civic leaders who have given us their trust. You, our alumni, friends and do-nors,
have shown how you believe in us, too. Through your gifts of time, talent and treasure, you’ve
been instrumental in building the reputation and stature of Saint Louis University.
We’ve come a long way together. And the city of St. Louis has, too. I am so thankful for your
commitment to Saint Louis University and hope that — no matter where you live now — SLU and
St. Louis will always feel like home.
Lawrence Biondi , S. J .
photo by Steve Dolan
President’s Message
etrolink
On the Map
A special insert gives
you an up-close look
at SLU’s campus.
Map Illustration by
Robert North Jr.
U N I V E R S I TA S S UMME R 2 0 0 6
Fr. Biondi with Dr. Donald Suggs, publisher of the St.
Louis American and the 2004 Citizen of the Year.
2 On Campus
Arena plans taking shape Research
Building gets a name Commencement
U.S. News ranks SLU high again
Social justice magazine debuts
6 Billiken News
Baseball team goes to the NCAA
Tournament Walker is now a coach
7 Campaign Update
Meet Anna and Jesse, students
doing their part for annual giving
22 Class Notes
Catch up with classmates
28 In Memoriam
Remembering those members of the
SLU community who recently died
29 Off the Shelf
Seven books from the SLU community
30 Alumni Events
Find SLU alumni activities
wherever you live
32 Perspective
An alumnus turns from music
fan into record label owner
33 The Last Word
Letters to the editor
9
Brothers in Song
An introduction
to the Bare Naked
Statues, SLU’s all-male
a cappella group.
By Allison Babka Burney
Bio-Diversity
The biology department
faculty are studying
everything from fish to
wasps to liver cancer.
By Marie Dilg
A Haven of Hope
Two alumni have
created a home where
abused and neglected
children thrive.
By Marie Dilg
12 18
Students congregate around a fountain at the Medical Center on a hot June aftternoon.
Photo by Kevin Lowder
U N I V E R S I TA S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I TA S S UMME R 2 0 0 6
Groundbreaking is less than three
months away for the new 8 million in TIF funding and bonds,
which will be paid off with revenues from the
Arena. Fund raising continues toward the 39
million goal for the Arena project. Alumni and
benefactors who would like to contribute to the
Arena project can get information about the
project online at arena.slu.edu, or by calling
(314) 977-2499.
Site preparation will begin this summer, with
a groundbreaking date in late August or early
September. Construction is expected to take
approximately 19 months and be completed in
March 2008. At 10,600 seats, the Saint Louis
University Arena will have the second largest
capacity in the Atlantic 10 Conference. The
University anticipates hosting more that 90
events in the Arena in its first year of operation,
with roughly half being non-University events.
Arena plans move forward; groundbreaking soon
Commencement 2006
Saint Louis University celebrated
commencement for more than 1,700
graduates May 20 at Savvis Center.
Chris Lowney, author of Heroic Leadership:
Best Practices from a 450-Year-Old Company
that Changed the World, delivered the com-mencement
address. The book takes the pil-lars
of Ignatian teachings and applies them
to today’s business environment. In addition
to Lowney, other honorary degree recipients
were Maurice B. McNamee, S.J. (A&S ’33,
Grad ’34, ’45), professor emeritus of Eng-lish,
professor emeritus of art and art history
and director emeritus of Samuel Cupples
House; and Frank Stroble (Cook ’52, Grad
’60) and Ruth Stroble, longtime supporters
of Catholic higher education and commu-nity
volunteers. Throughout five decades as a professor
at Saint Louis University School of
Medicine, Dr. Edward A. Doisy was
renowned worldwide for his pioneering work
in the field of biochemistry, including win-ning
the 1943 Nobel Prize for discovering
the chemical nature of vitamin K.
To honor his lifetime of work, SLU’s new
biomedical research tower, a 67 million fa-cility,
will be named the Edward A. Doisy
Research Center. The Doisy family has com-mitted
2 million to establish the James B. and Joan
C. Peter Endowed Chair in Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology. Dr. James B. Peter
(Med ’58) is founder and former chief execu-tive
officer of Specialty Laboratories, a hospi-tal-
focused clinical reference laboratory.
• 2 million to establish the Badeeh A. and
Catherine V. Bander Endowed Chair in Ne-phrology.
Dr. Steven J. Bander (A&S ’75),
adjunct faculty member in nephrology, and
his wife, Patricia, are endowing the chair in
honor of his parents.
• 1.5 million in a challenge grant from the
J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation to sup-port
construction of the research building.
The building is expected to open in fall
2007. For more details, visit researchbuild-ing.
slu.edu.
Research building gets name and 30 million gift
For the third consecutive year,
U.S.News & World Report has named
the Saint Louis University School of
Law’s health law program the best in the na-tion.
Since the rankings for the health law
specialty began a decade ago, Saint Louis
University’s Center for Health Law Studies
never has been out of the top three.
Overall, the magazine’s “Best Graduate
Schools 2007” issue ranked the law school
among the nation’s 180 accredited law
schools. The School of Medicine was ranked
No. 62 among the nation’s 144 research-intensive
medical schools surveyed by U.S.
News. The school’s geriatrics program was
ranked 12th in the United States.
In addition, the part-time MBA program
in the John Cook School of Business was
ranked No. 25 in the nation out of 347 part-time
MBA programs accredited by the As-sociation
to Advance Collegiate Schools of
Business (AACSB).
Graduate programs honored by U.S. News again
Annual Atlas Week recognizes
the University’s world view
Through more than 50 special events, including discussions,
open houses and student presentations, Atlas Week 2006 gave
the Saint Louis University community the opportunity to ex-plore
the international dimension of SLU’s academic programs and
celebrate the University’s role in international education and service.
The theme of this year’s Atlas Week, held in April, was “Political
and Social Justice in a Global World.” The Signature Symposium
featured Nobel Peace laureate Jody Williams, who led the passage of
the international treaty banning antipersonnel landmines. Another
highlight was a panel discussion commemorating the first anniver-sary
of the death of Pope John Paul II.
The Billiken World Festival, which featured a Parade of Nations,
international cuisine, music, games and informational booths in the
quadrangle, wrapped up the week.
In SLU’s residence halls
Students living on
campus during the
2005-06 school year
On-campus rooms
Residence halls: Clemens, DeMattias,
Fusz, Griesedieck, Marguerite, Notre
Dame, Reinert and Walsh
Apartment complexes: Grand Forest,
the Language Houses, Marchetti East
and West, and the Village Apartments
3,346
1,785
84
Severson wins
teaching award
Dr. John G. Severson Jr., professor
of biology, received the 41st an-nual
Nancy McNeir Ring Award
from Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honor
society. It is SLU’s oldest student-initi-ated
teaching award and is named for the
University’s first dean of women. Severson
joined the faculty in 1971, has served as
associate dean of the College of Arts and
Sciences and led the Academic Services
Center from 1993-2001. He played an in-tegral
role in the development of the Pre-
Law and Pre-Med Scholars programs, as
well as SLU 101 and SLU 301 programs
for new students.
A view of the Arena facing northwest.
A student shows her pride during the Parade of Nations.
From left: The Strobles, McNamee and Lowney.
Signing the beam before it is raised (from left): Alderman Michael McMillan; AT&T-Missouri vice president Debra
Hollingsworth; U.S. Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond; Clayco president and SLU trustee Bob Clark; University
President Lawrence Biondi, S.J.; SLU trustee Charles Drury and Shirley Drury, donors to the project.
Photo by Kevin Lowder
Photo by Clayton Berry
Photo by Allison Babka Burney
Photo by Allison Babka Burney
Lincoln Legacy exhibit
coming to SLUMA
From Aug. 25-Dec. 17, Samuel Cupples House,
in partnership with the Saint Louis University
Museum of Art, will present “The Lincoln Legacy:
Presidential Years.” The exhibit, which will be in
the Judith and Adam Aronson Gallery at SLUMA,
showcases the Dr. Bernard Hall Abraham Lincoln
Collection of the University of Saint Mary in
Leavenworth, Kan. It will feature manuscripts
and autographed documents, as well as sig-nificant
historical artifacts relating to Lincoln’s
presidency. The exhibit is free and open to
the public. In conjunction with “The Lincoln
Legacy,” the University will be the site of a Civil
War re-enactment, the “Camp Jackson Historic
Encampment,” during Labor Day weekend, Sept.
1-3. For other programming and updates, visit
http://lincoln.slu.edu or call (314) 977-2666.
t h e A R T S a t S L U
Hand-tinted woodcut of Lincoln (1863).
MOCRA welcomes back
‘Silver Clouds’
They’re back! SLU’s Museum of Contemporary
Religious Art (MOCRA) announces a final show-ing
of its most popular show ever, Andy Warhol’s
“Silver Clouds.” First shown at MOCRA in 2001
and 2002, the largest-ever U.S. “Clouds” instal-lation
features dozens of silver mylar balloons
riding the air currents around MOCRA’s capa-cious
nave gallery. Visitors are invited to enter
into a childlike world of wonder and experience
one of Warhol’s groundbreaking experiments
with creating unique, non-traditional environ-ments.
MOCRA also will be showing a number
of Warhol’s “Sunset” prints. The “Clouds” open
in mid-September and continue through the fall
semester. Call MOCRA at (314) 977-7170 or visit
mocra.slu.edu for more information.
“Silver Clouds” fill the gallery during
the 2002 MOCRA showing.
New administrators join SLU
As of July 1,
Dr. Kent
Porterfield is
Saint Louis University’s
new vice president for
student development.
Porterfield comes to
SLU from Northwest
Missouri State Univer-sity,
where he was vice
president for student
affairs — a role he held
for nearly a decade. At SLU, Porterfield fosters
student formation through non-academic areas,
including residence life, student life, student
health and counseling, campus recreation
and community outreach. He also oversees
contracted services such as the bookstore
and dining services. At Northwest, Porterfield
led many of these same areas and worked to
enhance students’ lives.
Dr. Connie
Evashwick,
previously
an endowed chair and
director of the Center
for Health Care In-novation
at California
State University, Long
Beach, joined SLU as
dean of the Saint Louis
University School of
Public Health on
July 1. Over the years, she has combined her
academic career with consulting and direct
operations management. Evashwick has served
as vice president of long-term care for two
major health care systems and is a national
consultant to health systems, hospitals and
long-term care organizations. She is the author
or editor of 12 books and more than 100 other
publications.
News Briefs
Saint Louis University again opened its doors
to the area’s homeless population to provide
a hot meal and clothing. During SLU’s annual
“Open Doors” event March 23, hundreds
of homeless individuals also received free
employment and housing assistance, legal
services and opportunities to pursue literacy
education.
SLU President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., and Dr.
Ellen Harshman (Grad ’78, Law ’92), dean
of the John Cook School of Business, were
named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s
“Influentials” list this spring. The list recognizes
area business and community leaders who
make a difference to the region. Biondi was
honored as one of 10 “legends” — individuals
“who have gone beyond being influential to
become legends in our region and beyond.”
Dr. Bruce R. Bacon, professor of internal
medicine and director of the division of
gastroenterology and hepatology at the
School of Medicine, has been appointed to the
National Commission on Digestive Diseases,
an institute of the National Institutes of
Health and the National Institute of Diabetes
and Digestive Diseases. The commission,
comprising 16 people, is charged with
conducting an overview of research in digestive
diseases and developing a strategic plan for
the next 10 years of NIH digestive disease
research.
Saint Louis University Provost Dr. Joe
Weixlmann was named “Distinguished
Editor of the Year” by the Council of Editors
of Learned Journals. The award recognizes
Weixlmann’s dedication and excellence in
his work with African American Review, the
official publication of the Modern Language
Association’s Division on Black American
Literature and Culture. He was editor in chief
from 1976-2004.
The St. Louis Jesuits, sometimes called “the
fathers of contemporary American liturgical
music,” received an honorary doctorate of
music from Creighton University this spring.
Roc O’Connor S.J. (A&S ’73), Bob Dufford
S.J. (A&S ’67, Grad ’72, ’75), John Foley S.J.
(A&S ’68, Grad ’68, ’74), and Dan Schutte
(A&S ’72), who were featured in the fall 2005
Universitas, were recognized for their 30 years
of ministry to the Church.
U N I V E R S I TA S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I TA S S UMME R 2 0 0 6
Community service tops 750,000 hours
Members of the Saint Louis University community continue to live the institution’s
mission as 14,602 students, faculty and staff contributed 753,808 hours of com-munity
service and outreach during 2005, according to a recently released University
report. This is the second year in a row that members of the University have performed more
than 750,000 hours of service. According to the report, more than 1,270 organizations and
events benefited from SLU faculty and staff volunteerism, up from 1,110 in 2004. Faculty and
staff spent 71,903 hours performing community service in 2005, a drastic jump from 41,533
hours previously. Student service also is intensive. Through academic courses, internships and
campus organizations, students committed more than 76,768 hours to outreach.
SLU students spend
spring break in service
During spring break in March
more than 50 Saint Louis Uni-versity
students participated in
rebuilding efforts in New Orleans. Of
the group, 39 SLU students assisted Ser-vice
International with the demolition of
buildings that were flooded or destroyed
by Hurricane Katrina. After demolition,
the students helped with power washing,
sanitizing and rebuilding efforts. Another
15 SLU students worked with Operation
Helping Hands, where they helped remove
debris in neighborhoods and assisted with
light carpentry, as well as construction and
restoration of homes and buildings.
This year, about 150 SLU students partic-ipated
in spring break mission trips not only
to New Orleans, but other U.S. locations as
well as sites in Mexico and El Salvador.
Social justice magazine
debuts on campus
Current SLU students from various cross-cultural and social
justice groups on campus have collaborated to produce a
student-led, student-run magazine that aims to raise aware-ness
about international social justice issues. Based upon the Jesuit
mission, One World focuses attention on men and women around
the world who are in dire need of help. Whether it’s poverty and
starvation in the developing world or genocide in Sudan, SLU stu-dent
writers explore humanitarian issues in an effort to make read-ers
realize that they have capacity and responsibility to get involved.
To view the magazine online, visit www.sluoneworld.com. Or to
order a copy of the 40-page magazine, send your request and 5 contri-bution
to: One World c/o Donna Bess; Busch Student Center, Suite 237; 20 N. Grand Blvd.; St.
Louis, MO 63103. Make checks payable to Saint Louis University.
AHarvard University team recently won the
Urban Land Institute Gerald D. Hines
Student Urban Design Competition,
which was held March 31 at Saint Louis Univ
Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University
No full textSummer 2025 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University.President Pestello looks back on 11 years of leadership
PAGE 10
THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSIT Y
SUMMER 2025
UNIVERSITAS THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY Message from the First Lady
Beginnings and endings are
filled with anticipation
and a sense of adventure.
What is next is unknown
and ready to be created.
Eleven years ago, Fred and I drove
into St. Louis ready to begin his tenure
as SLU’s first lay president and my role as
the first first lady. We are now approach-ing
the day when we step out of our roles
and begin a new chapter of our lives in
this great city.
As we move toward this momentous
transition, it is gratifying to take stock
of the accomplishments we have marked
and the challenges we have faced together.
As Fred notes in his interview (page 10), SLU
and Midtown have grown and transformed
in remarkable ways — strengthened and sus-tained
by SLU’s Jesuit mission and values.
I had the joy of creating the role of first lady
at this historic institution, bringing my own
experience as a scholar of sociology and a
former department chair to the work. It was
a privilege to join the SLU community as we
celebrated the milestones and responded to
the challenges of the last decade.
In one of my favorite events during our time
at SLU, we honored the University’s bicenten-nial
with a moving Mass under the Gateway
Arch.
On numerous occasions, we were warmly
welcomed to the Madrid campus, and we have
cherished getting to know the people and the
city that make SLU-Madrid so special.
I had the opportunity to help the St. Louis
Literary Award, one of the first initiatives I was
invited to support, become more embedded in
the life of the Saint Louis University campuses.
We responded to the unprecedented chal-lenges
of the COVID-19 pandemic — with me
teaching, virtually and then in person, and
Fred leading the University in those early days
of lockdown from the third floor of our house.
In 2017, we began a new tradition, joining
students, faculty, staff and alumni to bless
and light the tree each December at Christmas
on the Quad. We also hosted an annual
Christmas dinner for the Jesuits who call our
campus and our city home.
And at the end of every semester, Fred and
I have wished students luck on their final
exams with cookies, pretzels, ice cream or
other study day treats.
We know there are many things we will
miss as we leave our daily engagement with
campus, but we are looking forward to engag-ing
with St. Louis and campus in new ways in
the years ahead.
I wish President-Elect Ed Feser and incom-ing
First Lady Kathy Feser many blessings as
they assume these roles, which Fred and I have
loved and treasured.
I thank you, Billikens, for filling the past 11
years with grace, joy and countless memorable
moments.
Dr. Frances G. Pestello
First Lady
10
Selfie-Reflection
In a candid Q&A, outgoing
President Dr. Fred P. Pestello
looks back on his time at SLU.
— by Laura Geiser
18
Reaching Research 1
SLU’s new R1 classification affirms
its place among elite U.S. research
universities.
— by Clayton Berry
22
Moments and
Milestones
Recapping
the events,
achievements
and
challenges
SLU faced
during
the last 11
years.
— by Amy
Garland
FEATURES DEPARTMENTS
2
ON CAMPUS
Introducing
Dr. Edward Feser
Commencement
Center for
Bosnian Studies
MLA honor
10 million gift
Softball history
30
CLASS NOTES
33
How I Got Here:
Dr. Tiffany (Brown) Anderson
(Ed ’94, Grad Ed ’01)
— By Amy Garland
34
Alumni Merit Awards
35
Alumni Spotlight:
Andy Hahn (A&S ’97)
— by Debbie Dugan
37
IN MEMORIAM
41
THE L AST
LOOK
VOLUME 51, ISSUE 2
EDITOR
Laura Geiser
{A&S ’90, Grad ’92}
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Amy Garland {A&S ’97}
ART DIRECTOR
Matt Krob
ON CAMPUS NEWS
STORIES
University Public Relations
Billiken Media Relations
ON THE COVER
SLU President Dr. Fred
P. Pestello takes a selfie
as confetti falls during
his final commencement
as president on May 17.
Photo by Sarah Conroy
Universitas is published by
Saint Louis University.
Opinions expressed in
Universitas are those of the
individual authors and not
necessarily those of the
University administration.
Unsolicited manuscripts and
photographs are welcome
but will be returned only if
accompanied by a stamped,
self-addressed envelope.
Letters to the editor must
be signed, and letters not
intended for publication
should indicate that fact.
The editor reserves the
right to edit all items.
Address:
Universitas
DuBourg Hall 39
1 N. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Email address:
[email protected]
Website: slu.edu/universitas
Universitas is printed by
Progress Printing Plus
Worldwide circulation:
103,000
©2025, Saint Louis University
All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole
or in part without
permission is prohibited.
President Dr. Fred P. Pestello and First Lady
Dr. Fran Pestello exit SLU’s commencement
ceremony for the last time on May 17.
PHOTO BY SARAH CONROY
SARAH CONROY
2 UNIVERSITAS / THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY SUMMER 2025
On campus
Dr. Edward J. Feser, a Roman Catholic, Jesuit-educated
leader in higher education, will become Saint Louis
University’s 34th president on July 1.
“Saint Louis University is a remarkable institution
with an impressive history of impact, and it will be both
exciting and a privilege to lead it,” Feser said. “I am
thrilled at the prospect of joining the SLU community
and contributing to the University’s outstanding legacy.”
Feser grew up in the Pacific Northwest and attended a
Catholic high school in Red Bluff, California. He earned
a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco,
a fellow Jesuit institution, before graduate school at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He comes to SLU after eight years as provost and exec-utive
vice president at Oregon State University (OSU), a
land-grant institution with more than 38,000 students,
a 1.8 billion budget and 213 million
Collaborative Innovation Complex — now under con-struction
— to foster interdisciplinary research, powered
by artificial intelligence and accelerated computing, and
expanding arts and humanities programs.
Inclusive Excellence: Achieving record-setting diversity in
student enrollment while working to diversify the faculty
and embed equity and inclusion across OSU’s operations.
Budgetary Innovation: Implementing a new shared
responsibility budget model to advance transparency and
financial stability.
GUIDED BY SERVICE, COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY
Throughout his career, Feser’s leadership has been rooted in
the Jesuit ideals of promoting justice, nurturing the whole
person and contributing to the greater good.
“I am deeply grateful to Dr. Feser for his willingness to
serve in such an important role. His experience as a scholar
and administrator makes him uniquely qualified to lead a
place as complex as SLU,” said Thomas P. Greene, S.J., the
provincial superior of the Jesuits USA Central and Southern
Province. “But even more, I was heartened to hear of his
desire to use education to engender hope in the young, his
commitment to the University being leaven for the city and
his dedication to the University’s Jesuit, Catholic identity.”
“The rigorous and holistic Jesuit education I received at the
University of San Francisco — grounded in experiential learning in the city
itself and the principle that one should lead an active life of service to oth-ers,
especially the least among us — shaped my values in ways too many to
count,” Feser said.
A scholar of city and regional economic growth and development, Feser
strongly believes that all universities must be partners in serving and
improving the well-being of the communities they call home. At OSU, his
community-focused efforts included:
Downtown Hub: Opening the OSU Portland Center in downtown Portland,
which anchors the university’s strategy in the city, including programs to
support expanded pathways to OSU for students from diverse backgrounds.
Community Partnerships: Growing the OSU-Cascades campus in Bend,
Oregon, and collaborating with local leaders to launch the development of
a campus-based innovation district to support regional economic develop-ment
goals.
Economic Development Leadership: Serving on boards and commissions
to address economic development, workforce strategies and public policy
challenges.
SLU’s President-Elect at a Glance
PERSONAL DETAILS
Dr. Edward J. Feser
57 years old
Married to Kathy Feser, a school district
environmental sustainability coordinator
Two adult children, Jack and Mary
EDUCATION
Ph.D., University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, 1997
M.R.P., University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, 1994
B.A., University of San Francisco, 1989
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP HISTORY
2017-2025 Provost and Executive Vice President,
Oregon State University
2015-2017 Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic
Affairs and Provost, University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign
2012-2015 Dean, College of Fine and Applied Arts,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2011-2012 Division Head, Innovation, Management
and Policy, Alliance Manchester Business School,
University of Manchester, United Kingdom
2007-2011 Department Head, Urban and Regional
Planning, University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign
FACULTY APPOINTMENTS
2017-2025 Professor, School of Public Policy,
Oregon State University
2007-2017 Professor, Department of Urban and
Regional Planning, University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign
2008-2017 Professor, Department of Agricultural
and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign
2011-2012 Professor and Eddie Davies Chair of
Entrepreneurship, Alliance Manchester Business
School, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
2004-2007 Associate Professor, Department
of Urban and Regional Planning, University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2003 Associate Professor, Department of City and
Regional Planning, University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill
1997-2002 Assistant Professor, Department of
City and Regional Planning, University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill
Introducing SLU’s
Next President
BUILDING ON PAST PROGRESS AND CHARTING A PATH FORWARD
Feser’s appointment follows an extensive national search led by a committee
of SLU trustees, faculty, staff, students and members of the Society of Jesus.
The University’s board of trustees voted to approve his appointment during
its Dec. 6 meeting.
Feser will succeed Dr. Fred P. Pestello, who announced in March 2024 that
he would step down at the end of June 2025.
“President Pestello’s vision and outstanding leadership are evident in the
success of SLU students, its excellent faculty and staff, its impressive growth
in research scale and impact, the depth and quality of its partnerships and
impact in St. Louis, and the achievements of Billiken student-athletes and
teams,” Feser said. “I’m excited to work with the SLU community to build on
Dr. Pestello’s accomplishments and advance Saint Louis University as one of
the finest urban research universities in the country.”
“Dr. Feser has the knowledge, experience, skill and values to serve as the
next steward of Saint Louis University’s noble mission — working for and
with the campus and the region to create new possibilities for a thriving,
hope-filled future,” Pestello said.
Look for more on Dr. Edward Feser in the next issue of Universitas.
3
SARAH CONROY
5
Class of 2025 Celebrated at
Spring Commencement
– photos by Sarah Conroy
Accounting Prof Honored
with Ring Award
Neil Jansen (Grad CSB ’98), an
associate professor of account-ing,
won the 2024 Nancy McNeir Ring
Award for Excellence in Teaching.
He was recognized during the
202 4 m idyea r commencement
ceremony at Chaifetz A rena in
December, during which he gave
the commencement address.
After starting his career in the
financial services industry, Jansen
joined SLU in 2008. He has been
the d i rec tor of the Master of
Accounting program since 2010
and an associate professor since
2024, winning several faculty and
teaching excellence awards along
the way.
The Nancy McNeir Ring Award,
named for the University’s first
dean of women, was established
in 1966 by SLU’s chapter of Alpha
Sigma Nu, the national Jesuit honor
society.
Jansen at the 2024 midyear
commencement
SARAH CONROY
SARAH CONROY
MED SCHOOL
RECEIVES
10 million gift, one of the
largest contributions in the
school’s history.
The gift came from a patient
who wishes to remain
anonymous in honor of Dr.
Gerald A. Maguire (Med
’91), a psychiatrist who
also pledged 10 million gift will
enhance medical education
and research at SLU:
2 million to fund the
Gerald A. Maguire, M.D., and
Joanne S. Maguire Endowed
Chair in Neuropsychiatry
Research and Education
$5 million directed toward
a future state-of-the-art
health education center
Maguire is the director
of residency training in
psychiatry at College
Medical Center, a teaching
hospital in Long Beach,
California, and the faculty
director of graduate medical
education at Oroville
Hospital, which serves his
rural home community in
Northern California.
Co-author of Without
Hesitation: Speaking
the Silence and Science
of Stuttering, Maguire is
considered the world’s
leading authority on the
pharmacologic treatment of
stuttering. He founded the
first clinic dedicated to the
scientific study and medical
treatment of the condition.
Pestellos Gift New Sculpture to SLU
Before stepping down as Saint Louis University’s
president this summer, Dr. Fred P. Pestello and First
Lady Dr. Fran Pestello offered a gift to SLU.
During a reception in Pius XII Memorial Library in
April, the Pestellos helped unveil a new sculpture they
donated to the University: “Land, Labor, Legacy” by Kyle
and Kelly Phelps. The sculpture is about 20 inches tall
and features four adult figures, one holding a child. The
figures represent enslaved persons of African descent
and members of the Osage Nation.
“We know the importance of art to inspire, to provoke,
to deepen understanding,” Fred Pestello said. “This
work speaks to us, and it speaks to the mission of this
institution.”
The Pestellos met the Phelps brothers more than two
decades ago, when Fred Pestello hired them to teach at
the University of Dayton. Their work is in the NAACP
National Headquarters as well as in the permanent col-lections
of art museums in Racine, Wisconsin; Asheville,
North Carolina; Canton, Ohio; and San Angelo, Texas.
FROM LEFT: Edward Ibur, executive director of the St.
Louis Literary Award, Dr. Cathleen Fleck, chair of the
visual and performing arts department, and Pestello
discuss the sculpture at its unveiling in April.
SLU Joins Center for Research Libraries
Last August, Saint Louis University Libraries joined
the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), an interna-tional
consortium of more than 200 university, college
and independent research libraries.
Jennifer Nutefall, dean of libraries and museums,
said the CRL gives the SLU community access to the
resources of the other consortium members. She sees
membership in CRL as recognition of the quality of work
throughout SLU’s libraries.
CRL member institutions include Harvard University,
Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Notre
Dame and the University of California system.
On campus
UNIVERSITAS / THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE O 4 F SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSIT Y
FROM TOP: Doisy College of Health
Sciences graduates Kirti Madhu (left) and
Emma Pearl Capulong embrace during
commencement; Pestello (back, center)
and First Lady Dr. Fran Pestello (left)
take a selfie with graduates after the
ceremony; Sam Deeljore, a SLU employee
and new graduate of the School for
Professional Studies, hugs his daughters,
Agni Deeljore (left), graduating from the
School of Social Work, and Jaya Deeljore,
graduating from the College of Arts
and Sciences, before the ceremony.
SUMMER 2025
Saint Louis University’s commencement ceremony on May 17 at
Chaifetz Arena featured outgoing President Dr. Fred P. Pestello as
the speaker. In an address that highlighted his career from radio host
to university administrator, he advised students: “Here is what
matters, Billikens — wherever your path takes you: Continue
to lead with love and mercy. And never vary from the quest to
make ‘things the way they ought to be.’ I wish each of you as
magnificent a journey as I have had.”
The ceremony also included remarks from Emma Lercher, a
student graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences, who
encouraged the Class of 2025 to share their gifts.
SLU also conferred honorary degrees upon three individuals. This
year’s honorees were former trustee Patrick (CSB ’77) and Peggy
Sly, who were honored for their community support, and Tom
Smolich, S.J., who was recognized for his leadership of the Jesuit
Refugee Service.
UNIVERSITAS / THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY SUMMER 2025
On campus ATHLETICS
Literary Award Brings Renowned
Writers to Campus
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead
received the 2025 St. Louis Literary Award from
Saint Louis University on April 9.
“Read, read, read to find out what kind of writer you
want to be. Write, write, write to find out what kind of a
writer you are,” Whitehead told audiences.
His novel The Underground Railroad won the National
Book Award and the Carnegie Medal for Fiction. The
Nickel Boys won the Pulitzer Prize, the Kirkus Prize and
the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction.
Next year, Jhumpa Lahiri will come to St. Louis to
accept the 2026 St. Louis Literary Award. Lahiri has
written short stories, nonfiction, poetry and several
novels, including The Namesake. Her Pulitzer Prize-winning
collection of short stories, Interpreter of
Maladies, will be the featured title for the 2026 Campus
Read program. She will receive the award on April 8,
2026, and will offer a craft talk the following day; both
events are open to the public.
Whitehead speaks at the Sheldon Concert Hall in April
after receiving the 2025 St. Louis Literary Award.
Alum’s Biopic in Theaters This Fall
This October, Saint Louis University alumni will get
the chance to see the life of a fellow Billiken depicted
on the big screen.
John O’Leary (CSB ’99) came back to campus in 2023
for the filming of Soul on Fire, a major motion picture
based on his 2016 bestseller On Fire: The 7 Choices to
Ignite a Radically Inspired Life.
The film depicts how O’Leary nearly burned to death
in an accident when he was 9 years old — and how his
recovery shaped his life.
The movie was filmed in St. Louis, including several
locations on SLU’s campus. Members of the SLU commu-nity
served as extras and shadowed the director and crew.
Soul on Fire is scheduled to debut in theaters across
the country on Oct. 10, 2025.
ENGLISH PROFESSOR WINS
PRESTIGIOUS MLA PRIZE
Dr. Jonathan Sawday received
the James Russell Lowell Prize
for the most outstanding book
published in 2023, for Blanks,
Print, Space, and Void in English
Renaissance Literature: An
Archaeology of Absence.
The prize is the Modern
Language Association’s top
honor. Sawday, who joined SLU in
2009 and holds the Walter J. Ong, S.J., Chair in Humanities in the English
department, is the 55th recipient of the award and the first from SLU to
receive the honor.
SLU CELEBRATES
TRUMAN SCHOLAR
Sam Aitchison is the sixth student
in Saint Louis University history to
be honored with the prestigious
Truman Scholarship.
Aitchison, a junior majoring in
finance, leadership and human
resource management, and
Catholic studies, is one of 54
college students from 49 U.S.
colleges and universities selected as
2025 Truman Scholars. The award
is the premier graduate scholarship
for aspiring public service leaders in
the United States.
He plans to pursue a master’s degree in secondary or higher education
with the goal of teaching and, eventually, working in administration.
STUDENT EARNS PRESTIGIOUS GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP
Pascal Sikorski, a junior majoring in computer science, earned a
Goldwater Scholarship, a national undergraduate award for students in
STEM who intend to pursue a career in STEM research after graduation.
Sikorski wants to earn his doctorate in
computer science and become a professor.
Last summer, he was a researcher at
California Institute of Technology as
a WAVE Fellow in the Advanced
Mechanical Bipedal Experimental
Robotics Lab. This year, he will
conduct research at Oregon
State University on robotic
manipulation workflow alongside
humans in the environmental
sector.
Sawday
Provost Dr. Mike Lewis (left) and
President Dr. Fred Pestello (right)
congratu
Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University
No full textSummer 2018 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University. This is a special Bicentennial issue, celebrating the University's 200th anniversaryUNIVERSI TAS 2 SUMMER 2018 SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSIT Y 1 BICENTENNIAL
P R E S I D E N T ’ S
M E S S A G E
VOLUME 4 4, ISSUE 2
EDITOR
Laura Geiser (A&S ’90, Grad ’92)
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Amy Garland (A&S ’97)
ART DIRECTOR
Matt Krob
CONTRIBUTORS
Anne Marie Apollo-Noel
Dr. Dolores Byrnes
Molly Daily (Grad A&S ’18)
Marie Dilg (Grad SW ’94)
Sarah Hilgendorf
ON CAMPUS NEWS STORIES
University Public Relations
Billiken Media Relations
ON THE COVER
Detail of a window in St. Francis
Xavier College Church depicting
the north entry of DuBourg Hall
flanked by graduates. The word
“Christocracy” in red letters
above the entry indicates Christ’s
influence on education. The
window was designed by Emil Frei
Jr. and installed in the 1930s.
Photo by J.J. Mueller, S.J.
(A&S ’69, Grad A&S ’70)
Universitas is published by Saint Louis
University. Opinions expressed in
Universitas are those of the individual
authors and not necessarily those of the
University administration. Unsolicited
manuscripts and photographs are welcome
but will be returned only if accompanied
by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Letters to the editor must be signed, and
letters not intended for publication should
indicate that fact. The editor reserves
the right to edit all items. Address all mail
to Universitas, DuBourg Hall 39, One N.
Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103. We
accept email at [email protected].
Postmaster: Send address changes to
Universitas, Saint Louis University,
One N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103.
Website: slu.edu/universitas
Universitas is printed by Henry Wurst Inc.
Worldwide circulation: 116,500
© 2018, Saint Louis University
All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part
without permission is prohibited.
Detail of two windows in St. Francis Xavier College Church
that spotlight academic disciplines and sit on each side of the
window on this issue’s cover. On the left, painting and music are
depicted. On the right, mathematics and science are shown.
PHOTOS BY J.J. MUELLER, S.J.
PHOTO BY JAY FRAM
F E ATU R E S
D E PARTME NTS
10
The First Two Centuries
A 200-year timeline of Saint Louis University
— By Molly Daily
16
Always at the Frontier
An excerpt from the official bicentennial book
— By Dr. Dolores Byrnes
20
Exhibiting History
The Saint Louis University Museum of Art’s new
exhibition — Photos by Steve Dolan
24
Talking About My Generation
Campus activities and hangouts since the 1940s
— By Amy Garland
29
The Bicentennial Logo
The hidden details of SLU’s 200-year mark
— Designed by Matt Krob
30
More Than a Job
Reflections from 10 longtime faculty and staff
— By Marie Dilg
36
Cover Story
Telling SLU’s history through its alumni
magazines — By Laura Geiser
40
Making Good Time
An update on the bicentennial service challenge
— By Anne Marie Apollo-Noel
2 On Campus
Major gift to the business school ///
Madrid’s 50-year celebration /// 2018
commencement /// Climate Summit
/// Prospect Yards /// Gift for nursing
scholarships /// Literary Award to Sondheim
42 Class Notes
43 Alumni Spotlight
Eric Moraczewski (CSB ’04)
46 In Memoriam
48 Feedback
49 The Last Look
Our beloved University is worthy of celebration —
both for the memorable achievements of our shared
past and for the many impressive ways in which we
live our mission today.
We began this past academic year with the
bicentennial Mass. As we planned it, I believed that it would be
remembered as one of the very best moments in our history. An
email I received from a parent of one of our students confirmed that
to me. He said, “As I sat at the 200th anniversary Mass, with its
gorgeous backdrop and significant history, I was brought to
tears by the humbling appreciation that my daughter could
attend a university like SLU.” This gratitude for SLU and our his-tory
set the tone.
More recently, as part of our bicentennial celebration, we hosted
the Saint Louis Climate Summit and brought together world-re-nowned
speakers Cardinal Peter Turkson, Dr. Mario Molina, Carl
Pope and Bill Nye to examine a path forward for our planet. (Read
more on page 5.)
The Climate Summit was born out of the desire to respond to
Pope Francis’ call to care for all of creation, especially our environ-ment,
in his encyclical Laudato Si’. Chaired by SLU’s own Dr. Jack
Fishman (Grad A&S ’74, ’77) and David Webb (A&S, CSB ’97, Grad
’12), and planned with support from Dr. Peter Raven and trustee
Trudy Busch Valentine (Nurs ’80), the summit attracted meteorol-ogists;
government leaders; experts in climate science, ecology and
sustainable development; students; and engaged St. Louisans for
three days of discussion.
In affirmation of this summit, I received a letter from Cardinal
Pietro Parolin, who is the secretary of state for the Vatican. In the
letter, Cardinal Parolin quotes Pope Francis’ prayer that, “This gath-ering
may serve to inform society more effectively on the issue of
climate change and encourage the University community ‘to pro-mote
best practice, to stimulate creativity in seeking new solutions
and to encourage individual or group initiatives.’”
In addition to these and other impressive events and academic
programs, our bicentennial has inspired an outpouring of support
from our community. Our stakeholders are demonstrating their
belief in the importance of our work by investing in SLU. We are
in the midst of the single greatest fundraising year in SLU history.
Further, we are confident we will end this year at more than twice
our previous all-time total.
This February, trustee Dr. Richard Chaifetz (A&S ’75) and Jill
Chaifetz made a transformational gift of 27 million.
Their latest gift is intended to grow SLU’s nationally ranked entre-preneurship
center and provide resources for other programs in the
newly named Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business. (Read more
on page 2.)
Thank you to each of our alumni who have contributed to this
historic fundraising year. Your gifts support innovation, academic
excellence, scholarship and informed medicine. They will invigo-rate
Saint Louis University, and reflect your confidence in our plan
for the future.
The very near future holds two outstanding opportunities for
all of us to come together to celebrate SLU’s first two centuries. I
hope you will join us for a Grand Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 29,
during our special bicentennial Homecoming and Family Weekend.
This evening will feature live music, food and fun activities for all
ages. And on Thursday, Nov. 15, I invite you to a 200th birthday
celebration featuring a private concert by the St. Louis Symphony
Orchestra at Chaifetz Arena.
As we all celebrate this historic milestone, our University is part-nering
in shaping the direction of our region, and we are doing
wonderful work in the classroom, in the laboratory, in the hospi-tal
and in the community. Your support during our past and in the
present is vital to our future. While you read, I hope you’ll learn
new facts about your alma mater, reminisce about your time here and
be inspired by the stories of those who shaped our beloved institu-tion.
I would be delighted to hear your reflections.
May God bless you, and may God continue to bless Saint Louis
University.
Dr. Fred P. Pestello
President
This special issue of Universitas takes you on a journey though Saint Louis
University’s past. The timeline, book excerpt, faculty memories and photos that you
will find on the following pages all serve to remind you of SLU’s noble history.
UNIVERSI TAS 2 SUMMER 2018 SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSIT Y 3 BICENTENNIAL
Chaifetz Family Gift Leads to
Business School’s New Name
In February, SLU trustee Dr. Richard A. Chaifetz (A&S ’75)
and his wife, Jill Chaifetz, increased their giving to Saint
Louis University to 15 million to the
business school. In 2007, the couple provided the lead gift
of 12 million that enabled the construction of Chaifetz
Arena.
To honor this new, generous contribution, the University
has renamed its business school the Richard A. Chaifetz
School of Business and the school’s entrepreneurship
center the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship.
SLU students, faculty and staff members turned out to
thank Chaifetz during a special reception on Feb. 22.
In his remarks, Chaifetz briefly told the story of how former
SLU President Paul Reinert, S.J., allowed him to remain
at SLU when financial issues threatened his ability to stay.
Chaifetz promised Reinert that he would pay back his
tuition — and that he would pay back the University in an
even bigger way in the future.
“This allows me to give back to a school I love, am
passionate about and want to make even greater,” Chaifetz
told the large crowd. “I want to hear the Chaifetz School
of Business mentioned in the same breath as other great
business schools.”
The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business has seven
programs nationally ranked by U.S. News and World
Report — three undergraduate and four graduate —
including the country’s No. 9-ranked undergraduate
entrepreneurship program.
Chaifetz is a world-renowned entrepreneur and business
leader, who in 1984 founded ComPsych Corp., today the
world’s largest provider of employee assistance programs,
behavioral health and wellness services. The company, of
which he remains founder, chairman and CEO, provides
services to more than 100 million individuals and 45,000
organizations in more than 160 countries. He also is
founder and chairman of the private investment firm
Chaifetz Group. He has been a member of SLU’s board of
trustees since 2007 and was an inaugural member of the
business school’s Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame.
ON C AMPUS
PHOTOS BY STEVE DOLAN
Chaifetz addresses the crowd.
Chaifetz (left) and SLU President Dr. Fred P. Pestello
talk with students at the February event.
Guests gathered in the in the Shanahan
Atrium of Cook Hall listen to Chaifetz.
UNIVERSI TAS 4 SUMMER 2018 SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSIT Y 5 BICENTENNIAL
2018 Commencement
Celebrates the Bicentennial
With SLU’s bicentennial in mind, the University
began a new tradition at the May 19 com-mencement
ceremony at Chaifetz Arena as members
of its Class of 1968 — now called Golden Billikens
— led the entry procession and received special
recognition. Golden Billikens will be honored at
University commencements going forward.
In another nod to the bicentennial, SLU reintro-duced
its “Varsity Song,” which was written in 1909
and had not been performed at commencement
since the 1960s. (See the original on page 19.) It was
updated by Dr. Aaron Johnson, assistant professor of
music, and sung by the University’s Mastersingers.
More than 2,100 students graduated this spring.
This year’s commencement speaker was Ronald
Mercier, S.J., provincial of the Jesuits’ U.S. Central
and Southern Province. He received an honorary
doctor of divinity from the University. Also honored
with honorary degrees during the ceremony were
two SLU alumni, former U.S. Congressman William
“Bill” Lacy Clay Sr. (A&S ’53) and former St. Louis
Mayor Francis G. Slay (Law ’80).
The student speaker from the graduating class was
new law alumna Sarah Tomlinson. University archi-vist
emeritus John Waide (A&S ’73) was the mace
bearer.
Climate
Summit Draws
Thousands
Saint Louis University
brought toge t her
some of the most author-itative
minds in climate
science, ecology and sus-tainable
development
for the 2018 Saint Louis
Cl imate Summi t thi s
April.
A highlight of SLU’s
yearlong bicentennial
celebration, the three-day summit was inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical
Laudato Si’ that called attention to humankind’s responsibility to care for the earth
in the wake of climate change.
Nearly 2,300 students, faculty and members of the St. Louis community attended
the summit’s keynote address at Chaifetz Arena. The speakers were Carl Pope,
former executive director of the Sierra Club and co-author of Climate of Hope: How
Cities, Businesses and Citizens Can Save the Planet, and Bill Nye “The Science Guy,”
well-known science educator and advocate.
The summit featured experts from around the world, including Cardinal Peter
Turkson, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development; Dr.
Mario Molina, 1995 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry; recipients of various
United Nations Environmental Awards; and members of the Pontifical Academy of
Sciences, the primary scientific advisory council to the pope.
Panelists presented about food security, water availability, rising sea levels, busi-ness
issues related to climate change and more. More than 220 people attended the
academic portion of the summit, which was shared worldwide online.
The summit was organized by
Dr. Jack Fishman (Grad A&S ’74, ’77),
professor of earth and atmospheric
sciences and director of SLU’s Center
for Environmental Sciences, and David
Webb (A&S, CSB ’97, Grad ’12), director
of SLU’s Emerson Leadership Business
Institute. Dr. Peter Raven, president
emeritus of the Missouri Botanical
Garden, and Trudy Busch Valentine
(Nurs ’80), a SLU trustee, were key
members of the planning team.
During February and March, SLU competed in the annual
nationwide RecycleMania competition, an eight-week
event that raises awareness about campus sustainability.
8th year
participating in RecycleMania
331,762 lbs.
of single-stream recycling collected by SLU
86,267 lbs.
of electronics collected during
the E-Waste Drive
4th place
in the national electronic
recycling competition
25,721 lbs.
of old documents shredded and
recycled during ShredMania event
443,750 lbs.
total diverted from landfills
by SLU this RecycleMania
IN ADDITION TO THE CLIMATE SUMMIT, HERE ARE A FEW
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS SPRING’S BICENTENNIAL EVENTS:
O N C A M P U S
BY THE NUMBERS
RecycleMania
Students volunteer at March’s
E-Waste Drive, part of the national
RecycleMania competition.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Nye (left) and Pope give the keynote address at Chaifetz Arena.
PHOTO BY SIMON NGUYEN
INTERCULTURAL ORIGINS
OF ST. LOUIS AND THE
TRANS-MISSISSIPPI WEST,
1800-1840
This conference examined
themes including the
international influences
present in early St. Louis,
and the expansion of the
St. Louis region.
WOMEN AT SLU:
THE STRUGGLE FOR
KNOWLEDGE, POWER AND
LEGACY
This symposium discussed
both the challenges and
opportunities women
confront as female
students, staff and faculty
at SLU.
FROM SELMA TO ST. LOUIS:
THEOLOGY OF MARTIN
LUTHER KING JR., AND THE
PURSUIT OF JUSTICE 50
YEARS LATER
This public symposium
offered performances and
reflections on King’s legacy
of liberation and justice.
PHOTO BY SIMON NGUYEN
Turkson (left) and Molina
Confetti and streamers were released at the
end of the ceremony in Chaifetz Arena.
Graduates’ caps Honorary degree recipients (from left) Slay, Mercier and Clay
Doisy College of Health Sciences graduates
PHOTOS BY STEVE DOLAN
UNIVERSI TAS 6 SUMMER 2018 SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSIT Y 7 BICENTENNIAL
SLU, St. Louis
Archdiocese
Sign Agreement
to Enrich
Seminarian
Education
St. Louis Archbishop
Robert J. Carlson and
SLU President Dr. Fred P.
Pestello signed an agree-ment
in April that brings
the Kenr ick-Glennon
Seminary undergraduate
program fully into SLU’s College of Philosophy and Letters, which oversees pro-grams
for students training for the priesthood and ministry.
Currently, seminarians take their first two years of undergraduate classes at
SLU and finish their education at the seminary, receiving a degree from Kenrick-
Glennon Seminary. Under the new agreement, seminarians will receive a Bachelor
of Arts degree in philosophy from SLU, taking classes taught both at SLU and at the
seminary. The program changes will be implemented for the 2018-19 school year.
The seminarians will be able to explore other disciplines while at SLU. Carlson
said he hoped that many would take advantage of the language arts and minor in
Spanish, as the archdiocese has a growing Spanish-speaking population.
Graduate Programs Earn High
U.S. News Rankings
The health law program in the Saint Louis
University School of Law has been named the
best in the nation by health law scholars for the
14th year, according to the 2019 U.S. News &
World Report “Best Graduate School” rankings.
The Center for Health Law Studies has been
listed as a top program since the rankings were
first published.
Four programs in the Richard A. Chaifetz
School of Business were ranked in the top
30 this year, including entrepreneurship,
international business, supply chain
management and accounting.
SLU School of Nursing’s master’s program
ranked among the top 50 out of more than 500
nursing graduate programs in the country.
1 Health Law
12 Entrepreneurship
13 International Business
15 Supply Chain Management
28 Accounting
28 Part-time Law
50 Best Nursing Programs – Master’s
51 Best Medical Programs – Primary Care
66 Best Nursing Programs – Doctor of Nursing Practice
70 Best Medical Programs – Research
88 Best Law Programs
163 Part-time MBA
194 Top Education Programs
Atlas Week Celebrates SLU’s Global Connections
The 2018 Sam and Marilyn Fox Atlas Week — “From Broken Walls,
We Build Bridges: Out of Conflict Rises Community” — paid special
attention to the ways that SLU students, faculty and staff members have
forged connections beyond campus to improve the world.
The week featured panels, presentations, film screenings, a soccer
tournament, and other opportunities to experience the myriad cultures
that make up the SLU community.
A highlight was the keynote address by brothers Fred and Milton
Ochieng’. Fred is pursuing cardiovascular medicine fellowship training
at Saint Louis University; Milton is a gastroenterologist with the BJC
Medical Group at Progress West Hospital. They spoke of their paths
from their Kenyan community Lwala to medical school in the United
States and beyond. The pair was orphaned and has used their medical
educations to give back to Lwala through the creation of a community
health clinic network.
The week culminated with the traditional Parade of Nations and the
Billiken World Festival.
Ring Award Winner Dr. Lauren Arnold,
associate professor of epidemiology in the College for Public
Health and Social Justice, is the most recent recipient of the
Nancy McNeir Ring Award, given by SLU’s chapter of Alpha
Sigma Nu to a faculty member who has displayed a special
dedication to students. Arnold addressed graduates during
Midyear Commencement in December. In her address, she
reminded the graduates to find joy in their decisions and to
find good mentors
Newly Named “Prospect Yards” District Connects SLU’s
North and South Campuses
In March, members of the Saint Louis University family, SSM Health and the
community cast nearly 6,000 votes to name St. Louis’ newest district. The win-ning
name? Prospect Yards.
The 150-acre district connects SLU’s north and south campuses and is bordered
by Laclede Avenue, Chouteau Avenue, Grand Boulevard and Vandeventer and Spring
avenues. The district lies within Midtown in the same way that Cortex is part of
St. Louis’ Central West End neighborhood and the Loop is part of University City.
Prospect Yards includes projects such as the construction of the City Foundry STL
and an Element by Westin hotel, as well as redevelopment of the Armory building.
The name reflects the area’s early 20th-century roots, when the area west of
Grand was known as the “Prospect Industrial District,” one of 17 industrial districts
in the city and home to an extensive rail yard and many businesses.
The umbrella developer for the larger, 400-acre area is St. Louis Midtown
Redevelopment Corporation, which is owned by Saint Louis University and
SSM Health.
Stephen Sondheim Named 2018
St. Louis Literary Award Recipient
The Saint Louis University Library Associates
selected Stephen Sondheim, one of the most
eminent lyricists and composers of the modern era,
to receive the 2018 St. Louis Literary Award. He is
the first musical lyricist to win the award since its
inception in 1967. Sondheim will come to SLU in
October to accept the award.
In a career spanning 70 years, Sondheim has writ-ten
the lyrics, music or both for some of the most
iconic plays in the history of American theater,
including West Side Story, Into the Woods, Sunday in the
Park with George, Sweeney Todd and Gypsy.
The award ceremony and conversation with the
author, who will be interviewed by Muny artistic
director Michael Isaacson (A&S ’86, Grad CSB ’96),
is planned for Oct. 4. For more information, visit
lib.slu.edu/about/associates.
Med School Residency
Program Receives Highest
Accreditation Status
The Accreditation Council for Graduate
Medical Education, the accrediting body for
medical residencies and fellowships, granted the
School of Medicine continued accreditation, its high-est
accreditation status. The status took effect Jan.
24, after a site visit earlier in the month.
SLU is the sponsoring institution for 65 residency
and fellowship programs at six area hospitals and
many other clinical sites.
8.4 Million Gift to Nursing School
Abequest gift totaling $8.4 million will allow the
School of Nursing to create the Dr. and Mrs.
Robert C. Hoppe Endowed Scholarship. The gift
— the largest in the School of Nursing’s history and
among the largest in SLU’s history — was made by the
estate of Mary K. Hoppe (Nurs ’51, Grad Nurs ’59).
“The Hoppes’ generosity in providing educational
assistance for students will live eternally through the
lives of the scholarship recipients and the countless
numbers of patients each student touches,” Nursing
Dean Dr. Teri Murray (Nurs ’79, Grad Nurs ’93, Grad
Ed ’97) said.
The nursing school plans to honor Hoppe and her
husband, Dr. Robert Hoppe (Med ’51), at its 90th
anniversary celebration this fall.
Dois
Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University
No full textWinter 2014 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis Universitywinter 2014
Oriflamme
Marks 50 Years
Page 12
Center for
Global Citizenship
Page 16
Alumnus Jimmie
Edwards
Page 18
Art Exhibit with
Local Roots
Page 22
Page 8
C O N T E N T S
f e a t u r e s d e p a r tme n t s
8 | SLU Downtown
The School of Law has moved into its new home in the
heart of St. Louis’ legal community.
— By Lauren Brucker
12 | Warm Welcome
Oriflamme, the student welcome organization, celebrated
its 50th anniversary this fall.
— By Amy Garland
16 | Going Global
The new Center for Global Citizenship has transformed
the former West Pine Gym.
— By Danielle Lacey
18 | The Power of Education
Alumnus Judge Jimmie Edwards is redefining education
for troubled youth in St. Louis.
— By Laura Geiser
22 | No Place Like Home
The latest exhibition at the Saint Louis University
Museum of Art has local ties.
— By Andrew Walker
2 | On Campus
San Ignacio Hall ///
Presidential search update
/// SLU’s latest honors ///
NASA collaboration ///
Health clinic relocation
6 | Biliken News
Basketball schedules
/// Baseball coach
recognized
7 | Advancement News
The impact of
scholarship gifts
23 | Clas Notes
Catch up with classmates.
28 | In Memoriam
Remembering those
members of the SLU
community who recently
died
30 | Al u mni Events
SLU alumni activities
across the country
32 | Perspective
A homily by the late
SLU professor John
Kavanaugh, S.J.
33 | The Last Word
Letters to the editor
Photo by JAMES VISSER
Law students in the
Louis Riethmann Pavilion on
the 12th floor of Scott Hall.
Volume 40, Issue 1
Editor
Laura Geiser (A&S ’90, Grad ’92)
contributors
Lauren Brucker
Amy Garland (A&S ’97)
Danielle Lacey
Katie O’Connor (A&S ’97)
Andrew Walker
On Campus news stories
University Communications
Medical Center Communications
Billiken Media Relations
ON THE Cover
Joe and Loretta Scott Hall, the new home of
the School of Law, in downtown St. Louis.
Photo by James Visser
Design
Art Direction: Matt Krob
Universitas is published by Saint Louis University.
Opinions expressed in Universitas are those of the
individual authors and not necessarily those of the
University administration. Unsolicited manuscripts
and photographs are welcome but will be returned
only if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed
envelope. Letters to the editor must be signed,
and letters not intended for publication should
indicate that fact. The editor reserves the right
to edit all items. Address all mail to Universitas,
DuBourg Hall 39, One N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis,
Mo. 63103. We accept email at universitas@
slu.edu and fax submissions at 314-977-2249.
Address fax submissions to Editor, Universitas.
Postmaster: Send address changes to
Universitas, Saint Louis University,
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World Wide Web address:
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Universitas is printed by Universal Printing Co.
Worldwide circulation: 121,150
© 2014, Saint Louis University
All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part
without permission is prohibited.
F A L L 2 0 0 4 W I N T E R 2 0 0 5
It is a pleasure to take this
opportunity to address
Saint Louis University
alumni via Universitas. As a
longtime reader of this maga-zine,
it is certainly a different
experience to be writing a mes-sage
for it.
As you may know, I have spent
the past 18 years of my career at
SLU serving as the University’s
general counsel. So in August I
did not anticipate being asked
to become SLU’s interim pres-ident.
Though the request was
unexpected and I had been perfectly content in
my position as a university attorney, I could not
say no. Saint Louis University is an institution
I truly love and have been honored to serve, so
taking on this new role was the right thing to
do.
Since my appointment became effective on
Sept. 2, I have gained an even greater appre-ciation
for the importance and impact of this
outstanding institution. As general counsel, I
met and worked with many people across the
University, but as interim president I have got-ten
to know so many more who are equally as
passionate about Saint Louis University and
about Jesuit education as I am.
In October I had the privilege of attending
a historic meeting with the superior general of
the Society of Jesus, Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., who
was visiting from Rome. Held in Chicago and
hosted by the Association of Jesuit Colleges
and Universities, the gathering included the
presidents and board chairs from all 28 U.S.
Jesuit colleges and universities. It truly was an
honor for me to join this august group of lead-ers
at this first-ever meeting of its kind.
During his remarks Father Nicolás reminded
us of how the spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola,
founder of the Jesuits, can inspire us today. He
said: “In the understanding of St. Ignatius, the
principal function of a leader is to help the
members of a community grow to become the
living presence of God in the world.”
Perhaps it was the timing, but that statement
struck a chord with me. I always had been aware
of the University’s efforts to encourage growth
and transformation. But as interim president I
know I am seeing Saint Louis University in an
entirely new light.
I am meeting students who
truly embrace our Catholic,
Jesuit values. Whether serving
their fellow students, tutoring
young people or serving meals
to the poor, they truly live our
mission.
I also am meeting faculty
who fully embrace their roles
as leaders and show our stu-dents
how “to become the living
presence of God in the world.”
Our professors teach at prisons,
create healthier school lunches
for local districts and travel the
world to aid indigent communities, assisting
with everything from health care to clean water
wells.
Finally, I am meeting alumni who are living
the lessons they learned at Saint Louis Uni-versity.
In November I started gathering with
alumni groups to provide an update on all of
the great things happening at the University
and to answer questions about SLU. The first
event was held in St. Louis, and in December
I met with alumni in Chicago. In the spring I
plan to travel to even more cities to hold these
information-sharing sessions.
For me, the best parts of these meetings come
before and after my remarks, when I have time
to talk one-on-one with our alumni. I have met
so many SLU graduates who are making a dif-ference
in our world in big and small ways. They
truly illustrate for me the power and promise of
a Saint Louis University education.
I also have enjoyed experiencing the enthu-siasm
our alumni have for their alma mater.
Indeed, Saint Louis University is a wonderful
place, and I am humbled to be at the helm, at
least for a little while.
Please know I am always interested in hear-ing
from alumni. If you would like to reach
out to me, please send an email message to
[email protected].
William R. Kauffman
Interim President
P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E
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Presidential
Search Underway
In September, the Sa int L oui s
University board of trustees officially
launched the search for a new university
president by establishing a search com-mittee
and by engaging the consulting
firm AGB Search. The search commit-tee
is chaired by trustee Jim Smith, and its members are:
James Burshek, S.J. (A&S ’69), trustee
Anne Gagen (Cook ’72, Grad Cook ’76), trustee
Dr. Jeffrey Gfeller, professor and chairman, psychology
department, College of Arts and Sciences
John Griesbach, professor, School of Law
Al Litteken, trustee
Dr. Teri Murray (Nurs ’79, Grad Nurs ’93, E&PS ’97),
dean, School of Nursing
Dr. Frank O’Donnell, trustee
Vidur Sharma, president, Student Government Association
Patrick Sly (Grad Cook ’77), vice chairman of the board
and trustee
Dr. Jane Turner (A&S ’85, Grad ’91, Med ’92), president,
Faculty Senate
This fall, Smith and AGB Search’s managing partner, Dr.
Jamie Ferrare, met with various University groups to discuss the
presidential search and to learn about the characteristics and
qualities that the SLU community seeks in its next president.
They received input from hundreds of people via direct meet-ings
and emails.
In October, the committee released the presidential position
description, which was approved by the board. This description
can be found online at slu.edu/presidential-search.
The committee is now in the next phase of the search, which
includes identifying prospective candidates and discussing
SLU’s presidential position with them. In January, the search
committee will work to narrow the candidate list to approx-imately
two or three candidates who can be proposed to the
board for review.
“We are very enthused about all the advantages that Saint
Louis University has to offer a prospective president,” Smith
said. “And speaking for the search committee, I can assure you
we will do everything possible to find a great new leader for
Saint Louis University.”
Accolades for SL U ’s
Academics, Service and Value
Ranked among the top Jesuit universities in the coun-try,
Saint Louis University continues to earn praise from
new sources as well as established ones. Here are some of the
University’s most recent honors.
University Dedicates
San Ignacio Hall
in Madrid
Saint Louis University’s Spanish presence
continues to grow. In September, the
University celebrated the opening of its
newest building in Madrid, San Ignacio Hall.
The recently renovated, 26,000-square-foot
building nearly doubles the size
of SLU-Madrid and adds a new library,
classroom space, art and dance studios,
and a restaurant. Photo by Ángel García López
o n c a m p u s
Princeton Review
best college
Saint Louis University made
the Princeton Review’s The
Best 378 Colleges: 2014
Edition. Only about 15 percent
of America’s 2,500 four-year
colleges are profiled in the book.
The profile of SLU highlights
its “solid academic programs”
and sustainability efforts. The
Princeton Review also called
SLU a place where “service,
social justice and political
awareness are stressed at
every level of education.”
Top Marks for Commitment to Service
For the third year in a row, Washington Monthly ranked SLU
among the top five universities in the nation for community
service. The publication looks at schools’ contributions to
the public good in three categories: social mobility, research
and service. SLU was No. 4. The University also earned list-ings
as “Top Jesuit School” and “Top Faith-Based School,”
as well as second place on the list of top private institutions.
In addition, SLU was one of a handful of institutions rec-ognized
at the President’s Interfaith and Community Service
Campus Challenge National Gathering in September.
Started by President Barack Obama in 2011, the chal-lenge
calls for campuses to increase interfaith service and
engagement over the course of one year. The University was
honored for hosting nearly 100 interfaith events.
Finally, SLU placed fifth on Hercampus.com’s 2013 list of
“The Most Charitable Schools.” Hercampus.com is a colle-giate
guide and news network for women college students.
Kiplinger’s
best values in
private colleges
The University was recognized
for affordability and academic
quality among Kiplinger’s “Best
Values in Private Colleges.”
The 2014 list includes the
top 200 private colleges
in the country. Saint Louis
University has appeared on
the list multiple times.
Sierra Club
cool school
SLU was named one of
Sierra Club’s “Cool Schools,”
an honor given by the
environmental organization
to colleges and universities
around the country that are
committed to sustainability.
The list recognizes green
accomplishments and
efforts, such as faculty
and departments engaged
in sustainability research,
and sustainability-themed
courses or curricula.
CollegesofDistinction.com
college of
distinction
One of six Missouri schools —
and the only institution from St.
Louis — to make the 2013-14
list, the University was selected
for its commitment to four
areas: engaged students, great
teaching, vibrant community
and successful outcomes.
SLU was also selected as a
“Catholic College of Distinction.”
Smith
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SL U ’s Free Medical
Clinic Relocates
in North St. Louis
Sa int Louis Univer s it y’s Hea lth
Resource Center, a free clinic oper-ated
by medical school students under the
guidance of SLU faculty physicians, cele-brated
its 20th anniversary of caring for
the underserved and underinsured with
a move to a newer, larger facility in north St. Louis. The new site is known as
the Jesuit Health Resource Center.
Dr. Eva Frazer, a former member of SLU’s board of trustees, and her hus-band
Steven Roberts donated the space.
The new clinic has a large patient waiting room, six patient exam rooms, a
social work room, a conference room, multipurpose rooms, expanded lab space
and a classroom. With the additional space, SLU is exploring the possibility of
offering other services.
Last year the Health Resource Center served more than 1,000 patients at
primary care, well women and pediatrics clinics. About 73 percent lacked
insurance.
Students began seeing patients in the new space during their regular
Saturday morning session late this summer.
NIH Taps SL U to Bid on Nearly
1 billion in projects to study
infectious diseases, including emerging threats.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the NIH,
has funded vaccine research at SLU since 1989. The new contract represents
what likely is the largest research contract or grant in the University’s history.
SLU received an “Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity” contract with
an estimated value of up to 951
million for the contract duration. Only centers accepted as VTEUs can bid
on specific projects. This is a change in the federal funding mechanism for
vaccine research, said Dr. Robert Belshe, director of the Center for Vaccine
Development and principal investigator on the project.
Business EnDowed
Professor Named
The John Cook School of Business has
appointed Dr. Bidisha Chakrabarty,
associate professor of finance, to the Edward
Jones Endowed Professorship in Finance.
Edward Jones created the endowed pro-fessorship
in 2007 to recognize an expert in
finance who provides academic leadership
through teaching, research and service.
Chakrabarty joined the business school
facult y in 2003. She has received the
Outstanding Faculty Award given by the
John Cook School of Business Alumni
Board, the Kwak Research Award for the
best research productive faculty, the ICRIER
policy paper grant and the National Stock
Exchange of India Research Initiative Grant.
Chakrabarty is a lso a consultant to
Beyond Housing, an organization that
helps families facing foreclosure. She is an
author and researcher on the topics of mar-ket
microstructure, securities regulation,
disclosure and market reaction, and market
design and price discovery.
Parks
Students,
NASA
Launch
Camera
into Space
COPPER (SLU-
01), Saint Louis
Univer s i t y ’s f i r s t
spacecraft designed,
bui l t , t e s t e d and
operated by students
at Parks College of
Engineering, Aviation
and Technology, launched Nov. 19 from the Mid-Atlantic
Regional Spaceport at Wallops Island, Va. The Air Force
Research Laboratory and NASA Missouri Space Grant
funded the project development, and the launch of
COPPER was sponsored by NASA.
COPPER is a one kilogram, 10-centimeter cube and is
made of commercially available spacecraft parts and stu-dent-
developed electronics.
The mission tests the effectiveness of a commercial infra-red
camera for in-space navigation and object detection, as
well as observes the Earth in the infrared spectrum.
For the next 12 months, Parks College students
will operate COPPER from a radio control station in
McDonnell Douglas Hall on the SLU campus. The space-craft
will de-orbit naturally in less than four years.
COPPER is a product of the Space Systems Research
Laboratory, which is led by Dr. Michael Swartwout and
Dr. Sanjay Jayaram of the department of aerospace and
mechanical engineering, and Dr. Kyle Mitchell of the
department of electrical and computer engineering. More
than 50 undergraduate and graduate students worked to
create COPPER during the past three years.
Class
of 2017
boasts
high
marks
This fall, SLU
welcomed one
of the largest and
most academically
gifted freshman
classes in University
history. The Class of
2017’s credentials
include a mean high
school GPA of 3.81
and an average
ACT score of 27.6.
Geographically,
44 states and
24 countries are
represented in this
year’s freshman
class, and nearly 75
percent of SLU��s
new students
hail from outside
the St. Louis
metropolitan area.
By The Numbers
2013 Make A Difference Day:
SLU’s 16th annual day of
service in October was one of
the largest in University history.
TIAA-CREF was the primary
financial sponsor for the event.
3,691 participants
91% of the volunteers were students.
312 faculty, staff, alumni and
parents participated.
197 Kappa Delta sorority sisters made
the largest volunteer team.
140 community organizations, schools,
churches and homes benefited —
the most sites in the event’s history.
News Bri e fs
University President Emeritus Lawrence Biondi,
S.J., received the 2013 Mayor’s Award for his influence
on economic development in the city of St. Louis.
During Biondi’s tenure, the University had a major
impact on the region’s economy; an independent
study found that SLU generated $715.5 million in
economic impact during 2011 alone. St. Louis Mayor
Francis G. Slay (Law ’80) presented the award in
October.
J. Joe Adorjan (Cook ’63, Grad Cook ’67), chairman
of the University’s board of trustees, was awarded the
Hungarian Order of Merit-Knight’s Cross, Hungary’s
highest state honor. Adorjan is the honorary general
consul of Hungary as well as the founder of the
Hungarian-Missouri Educational Partnership, which
links four Missouri universities, including SLU, with five
Hungarian universities to enhance the education of
emerging leaders who will help create a lasting bond
between the two countries.
Dr. Alexander Garza (PH ’03), the former assistant
secretary for health affairs and chief medical officer
for the Department of Homeland Security, has joined
the faculty of the College for Public Health and Social
Justice. Garza is associate dean for public health
practice and associate professor of epidemiology.
David Cassens is the new dean for University
Libraries. He has served as interim University librarian
since June 2012. Previously he served as assistant
university librarian for administration and director of
Pius XII Memorial Library. He has worked at SLU for
nearly 15 years.
In October, Dr. Mildred Mattfeldt-Beman (Grad E&PS
’92), chair of the department of nutrition and dietetics,
received a Medallion Award from the Academy of
Nutrition and Dietetics for guiding her department
to national prominence. Mattfeldt-Beman has built
a program that is a community resource — advising
congressmen, creating healthier school lunches and
promoting business in the region.
Dr. Mike Shaner, professor at the John Cook School
of Business, has been named the “Best Management
Professor” by the World Education Congress in
Mumbai. Shaner was recognized as a thinker and doer
who served as a “role model and a believer in change.”
He joined the SLU faculty in 1974.
Dr. Diana Carlin, associate vice president for graduate
education and international initiatives, was one of 11
U.S. administrators selected by the U.S. and French
Fulbright commissions to participate in a two-week
seminar in France in October. The purpose was to help
both the Americans and French better understand
the other’s higher education and research areas,
and to explain partnership opportunities with French
universities.
o n c a m p u s
HOMECOMING 2013:
Saint Louis University’s 2013 Homecoming
and Family Weekend drew nearly 2,500 people
to campus Sept. 27-29. The celebration
included the popular golf cart parade, with
the theme “Meet Me in St. Louis,” and
celebrations of SLU’s Golden Billikens,
members of the class of 1963 and earlier.
The weekend was capped off with a win by
the men’s soccer team and a spectacular
fireworks display. The 2014 Homecoming
will be Sept. 25-28. Photo by Steve Dolan
Olivia Johnson gets her ears examined
at the clinic by faculty volunteer
Dr. Marilyn Maxwell, professor of
internal medicine and pediatrics.
A student building COPPER (SLU-01).
From left: Dr. Scott Safranski, interim business dean;
Chakrabarty; Robert J. Ciapciak (Grad Cook ’82) of
Edward Jones; and Interim President William Kauffman.
pictured: Students packing meals for Feed My Starving Children on Make A Difference Day. Photo by Kevin Lowder
Photo by Kevin Lowder
Photo by Katie O’Connor
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When Saint Louis University freshman Michael Milek got
a call with scholarship news last spring, he wasn’t imme-diately
sure the news was good. “At first I didn’t think I got it
because of the tone of the caller,” said Milek, an athletic training
major in Doisy College of Health Sciences. “However, he told me
that I received it, and I was really happy.”
The Philadelphia native had been awarded the Martin Luther
King Jr. Scholarship, a merit-based University scholarship granted
to students with a mix of academic achievement, demonstrated
leadership and commitment to service. The scholarship w
Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University
No full textFall 2006 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis UniversityCatching up with SLU’s
Madrid Campus page 8
Not Your Typical College Cafeteria page 14 Shimmy Gray-Miller: Off Court, On the Record page 18
E d i t o r
Laura Geiser (A&S ’90, Grad ’92)
C o n t r i b u t o r s
Jeff Fowler
Nancy Solomon
“ O n C a m p u s ” n e w s s t o r i e s
University Communications
Medical Center Media Relations
Billiken Media Relations
De s i g n
Art Direction: Matthew Krob
Universitas is published by Saint Louis University. Opin-ions
expressed in Universitas are those of the individual
authors and not necessarily those of the University admin-istration.
Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are
welcome but will be returned only if accompanied by a
stamped, self-addressed envelope. Letters to the editor
must be signed, and letters not intended for publication
should indicate that fact. The editor reserves the right to
edit all items. Address all mail to Universitas, DuBourg Hall
39, 221 N. Grand, St. Louis, Mo. 63103. We accept e-mail
at [email protected] and fax submissions at (314) 977-2249.
Address fax submissions to Editor, Universitas.
Postmaster: Send address changes to
Universitas, Saint Louis University,
221 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103.
World Wide Web address:
www.slu.edu/pr/universitas.html
Universitas is printed by Universal Printing Co.
and mailed by Specialty Mailing.
Worldwide circulation: 111,720
© 2006, Saint Louis University
All rights reserved.
Volume 3 3 , I ssue 1
I was having dinner in Beirut with the presi-dent
of Notre Dame University of Lebanon
on July 12 when he got the call: Hezbollah
militants had just abducted two Israeli soldiers.
At that point, I had no idea just how harrowing
the next week would be.
When I left for Lebanon just two days ear-lier
to deliver Notre Dame’s commencement ad-dress,
I had no indication a crisis was brewing.
But by July 13 all hell broke loose. From my
hotel in northern Beirut, I heard Israeli jets at-tacking
the Hezbollah section of the city. From
my balcony I could see clouds of black smoke
rise into the air, and at night I could see fires on
the horizon. When the airport and major roads
were bombed, I began to wonder when — if
— I would get back to St. Louis.
For the most part, I felt safe. Because the ho-tel
was in the so-called Christian area of greater
Beirut, we were told it was unlikely to be a tar-get.
Even so, the fighting grew more intense ev-ery
day. Occasional black-outs
and media warnings
to stay in the hotel kept
me on edge. Even more
unnerving, days passed
with no word from the
staff at the U.S. embassy,
even though I had taken
care to register my pres-ence
with them several
times. Literally waiting
by the phone in my hotel
room, I began to feel like
a hostage.
Finally — at 3 a.m.
on July 19 — Saint Louis
University’s general counsel called to say he had
received word from the State Department that
I would be leaving on the cruise ship the Orient
Queen that day and would be permitted only
one 30-pound bag.
I rounded up my essential documents, left
my other luggage behind and headed to the des-ignated
staging area. Waiting in line, I heard
bombs exploding, sounding like thunderclaps
reverberating in every direction.
After showing my passport to the embassy
staff, I boarded a bus to the Beirut seaport. I
joined about 200 men, women and children
gathered there, all of us anxious to be cleared
to board ship. Bombs were dropping just a few
miles away; it was the closest I had been to the
fighting.
We finally left port at 4 p.m. with an Ameri-can
warship, the U.S.S. Gonzalez, following us
in a corridor only half a mile wide. The Gonza-lez
accompanied us all the way to Cyprus. We
arrived just after midnight, but a ship bearing
French national evacuees from Beirut had ar-rived
before us, so we had to stay on the Orient
Queen for three more hours.
Tension was high. Everyone was anxious to
get off the ship, find a place to stay and begin
making their necessary travel arrangements.
Some people fainted; some got angry. There was
some pushing and shoving and even a fistfight.
When more than 1,000 of us were told we could
disembark, the exodus process became chaotic.
Eventually, I got off the ship and to a taxi
that took me to a hotel about 50 miles away.
I was able to catch a chartered plane the next
evening, and I finally arrived in St. Louis at 1
p.m. July 21. It had taken me about 12 hours to
get from the United States to Lebanon by plane.
It took me nearly 52 hours — by bus, ship, taxi
and plane — to get home.
Although I was relieved to be out of war-torn
Lebanon, I must
confess that my experi-ences
there were among
the most memorable of
my life. I’m not saying I’d
willingly do it again, but
I am genuinely grateful
that I had an opportunity
to get to know and appre-ciate
the Lebanese people
and see how resiliently
they handled this crisis.
I also am genuinely
grateful for the sober-ing
moments I spent in
my hotel room thinking
about my life, my relationships and my work at
SLU. I know I have a reputation for being some-what
tough and business-minded at times. But I
came to realize how fortunate I am — with the
help of my God — that so many people were
thinking of and praying for me.
Even several months later, I continue to re-flect
on my life-changing experiences in Leba-non.
I am not a politician, but I know that
what’s most important is to settle this conflict
for the long term. If not, the Lebanese and Is-raeli
people — especially the children — will
continue to suffer. And unlike me, they won’t
get a call at three in the morning to board the
Orient Queen and get out.
— Lawrence Biondi, S.J.
A version of this essay appeared July 30 on the Com-mentary
page of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
President’s Message
photo by Jim Visser
U N I V E R S I T A S F A L L 2 0 0 6
F E AT U R E S
Universidad
de San Luis
SLU’s Madrid campus
offers students the world.
By Laura Geiser
A landmark campus gateway framed by fall foliage.
Photo by Kevin Lowder
DE PA R TMEN T S
2 On Campus
Arena groundbreaking Update on
SLU’s national rankings Lincoln
exhibit brings visitors to campus
6 Billiken News
Soccer stadium readies for the College
Cup Forward pass marks its 100th
7 Campaign Update
Campaign already exceeds 80.5 million
multipurpose Arena Aug. 28 at the Arena site near Compton
and Laclede avenues. University officials, coaches and student
athletes as well as St. Louis dignitaries were in attendance to celebrate
the new facility, which includes a 10,600-seat Arena, a practice facil-ity,
athletics offices, locker rooms and training facilities.
“It has taken us a long time to get here,” said University President
Lawrence Biondi, S.J. “While I am not known as the most patient
man in St. Louis, I never lost faith that we would get to this day. And,
thankfully, there were many others who believed as I did.”
The new Arena will be home to Billikens men’s and women’s bas-ketball
and will host a variety of other events such as concerts, confer-ences,
trade shows and commencements. It is expected to bring more
than 400,000 people to Midtown St. Louis each year. St. Louis-based
Clayco will build the Arena, with an expected opening in March
2008.
“There are few institutions in St. Louis that have done more to
enhance life in the city than Saint Louis University,” said Barry H.
Beracha, chairman of the SLU board of trustees. “I ask our friends
from throughout the region to help us complete the fundraising for
this wonderful facility.”
Arena donors were recognized at the event, which also brought out
hundreds of faculty, staff, students and Billiken fans to witness the
beginning of the long-awaited project.
“This is one of the greatest days in Billiken
athletics history, and I’m overjoyed to be here
and be part of it,” said director of athletics
Cheryl L. Levick. “This building is a product
of a tremendous grass roots fundraising effort
because this is a privately funded facility that
did not tap into student fees or tuition dol-lars.
No matter the size of the gift, everyone
involved in contributing to this building has
the right to be extremely proud today.”
“I want to thank Father Biondi and the
board of trustees for giving our program the
opportunity to compete on a national level,”
said men’s basketball head coach Brad Soder-berg.
“When we bring recruits to campus, they now will know that we
are serious about competing with the best programs in the country.”
“The University administration has done its job in bringing this
building to life,” said women’s basketball head coach Shimmy Gray-
Miller. “Now I promise that I will do my job, my staff will do its job, and
our student-athletes will do their job to produce winning basketball.”
The Arena complex will be built on University-owned property
on the eastern end of campus and will be visible from Interstate 64/
Highway 40. It will be funded through fundraising, 1 million for the Arena, moving the University
closer to the project fundraising goal.
For others who would like to make a gift, there still is time to be
part of the Arena project. To make a donation online, go to arena.slu.
edu or call (314) 977-2499. — JF
Arena construction under way;
opening planned for March 2008
Top: The official groundbreakers: (from left) Dan Mitchell, partner, Mackey Mitchell
Associates; L.B. Eckelkamp, SLU trustee; Joe Imbs, president, St. Louis market, U.S.
Bank; Thomas Brouster Sr., SLU trustee; Soderberg; Levick; Dr. Joe Weixlmann, SLU
provost; Biondi; St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay; Kathleen Brady, SLU vice president for
facilities management and civic affairs; Gray-Miller; 19th Ward Alderman Michael
McMillan; Beracha, Vince Schoemehl, president, Grand Center; Bob Clark, Clayco
chairman and chief executive officer; and Evan Krauss, president, SLU Student
Government Association. Middle: St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay (Law ’80) addresses
the crowd. Above: Gray-Miller, Biondi, Soderberg and Levick throw the dirt.
U.S.News keeps SLU
on its ‘Best Buy’ list
For the ninth consecutive year, U.S.News & World
Report has recognized Saint Louis University as one
of the nation’s best values in higher education. In
its special “America’s Best Colleges” issue, U.S.
News lists SLU among the top 50 national, doctoral
universities on its coveted “Great Schools, Great
Prices” list. SLU joins Georgetown and Boston College
among the Catholic institutions on the best values list.
In addition, SLU climbed to No. 77 on U.S. News’ rankings of the
nearly 250 national universities in the country — a list topped by
Princeton and Harvard. It’s the third straight year that SLU has risen in
these rankings. Once again, SLU ranked among the top five Catholic
institutions in the country on this overall list.
Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology’s aerospace
engineering program was ranked No. 5, and undergraduate engineering
programs overall were ranked 29th among engineering schools whose
highest degree is a master’s.
SLU’s undergraduate business programs in the John Cook School of
Business again were ranked among the top 100 of the nation.
Princeton Review
also honors SLU
The Princeton Review has named Saint Louis University one of the top
institutions in the country for undergraduate education. SLU also was
listed as one of the best universities in the Midwest in the 2007 edition
of Princeton Review’s annual book, The Best 361 Colleges. Only about
15 percent of four-year colleges in America and two Canadian colleges
made the publication. The book does not rank the colleges 1 to 361 in
any single category.
The book’s rankings are based on a survey
of 110,000 students attending the
colleges in the book. In the survey,
SLU students spoke highly of the
University’s business, pre-med and
pre-law programs as well as unique
programs in aviation and nutrition.
Survey respondents also noted that
SLU students are friendly and that
the University offers a great library.
Doisy College of health
sciences adds new programs
Already experiencing an enroll-ment
boom, Saint Louis Uni-versity’s
Edward and Margaret
Doisy College of Health Sciences an-ticipates
even more growth in the future
as it prepares to assume responsibility
for three programs that will be discon-tinued
at the Barnes-Jewish College of
Nursing and Allied Health in St. Louis
next year.
Dr. Charlotte Royeen, dean of Doisy
College, said next fall SLU plans to offer
the following new options for SLU stu-dents,
pending approval by the board of
trustees: A new bachelor of science pro-gram
in radiation therapy; a new bache-lor
of science program in cytotechnology;
and a proposed expansion of the graduate
program in the department of nutrition
and dietetics.
SLU and Barnes-Jewish officials are
working to make sure that the transition
for both students and employees goes
smoothly. Some faculty at Barnes-Jew-ish
College will join the faculty of SLU’s
Doisy College, and students enrolled in
SLU programs still will have the option
of participating in clinical training on-site
at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
SLU honors Maronite patriarch
Saint Louis University bestowed its highest honor, the Sword of Ignatius Loyola, on
the patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church June 30. His Beatitude and Eminence
Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, visited St. Louis
as part of a pastoral visit to America. He was the most significant religious figure to visit St.
Louis since Pope John Paul II in 1999, and his visit marked only the fourth time a Maronite
patriarch has journeyed to the United States. Sfeir also received an honorary doctorate of laws
from Saint Louis University.
En route to the award ceremony, University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., (right) shares a light moment with Maronite
Bishop Robert J. Shaheen (far left) and Cardinal Sfeir (second from left).
Photos by Steve Dolan
Photo by Kevin Lowder
U N I V E R S I T A S w w w . s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S F A L L 2 0 0 6
Gilsinan
to accept
professorship,
step down
as dean
Saint Louis University’s College of
Public Service has reached a new
milestone: the establishment of its
first named professorship. Civic leader E.
Desmond “Des” Lee provided funding to
support the E. Desmond Lee Professor-ship
in Collaborative Regional Education.
Dr. James Gilsinan, dean of the Col-lege
of Public Service, has been named
the first holder of the professorship. Be-cause
the professorship requires teaching,
research and service, Gilsinan will step
down as dean and rejoin the faculty on
a full-time basis at the end of December.
The honor recognizes Gilsinan’s decades
of service to St. Louis area schools, local
governments and non-profit organiza-tions.
As a Des Lee Professor, Gilsinan
will join scholars from Washington Uni-versity
in St. Louis and the University of
Missouri-St. Louis in researching ways to
help schools and communities improve
the lives of young people.
Michael Frayn wins Literary Award
The Saint Louis University Library Associates will pres-ent
the Saint Louis Literary Award to Tony Award-winning
playwright, novelist and translator Michael
Frayn at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, in the Anheuser-Busch
Auditorium of SLU’s John and Lucy Cook Hall. The pro-gram
is free and open to the public.
Frayn is the author of several plays, including Noises Off,
Democracy and Copenhagen, which won the 2000 Tony Award
for Best Play. He has written several novels including The Tin
Men, The Russian Interpreter and Spies. He also has translated
several plays by Chekov and Tolstoy from Russian.
In receiving the award, Frayn joins a select group of previous
recipients, including Robert Penn Warren, Arthur Miller and
Tom Wolfe. The award has been presented annually since 1967.
Researchers tackle
mold removal
Armed with a $408,000 grant from
the Department of Housing and
Urban Development, a team from
Saint Louis University School of Public
Health hopes to create universal stan-dards
for getting rid of mold in homes and
buildings. Dr. Anu Dixit, assistant profes-sor
of environmental and occupational
health and principal investigator, said that
the team will review existing, inconsistent
guidelines for mold removal from homes
and buildings by surveying about 400
mold assessment and remediation profes-sionals.
The team will then use the re-sponses
to develop a single comprehensive,
scientifically sound plan for homeowners
and mold remediation experts to follow.
“The timing couldn’t be better for Hur-ricane
Katrina and Rita victims, some of
whom are still battling mold problems in
their homes and businesses,” Dixit said.
News Briefs
Saint Louis University has appointed Karla Gable director of undergraduate admission. She
most recently was assistant vice president of business development at the Missouri Higher
Education Loan Authority (MOHELA), where she oversaw all marketing and public relations
efforts. Prior to joining MOHELA in 2000, Gable was associate dean of enrollment and director
of financial aid at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo.
Dr. Neil Seitz has stepped down as interim dean of Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and
Technology. Dr. Manoj Patankar (Parks ’92), associate professor and chairman of aviation
science, has been named interim dean. A committee has been formed to begin the search for a
new dean for Parks.
Covering more than three-dozen specialties, 112 SLUCare doctors have been selected for
St. Louis Magazine’s 2006 “Best Doctors” list. The list is based on the annual “Best Doctors
in America” database, which considers more than one million peer evaluations to create a
directory of approximately 30,000 doctors. A total of 104 SLUCare physicians were chosen for
last year’s list.
Dr. Teri Murray (Nurs ’79, Grad ’93, ’97) has been named the new director of the School of
Nursing in the Doisy College of Health Sciences. Murray, previously the associate director,
succeeds interim director Dr. Margie Edel. Murray, also an associate professor of nursing,
recently was named to the prestigious 2006 Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellows
Program, which provides individual leadership development for nurses who aspire to lead
and shape the U.S. health care system. She is also the president of the Missouri State Board
of Nursing.
Dr. Jennifer Kohler (A&S ’93, Grad ’97, ’99) is the new director of the School for Professional
Studies. She is the first director of the school in a new position created as a result of the recent
merger with the College of Public Service. Kohler previously served as director of organizational
studies, interim associate dean and associate dean in the School for Professional Studies.
The National Defense Transportation Association has named Saint Louis University’s Dr. Ik-
Whan Kwon (Grad ’90), professor of decision sciences and management information systems,
as the 2006 recipient of the NDTA Educator Distinguished Service Award. Kwon is recognized
internationally for his specialization in supply chain design and management and is director of
the Consortium for Supply Chain Management Studies at the John Cook School of Business.
Campus goes wireless
This summer, Saint Louis Uni-versity’s
information technology
staffers and subcontractors pulled
150,000 feet of wire throughout campus
to make SLU completely wireless. Now
the University’s wireless network includes
the entire campus — including residence
halls and academic buildings.
Campus Kitchen marks its fifth
anniversary and serves its 125,000th meal
In September, Saint Louis University’s Campus Kitchen cel-ebrated
its fifth anniversary and served its 125,000th meal. In
2001, SLU served as the pilot school for the Campus Kitchens
Project, a growing network of Campus Kitchens that are hosted by
universities across the country.
Each Campus Kitchen shares dining hall kitchen space with
host universities; partners with campus dining to recycle safe, us-able
food that would normally go to waste; and mobilizes college
students and community volunteers to make and deliver meals to
the community.
Each month, SLU Campus Kitchen volunteers deliver more
than 2,000 meals and snacks to local residents, community cen-ters
and after-school programs. Volunteers prepare meals in an on-campus
cafeteria and then deliver them to individual families and
group service centers.
SLU’s success has paved the way for the Campus Kitchens Proj-ect
to schedule three new site openings this fall, bringing the net-work
to 10 Campus Kitchens nationwide.
Sobrino returns to
SLU after 15 years
One of Saint Louis University’s
most famous alumni was back
on campus in September for
the first time in 15 years. SLU’s Great Is-sues
Committee welcomed Jon Sobrino,
S.J. (A&S ’62, Grad ’65), who discussed
“Being Christian in a World of Poor
and Victims.” Sobrino’s contributions to
theology have been recognized with nu-merous
awards, includin
Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University
No full textSpring 2009 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis UniversityVolume 35, Issue 2
Editor
Laura Geiser (A&S ’90, Grad ’92)
Contributors
Clayton Berry
David Chilenski (Cook ’98)
Marie Dilg (Grad SW ’94)
John Gilmore (A&S ’88)
Nick Sargent
“On Campus” news stories
University Communications
Medical Center Communications
Billiken Media Relations
Cover Photo
Kevin Lowder
Design
Art Direction: Matt Krob
Universitas is published by Saint Louis University.
Opinions expressed in Universitas are those of the
individual authors and not necessarily those of the
University administration. Unsolicited manuscripts and
photographs are welcome but will be returned only if
accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Letters to the editor must be signed, and letters not
intended for publication should indicate that fact. The
editor reserves the right to edit all items. Address all
mail to Universitas, DuBourg Hall 39, One Grand Blvd.,
St. Louis, Mo. 63103. We accept e-mail at utas@
slu.edu and fax submissions at (314) 977-2249.
Address fax submissions to Editor, Universitas.
Postmaster: Send address changes to
Universitas, Saint Louis University,
One Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103.
World Wide Web address:
www.slu.edu/pr/universitas.html
Universitas is printed and mailed by
Cenveo-Color Art Printing Inc.
Worldwide circulation: 111,390
© 2009, Saint Louis University
All rights reserved.
FALL 2004 WINTER 2005
Greetings to Saint Louis
University’s many alumni
and friends around the
world. I hope the beauty and hope
of spring has met you with a warm
embrace wherever this message may
find you.
Unfortunately, as you know all
too well, the economy weighs on
the shoulders of our nation. In fact,
in this issue of Universitas, you will
read interviews with six of Saint
Louis University’s brightest business
and economic minds. You will find
that they are cautiously optimistic
about the year we have ahead of us,
and they believe that our collective
will is strong. They are confident a
recovery will occur in due time.
This downturn has affected us
all, even here at SLU. However, I
am proud to report that Saint Louis University
remains in a strong financial position thanks to
years of prudent spending, as well as responsible
planning and investment.
We know the economy is profoundly affecting
our students and their families as well as our
alumni and generous donors. That’s why we
continue our dedication to being stalwart stew-ards
of our students’ tuition dollars and of the
generous gifts from friends and alumni like you.
For the next academic year, we have com-mitted
to raising tuition just 2 percent. We
chose this modest increase to assure the afford-ability
of a SLU education for our students and
their families during these difficult times.
With the sagging economy in mind, we
have sought new and innovative ways to make
the most of our budget dollars. In this issue
of Universitas, you will read about one such
program: Quantum Weather.
This one-of-a-kind weather system is allow-ing
the St. Louis utility company, AmerenUE,
to monitor weather systems on a block-by-
block basis — and it’s thanks to SLU’s
department of earth and atmospheric sciences.
A group of SLU professors and researchers
collaborated with the utility to create this in-novative
solution.
The project is an excellent example of the
type of private-public partnerships that help
our professors and researchers make practical
use of their research. It also fulfills our mission
of assisting our community. For the first time,
AmerenUE can pinpoint the likely effect severe
weather will have on specific neighborhoods
so the company can efficiently and quickly
send repair crews to shorten the length of time
customers go without power.
As we move forward, the University will
seek more of these unique partnerships. I feel
strongly that in order to strengthen com-munities
like St. Louis — and those in which
you live — government, private industry and
educational institutions must work together.
Each entity is like a leg of a stool supporting
the greater good. And especially in these dif-ficult
economic times, we must strike the right
balance, or we may all fall down.
As we face the reality of tighter budgets,
such partnerships will not only help us make
the most of our limited funds, they will aid
in the further development of our cities and
regions. Such a critical mass of collaborative
decision makers and innovative thinkers can
only result in positives for all of us.
I am confident that in the months and years
to come even more of these partnerships will
come to fruition on the SLU campus, mak-ing
your generous gifts even more effective in
transforming the world around us.
Lawrence Biondi, S.J.
President
Photo by Jim Visser
{ president’s message } { contents }
8 | Set for more
SLU’s volleyball team earned a top 25 national ranking and
an NCAA bid thanks to a season that surprised even the
coach. — By Nick Sargent
12 | Economy 101
Six SLU experts tackle questions about the nation’s financial
crisis and offer their opinions on what to expect next.
— By David Chilenski and Nick Sargent
17 | A Quantum Leap in Forecasting
SLU’s partnership with the local electric company has yielded
a weather monitoring, forecasting and response system that’s
already in use. — By John Gilmore
20 | Choice Firsts
SLU history is filled with many milestones. Here are the stories
behind several of those memorable dates. — By Marie Dilg
2 | On Campus
Japanese visitors bring
their Billiken to campus
• New majors unveiled •
Service and spirituality
site for alumni • Students
for Life • Art exhibitions
6 | Billiken News
Hall of Fame inductees
• Soccer accolades
• Baseball at Busch
Stadium
7 | Advancement News
A conversation with Dr.
Boyd A. Bradshaw, vice
provost for enrollment
management
24 | class notes
Catch up with classmates.
28 | In Memoriam
Remembering those
members of the SLU
community who recently
died
30 | alumni events
Find SLU alumni
activities wherever you
live.
32 | Perspective
An alumnus explains the
importance of folklore.
33 | the last word
Letters to the editor
features
depar tments
17 20
8
12
2 5
2 U NI V E R S I T A S w w w. s l u . e d u U N I V E R S I T A S S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 3
{ on campus }
Saint Louis University is launching several
new undergraduate majors to prepare
students for some of the country’s hottest
careers. It’s also enhancing its communi-cation
program to meet the needs of the
21st century.
In October the Saint Louis University Billiken met his Japanese
brother as two special visitors arrived from Osaka, Japan, with a
hand-carved Billiken statue.
Normally, the Japanese Billiken — a 2-foot-tall, 30-pound
wooden statue — resides in a shrine atop the 298-foot-tall Tsuten-kaku
Tower. Each year, thousands of visitors donate a coin and
rub the soles of the Billiken’s feet to make a wish. (In St. Louis it’s
considered good luck to rub his belly.)
The Japanese visitors were in St. Louis because 2008 marked the
100th anniversary of the Billiken, and they wanted to see where their
revered good luck symbol got his start.
Created by Florence Pretz in 1908, the Billiken enjoyed world-wide
fame in his heyday. In 1912, a Billiken figure was displayed in
an amusement park in Osaka as a symbol of Americana. When the
park closed in 1923, the wooden statue of the Billiken disappeared.
In 1980, to help revive the city’s Tsutenkaku Tower, a replica of the
Billiken statue that once appeared in the park was made based on an
old photograph and placed on the tower’s observation deck.
Last fall, that same Billiken toured America, along with Ryuko
Takai, a vice president with the company that owns the tower, and
Kei Iguchi, a writer with the Daily Yomiuri, Japan’s largest English-language
newspaper. Takai took the wooden statue to visit key spots
in Billiken history. Iguchi chronicled the visit. Their first stop was
St. Louis.
At SLU, they hopped on golf carts for a campus tour. As they
came up on SLU’s iconic bronze Billiken statue, the men gasped
with excitement. They jumped out of the cart for photos, and Takai
placed their wooden Billiken face-to-face with his American brother.
While they were admiring the statue, SLU’s Billiken mascot made
a surprise appearance. The visitors were clearly excited to see the cos-tumed
creature.
As Takai and Iguchi rode away in a golf cart on to see another
Billiken statue on campus and take a quick tour of Chaifetz Arena
— where they placed the Osaka Billiken on center court —Takai
summed up their affection for SLU’s beloved mascot: “Goodbye, my
Billiken brother!” — Clayton Berry
Japanese Billiken visits American brother at SLU
Photo by Clayton Berry
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
News Briefs
In January, Dr. Devin Johnston, associate
professor of English, was named a finalist for
a National Book Critics Circle award in poetry,
one of the world’s most prestigious literary
awards. Johnston’s Sources, a book of poetry
released last fall, was selected, and it’s the
first time that a member of the SLU faculty has
been up for the award.
Dr. Bert Barry (Grad ’95) is SLU’s new director
of international services. Most recently he was
director of English as a second language and
director of international services for Webster
University in St. Louis. At SLU Barry works to
promote, recruit and enroll international students
and students studying abroad. He also facilitates
cross-cultural educational experiences on cam-pus
for students and academic departments.
In November SLU Provost Joe Weixlmann was
recognized by his alma mater, Canisius College,
with a Distinguished Alumni Award for embodying
“the Jesuit ideal of intellectual excellence, leader-ship
and service to others.” He is a 1968 graduate
of the Buffalo, N.Y.-based Jesuit institution.
Dr. James Kelhoffer, associate professor of
theological studies, is a winning author in Alpha
Sigma Nu’s 29th annual Book Award competi-tion.
His book The Diet of John the Baptist was
chosen from entries submitted from among the
33 member Jesuit institutions of higher educa-tion.
Winning books are selected by Alpha
Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honor society, and by the
Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities,
which supervises the competition.
Kate Becker (A&S ’83), former SLU Medical
Center associate general counsel, is now ex-ecutive
director of the University Medical Group.
As executive director, she oversees all opera-tions,
planning and the budget for the UMG.
In February SLU was recognized as one of the
region’s best places to work by readers of the
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, who voted SLU one
of “St. Louis’ Top Employers” in an online poll.
The University was one of only three employers
named for providing the best benefits. And in
January, St. Louis Magazine once again named
SLU one of St. Louis’ “Great Places to Work.”
Only 58 firms made the magazine’s list this year.
Saint Louis University’s School for Profes-sional
Studies, which provides degrees and
certificates designed for busy adults, is launch-ing
a bachelor’s degree in general studies that
will be offered totally online. The new general
studies degree also can be earned on site or in
a combination of both formats.
SLU named to national honor roll
In February, SLU was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service
Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and service to disadvantaged youth. The
prestigious award is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment
to service-learning and civic engagement. Honorees for the award were chosen based on a
series of factors, including innovativeness of service projects and the percentage of student
participation in service.
SLU professor is new provincial
of the jesuits’ missouri province
Adolfo Nicolas, S.J., superior general of the Society
of Jesus, has appointed a Saint Louis University
professor as the next provincial of the Missouri Province.
Douglas Marcouiller, S.J., associate professor of econom-ics,
will have responsibility for some 300 Jesuits working
in St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Kansas, Oklahoma,
Belize and in many other places throughout the world.
In addition to his teaching duties at SLU, Marcouiller
serves as rector of Bellarmine House of Studies, which
provides religious and academic formation for Jesuit
students. He also travels regularly to Central America
to teach short courses in economics at the Universidad
Centroamericana, the Jesuit university in El Salvador.
Marcouiller succeeds the current provincial, Timothy
McMahon, S.J. (A&S ’80), July 31.
expansion in
communication
In addition, SLU is adding
four new areas of study to
its undergraduate com-munication
program for the
fall, including journalism and
public relations. The Univer-sity
also will put more focus
on practical education and
hands-on experience with
cutting-edge technologies.
civil engineering
Next fall, Parks College of Engineer-ing,
Aviation and Technology will
offer an undergraduate degree in civil
engineering, a career field expected
to grow by nearly 20 percent during
the next decade. The new major will
have a strong focus on sustainable
engineering and green technologies,
and will be the only one of its kind in
St. Louis.
health management
The School of Public
Health’s new health man-agement
major is tailored for
students who want to study
the business of health care
and medicine. Students in
the new major are get-ting
personalized attention
from the same faculty who
teach courses for SLU’s No.
12-ranked master of health
administration program.
environmental studies
SLU also plans to add an
environmental studies major,
which will offer environ-mentally
focused courses
in science, communica-tion,
business, philosophy,
theology, prelaw and more.
This new program will help
students understand the
economic, political, legal and
ethical forces that influence
environmental issues.
SLU launches new
majors for fall 2009
Photo by James Visser
From left: SLU’s bronze Billiken,
Ryuko Takai, the Japanese
Tsutenkaku Tower Billiken and
SLU’s Billiken mascot.
Marcouiller
Saint Louis University’s department of nu-trition
and dietetics is celebrating its 75th
anniversary by releasing a book. Making
It: Gardens to Tables mixes recipes from
top St. Louis chefs with the story of how
the department began using cooking and
gardening to teach that local, homegrown
food is good for diners, good for the envi-ronment
and good for the community.
Through photos and words, Making It
traces how the department grew to empha-size
sustainable food systems and created one of the only programs in the
country that combines the art of cooking with the science of nutrition. It
also focuses on SLU’s commitment to reach out to children in the commu-nity
and explain to them why French fries aren’t the
only vegetable they should eat.
Published by SLU’s Doisy College of Health Sci-ences
and Reedy Press, the book costs 1,000 to
3,000 award. Any additional siblings attending SLU as
undergraduates also would be eligible for the award, which will
be added to any other scholarships or grants a student may be
awarded.
From left: Students for Life
members Hannah Diamond, Katie
Marx, Briana Klostermann, Sarah
Daubach, Rachel Rath, Amy
Winkler and Matt VonRueden
at the Capitol in
Washington, D.C.
New book
shares
nutrition
story and
recipes
New graduate degrees
to debut this fall
Students interested in pursuing
graduate studies at Saint Louis
University will have two new options
this fall.
supply chain management
SLU’s John Cook School of Business will
offer a new master’s degree in supply
chain management. As businesses look for
a competitive advantage in today’s global
economy, there’s increasing demand for
skilled professionals in this field.
health informatics
As technology revolutionizes the health
care field, SLU’s Doisy College of Health
Sciences is preparing students with a
new graduate program in health informat-ics.
The new master’s degree program
will allow students to work as information
managers and executives in hospitals and
clinics, pharmaceutical companies and
research organizations as they learn how
technology is used to manage and store
health information.
Students for Life group
wins national honor
The Saint Louis University Students for Life group, which promotes
a pro-life message in the community, has been recognized by the
national Students for Life organization as “Group of the Year.”
During the Students for Life of America Conference in Wash-ington,
D.C., in January, SLU’s chapter received the award for
its large and dedicated base of student involvement, as well
as for implementing many pro-life initiatives. Each year, SLU’s
Students for Life sponsors Respect Life Week, planning events
around right-to-life issues. Last fall, the group established the
Virginia Murphy Pregnant and Parenting Student Assistance Fund,
an endowed scholarship that will provide assistance to any SLU
student facing unexpected pregnancy or parenthood.
Medical Center makes
changes to foster
inte g ration
A dministrative
changes at the
Medical Center
were announced in
January that aim to
enhance academic
departments and
increase efficiency.
In addition to serv-ing
as dean of the medical school, Dr.
Philip O. Alderson is now vice president
for health scien
Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University
No full textFall 2024 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University.FA
LL 2024THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITAS THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITYFALL 22
Three of a Klein
Billiken men’s soccer has
relied on the Klein family for
generations. — by Joe Barker
24
SLU Goes Hollywood
A movie based on alum John
O’Leary’s life brought a film
crew to campus.
— by Joe Barker, photos
by Sarah Conroy
28
Under One Roof
The Catholic Studies Program
offers more than a major; it
offers community.
— by Catherine
Kraemer
’
-
6
Paralympic Mettle
Dr. Sarah Adam won silver as
the first woman on the U.S.
Paralympic wheelchair rugby
team. — by Bridjes O’Neil
10
Lost and Found
Dr. Douglas Boin’s
discovery of an ancient
Roman temple is making
headlines. — by Marie Dilg
14
Join the Club
SLU’s sport clubs go beyond
traditional collegiate athletics.
— by Amy Garland,
photos by Sarah Conroy
18
Lighting the Spark
Ignite Seminars allow faculty
to share their passions with
students. — by Amy Garland
Members of SLU's
rowing club practice
on Creve Coeur Lake.
PHOTO BY SARAH CONROY
FEATURES
DEPARTMENT S
2
ON CAMPUS
Jon Hamm speaks at commencement
Literary Award
Campus dog
New men s basketball coach
Billiken Hall of Fame
31
CLASS NOTES
33 Alumni Spotlight: Sharee (Brown)
Silerio (A&S ’09) — by Amy Garland
34 Alumni Merit Awards
37
IN MEMORIAM
41
THE LAST LOOK
VOLUME 51, ISSUE 1
EDITOR
Laura Geiser
{A&S ’90, Grad ’92}
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Amy Garland {A&S ’97}
ART DIRECTOR
Matt Krob
ON CAMPUS NEWS
STORIES
University Public Relations
Billiken Media Relations
ON THE COVER
Dr. Sarah Adam, SLU
assistant professor and
Paralympic silver medalist
Photo by Sarah Conroy
Universitas is published by
Saint Louis University.
Opinions expressed in
Universitas are those of the
individual authors and not
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President’s message
Stories that reveal the heart of SLU
ASLU faculty member in occu-pational
therapy is the first
woman in history to compete
on the U.S. Paralympic wheel-chair
rugby team (page 6).
A history professor has made a major dis-covery
of an ancient Roman temple (page 10).
Numerous faculty members have created
new courses designed to ignite a lifelong pro-cess
of curiosity and learning in the Ignatian
tradition (page 18).
And our club sports program offers every
student a path to continue — or to discover —
an engagement with athletics that supports
their well-being, sense of community and con-nection
to the natural world (page 14).
When I talk to students about why they
love Saint Louis University, they often tell me
that it is because our commitment to mission
is real — that “higher purpose, greater good”
is more than a tagline.
This issue of Universitas highlights many of
the ways that we are delivering on our com-mitment
to pursue truth, to re-imagine what
is possible and to foster communities where
all people thrive.
SLU’s Catholic Studies Program is one
distinctive example of our Catholic, Jesuit
identity in action (page 28). It is a place where
students are centered in their spiritual lives,
integrating insights from across academic
domains as they seek the presence of God in
all things. Through numerous gatherings, dis-cussions
and events, students can experience
what it means to be part of a community that
is expressly committed to seeking wholeness.
As Billiken alumni, you know well: A SLU
education expands our students’ worldviews,
the opportunities they will find after gradu-ation
and the sense of purpose they will bring
to all aspects of their lives.
Indeed, our University’s talented alumni
continue to tell powerful stories that reflect
t he exper iences and t he exper t ise they
acquired in their years at SLU. Graduate
Sharee (Brown) Silerio (A&S ’09), who worked
on the Academy Award-winning documentary
short film The Last Repair Shop, is dedicated to
creating films that expand representation of
Black women and girls (page 33). And alum
John O’Leary’s (CSB ’99) story will soon be
released asa motion picture filmed in part on
our St. Louis campus (page 24).
Not all of us will make movies, but we all
have an essential role in the Billiken story. In
the multiple ways that you contribute to your
families, communities and professions —
each one of your stories reflects the profound
potential of our University’s noble mission.
Thank you for continuing to bring SLU’s
story to life.
Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
President
-
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On campus
SARAH CONROY
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A graduate prepares
for commencement; graduates celebrate
after the ceremony; a group selfe before the
ceremony begins in Chaifetz Arena; and the
2024 honorary degree recipients (from left)
William and Susan Klepper, Hamm and Christie.
SARAH CONROY
SARAH CONROY
FROM TOP: Hamm (center) receives his
honorary degree from Board of Trustees
Chair Joseph Conran (left) and SLU
He reminded the graduates that they are now for the Society of Jesus; Dr. Susan E. Klepper
part of a shared community. (DCHS ’66), emeritus professor at Columbia
President Dr. Fred P. Pestello; Hamm poses
for a selfe with student speaker Sky Carroll.
University; and Dr. William M. Klepper (A&S
’66), academic director at Columbia University.
SARAH CONROY
2 UNIVERSITAS / THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSIT Y FALL 2024 3
SARAH CONROY
KABANCE PHOTO
‘Resilient’ Class of 2024 Celebrated at Commencement
For many of Saint Louis University’s newest “Be proud sons and daughters of St Louis,” he
alumni — who started college during the said. “Be proud of where you’re from, knowing
COVID 19 pandemic — the 2024 spring that it made you. Be at peace with where you
commencement was their frst chance to are, knowing it’s transitory and is leading
experience a proper graduation. to something else on the path. But most
importantly, be excited f St. Louis native and Emmy award-winning or where you’re going actor Jon Hamm congratulated the nearly — the future is endless, it is ripe with possibility, 1,600 students on their ability to thrive. and it is all yours to make of what you wish.”
“Your resilience in the face of continued In addition to delivering the main address, discomfort and distraction is impressive,” Hamm joined three SLU alumni in receiving Hamm said. honorary degrees: P. Maria Joseph Christie, S.J. (CSB ’99), secretary of higher education
4 UNIVERSITAS / THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY
On campus
’ ’
’
’
’
’
-
-
-
-
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- -
-
ATHLETICS
SARAH CONROY
DISTINCTION Class of 2024 University Names
New Leadership
William
Johnson
RECTOR AND
VICE PRESIDENT,
SLU-MADRID
Johnson was
dean of the
SLU School of
Law for more
than seven years. He served
over four years as the director
of both the law school’s
Center for International
and Comparative Law and
its Summer Law Program in
Madrid.
Dr. Twinette
Johnson
(A&S ’96, GRAD ’19)
DEAN, SCHOOL
OF LAW
Johnson began
her academic
career as an
associate
professor at the SLU School
of Law over 20 years ago.
Most recently, she was dean
and professor of law at the
University of the District of
Columbia David A. Clarke
School of Law.
Dr. Jackson
Nickerson
EDWARD JONES
DEAN, RICHARD
A. CHAIFETZ
SCHOOL OF
BUSINESS
Nickerson was
a professor of
organization
and strategy at the Olin
School of Business at
Washington University in St.
Louis, where he’d been since
2007.
JOE BARKER WYLIE AGENCY
Hot Diggity! SLU Welcomes
Campus Facility Dog
The SLU community welcomed a new
member to campus this spring: Duo
Facility Dog Woody.
Unlike a service dog, a facility dog is
trained to work with multiple handlers in
homes, clinics or organizations and carry
out specific,skilled taskswith multiple cli-ents.
Facility dogs do not have public access
rights and are authorized to work within
the assigned facility only.
The first Duo Facility Dog to ever go to
college, Woody is a two-year-old English
Labrador retriever who has been training
his entire life for his role: decreasing stress,
improving moods and promoting well-be-ing
through interactions with students,
faculty and staff.
KINCAID RECEIVES LITERARY AWARD; WHITEHEAD TAPPED FOR 2025 HONOR
Renowned Antigua- Pulitzer Prize-winning author
CHRIS CLOSE
born author Jamaica Colson Whitehead will come to
Kincaid received St. Louis next April to accept the
the 2024 St. Louis 2025 St. Louis Literary Award.
SLU EARNS
NATIONAL
FOR
ENGAGEMENT
The Carnegie
Foundation for
the Advancement
of Teaching
announced
that Saint Louis
University
earned the 2024
Community
Engagement
Classifcation.
The elective
designation
is awarded by
Carnegie and the
American Council
on Education.
SLU is one of
Billiken Hall of Fame
CAMERON NEISLER
COMMUNITY The Department of Athletics inducted
new members into the Billiken Hall of
Fame in February.
BILLIKEN GREAT: CONTEMPORARY
Honoring student-athletes who
competed in the past 30 years
Aspen Cervin Ryan McCoy
(CSB 17), tennis (CSB 18), swimming
Miller Hogan, Alex Nickel (PH 17),
baseball softball
Jackie Kemph Tim Ream (CSB 10),
(CSB ’17, GRAD CSB ’18),
basketball soccer
Rick Majerus, Jenny (Kehl)
men’s basketball Wallace (A&S ’03),
head coach soccer
head coach for Bi l l iken
men’s basketball.
S che r t z c ame f rom
Indiana State, where he
finished his third season
with the Sycamores last
spring and led them to a
32 7 record and a run to the NIT championship game.
Prior to ISU, he spent 13 seasons at Lincoln Memorial,
where he led the Railsplitters to 10 NCAA Division II
national tournaments, including an appearance in the
2016 NCAA Division II national championship game.
Schertz is 403 109 in 16 seasons as a collegiate head
coach. His .787 winning percentage ranks in the top 10
among all active coaches in the NCAA. Schertz was named
the 2024 MVC Coach of the Year and the Hugh Durham
Schertz Heads Up
Men’s Basketball
J osh Schertz has started
his first season as the
National Coach of the Year, which is presented annually to
the top mid major head coach in college basketball.
Literary Award on Whitehead is the author of many 368 campuses DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD nationwide holding
novels, including The Underground the classifcation. Honoring former student-athletes for
April 25.
Soccer’s Schulte Makes Olympic Team
Former Saint Louis University men’s soccer standout
Patrick Schulte (CSB ’24) made it to the 2024 Paris
Olympic Games as a member of the U.S. Olympic men’s
Kincaid’s work Railroad, The Nickel Boys and their contributions to SLU athletics and
explores themes of colonialism, Harlem Shufe. In addition to the Pulitzer, he The report distinguished careers
gender and sexuality, racism, class won the National Book Award and the Carnegie highlighted SLU’s
and family. She wrote the novels Medal for Fiction, among other awards. He work on issues like Tom Strunk (CSB 89), soccer, is chief
Annie John, Lucy and See Now Then, has received a MacArthur Fellowship and a food insecurity fnancial ofcer of World Wide
and several other books. Guggenheim Fellowship. through Campus Technology Inc. He was instrumental in soccer team. The team advanced to the quarterfinals,
Kitchen and bringing Major League Soccer to and Schulte made five appearancesduring the Olympic
The new Target store is located along Grand Boulevard
between Gratiot and Papin streets.
Time for a
Target Run
TARGET’S NEWEST ST. LOUIS STORE,
located near the Saint Louis
University campus, opened on
July 21.
The approximately
72,000-square-foot store
includes a CVS Pharmacy,
Starbucks Café, and Ulta
Beauty at Target. The store flls
a void of anchor retail tenants
along the Grand corridor and
is part of the retailer’s eforts
to open more stores that meet
community needs for urban centers, dense suburban cities and college campuses.
The project is located within the 400-acre redevelopment area that’s guided by the
St. Louis Midtown Redevelopment Corp., a joint efort of SLU and SSM Health.
Billiken Bounty
and community
improvement
through initiatives
like Habitat for
Neighborhood
Business, SLU
Legal Clinics, and
the engagement
eforts of the
St. Louis Midtown
Redevelopment
Corp.
The classifcation
has been the
leading framework
for institutional
assessment and
recognition
of community
engagement in U.S.
higher education
for the past 19 years.
FALL 2024
St. Louis and has an ownership stake in
St. Louis CITY SC.
BAUMAN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Honoring individuals who made
outstanding contributions to Billiken
athletics
Joe Conran (A&S ’67, LAW 70) is a retired
partner and former chair at Husch
Blackwell LLP, where he is of counsel. He
chaired the SLU board of trustees for the
past 10 years.
BOB BURNES AWARD
Honoring teams that brought
recognition to SLU
2006 women’s soccer team, led by head
coach Tim Champion
2011 12 men’s basketball team, led by
head coach Rick Majerus
tournament.
As a Billiken from 2019 to 2021, he was the Atlantic
10 Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2020
and was a first team All Conference pick in 2021. In
2021, he helped the Billikens to a 16 1 4 record and an
NCAA quarterfinal appearance.
Noted as one of the best young goalkeepers in the
country, Schulte was drafted by the Columbus Crew of
Major League Soccer in 2022 and helped the team win
the MLS Cup in 2023. He was the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro
Goalkeeper of the Year in 2022 with Columbus Crew 2.
Schulte is one of several Billikens who have been
members of the U.S. Olympic men’s soccer team
through the qualifying stages, and he joins a select
few former Billikens who have represented their coun
try in the finals. Brian McBride (Ed ’96) was on the
most recent U.S. team to make the finals at the 2008
Beijing Olympics. Matt McKeon (A&S ’97) was on the
U.S. squad at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Joe Hamm
(A&S ’73), Mike Seerey (CSB ’73) and Al Trost (A&S ’71)
played on the United States’ 1972 squad at the Munich
Olympics.
5
FA
LL 2024 7UNIVERSITAS / THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY 6 SARAH CONROY DR. SARAH ADAM is an assistant professor of occupational science and occupational ther-apy at Saint Louis University, but her recent achievement is more about making history than teaching health science. Adam became the first woman named to the U.S. Paralympic wheelchair rugby team earlier this year. And in September, that team took silver in the 2024 Paris Paralympic games.Eight teams — including France, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain and Japan — competed at the 2024 Paralympics. Adam played a key role for Team USA. She was in the starting lineup when the team kicked off its campaign on Aug. 29 with a 51-48 win against Canada, scoring six times in the victory. In the final match, she and co-captain Chuck Aoki led Team USA with 14 tries. (Tries are worth one point each.) However, Japan won 48-41, claiming gold.USA Wheelchair Rugby (USAWR) announced in May that Adam would be one of 12 athletes to represent the United States at the 2024 Paralympic Games. She was selected from an elite 16-person national training squad competing to earn a spot on the roster.“It’s an honor to be named to a Paralympic team and repre-sent Team USA at the elite level of our sport,” Adam said. “To be the first female to do it, during a time where women in sports is exploding in popularity, just elevates that honor.”PARALYMPICMETTLE– by Bridjes O’NeilA SLU PROFESSOR IS THE FIRST WOMAN TO MAKE THE U.S. PARALYMPIC WHEELCHAIR RUGBY TEAM.
Adam’s students and colleagues surprise her with
a sign at the Disabled Athlete Sports Association SLU community members cheer for Adam
(DASA) Ability Awareness Demonstration in during a watch party for her Paralympic debut
April at the Simon Recreation Center. on Aug. 29 in the Allied Health Building.
SARAH CONROY
SARAH CONROY
SARAH CONROY
Adam (right) teaches students about wheelchair
rugby during the DASA event in April.
Although wheelchair rugby has been a mixed-gender sport (with
men and women competing together) since it debuted at the 2000
Paralympics in Sydney, the sport has been dominated by men. At the
Paralympics in 2021, only four of the 96 athletes were female. That
number doubled to eight in Paris.
“To be able to compete amongst the best of the best in our sport, par-ticularly
as a female playing against mostly men, I have focused a lot on
being in peak physical shape,” Adam said. “I spent many hours at the
Simon Rec Center getting ready.”
Adam had a unique introduction to the sport as an “able-bodied
volunteer” for the Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA) in 2013,
when she was a graduate student. DASA offers the biggest selection of
disabled competitive team sports and Parasport opportunities in the
SARAH CONROY
Adam (center) makes history as the frst woman to compete on the U.S.
Paralympic wheelchair rugby team versus Canada in Paris on Aug. 29. Midwest. Adam connected with the community and attended develop-ment
events — as both a coach-in-training and a referee.
A year later, after noticing difficulty walking, gripping items, numb-ness
in her hands and bouts of fatigue, Adam was diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis. She began playing wheelchair rugby recreationally
in 2017 and competitively in 2019.
Adam describes her style of play as “cerebral,” viewing wheelchair
rugby as a large chess match, aiming to always be three moves ahead of her
opponents. She hopes a documentary about her team’s journey to Paris in
2024 will inspire others and shed light on the adaptive sports movement.
Adam (right) shows her Paralympic silver
medal to colleague Emma Edwards on her
frst day back to campus on Sept. 9.
Adam’s medal
SARAH CONROY
AP PHOTO / MICHEL EULER
“I was initially drawn to the combination of
physicality and strategy involved in wheelchair
rugby,” Adam said. “I’ve found that there is also
a great community of athletes in Parasport who
support each other not just on the court but off
the court. I’ve seen Parasport truly help trans-form
people’s lives by connecting them back to
some sense of normalcy and a community of
like-minded individuals. It’s a great community
to be a part of.”
Adam made her international debut at the
Americas Championship in 2022, where the team
won gold, and later that year won a silver medal at
the world championships. In 2023, she was part
of the gold medal-winning Parapan American
Games team that secured USA Wheelchair Rugby
a spot for Paris 2024. She also became the first
American woman to win Parapan American
Games gold in wheelchair rugby.
USAWR is the most decorated Paralympic
wheelchair rugby program in history and the
only one to be awarded at all Paralympic Games
since the sport was added to the event roster in
Sydney. The United States has won silver medals
at the past three Paralympic Games: Rio 2016,
Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
8 UNIVERSITAS / THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSIT Y FALL 2024 9
FALL 2024
Spello is a picturesque village in Italy where the meandering cob-blestone
streets are lined with baskets of flowers. Enclosed in a
circuit of medieval stone walls and nestled in the verdant rolling
hills of the central region of Umbria, Spello is considered one of
the country’s most beautiful villages.
The scenery, however, is not what attracted Dr. Douglas Boin to Spello. An
expert in the religious transformation of the Roman Empire in the fourth cen-tury,
the Saint Louis University history professor was drawn to the village by a
piece of stone sitting in a room under a frescoed ceiling and dramatic lighting.
The stone contains a rescript, a message from Emperor Constantine giving
villagers permission to build a temple in Spello to celebrate a religious festival
in their own town rather than making the long journey to another. The only
condition was that the temple be dedicated to worshipping Constantine’s
imperial ancestors. This rescript was produced at a time when the Roman
Empire was straddling the lines between pagan and Christian religions.
Over his many years of research into fourth-century antiquities, Boin came
across articles and footnotes that mentioned the rescript, which was discov-ered
in the 1700s near Villa Fidelia, a resplendent Renaissance home built
outside Spello’s walls.
“It’s a trophy piece and by far the most famous piece of antiquity to come
from Spello,” he said. “It sparked my interest because anytime you can see
something written, whether on paper or stone, it can bridge a gap in time and
help us make sense of history. So, my colleagues and I decided to take a road
trip to see it.”
The Latin inscription on the rescript references a temple of opere magnifico,
roughly translated as “splendid endeavor.” After seeing the rescript, Boin and
colleagues stopped for a glass of wine and began to muse. Where was this
splendid temple erected? What did it look like? How did it impress itself on
the village at that time?
L O S T
F O U N D
11
DOUGLAS BOIN
The medieval hilltop town of Spello, Italy
A SLU history
A N D
professor's discovery sheds light on the
Roman Empire’s
transition from pagan
worship to Christianity.
– by Mar ie Di lg
The dig site in Spello, Italy
PHOTO BY LUCA PRIMAVESI
10 UNIVERSITAS / THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSIT Y PAGA N I SM A N D
P LU R A L I SM
Boin said the temple is significant
because it can offer insights into
the social change from pagan gods
to Christianity within the Roman
Empire.
Although Emper
Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University
No full textWinter 2003 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University. This is a special issue on teaching at SLU.T H E M AG A Z I N E O F S A I N T L O U I S U N I V E R S I T Y
W I N T E R 2 0 0 3
Teaching
on
Focus
By Lawrence Biondi, S.J.
Saint Louis University President
I have a confession to make: As much as I love being
president of Saint Louis University, I sometimes miss
teaching. Early in my life as a Jesuit, I taught French
and Latin at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati,
and I still think of it as one of the best jobs I’ve ever
had. Later I moved on to Loyola University Chicago,
where I taught French, Spanish, Italian and linguistics
before becoming dean of the College of Arts and
Sciences.
Those days in the classroom rank among the most
fulfilling of my career. There is nothing like leading a
student to the point of discovery and being there
when he or she finally “gets it.”
Teaching languages was particu-larly
rewarding because those
moments of realization came so
often. I relished sharing a foreign
language and culture with a class
of eager learners. Sometimes even
better was introducing the science
of linguistics to students who may
have seen the course as a mere
requirement, only to watch them
embrace its nuances and discover
how people use language in both
its form and content to get what
they want.
I don’t spend much time in
classrooms anymore. I care about
classroom life, of course, and I
care even more deeply about
what goes on inside them, but I
don’t routinely get the opportu-nity
to stand inside one and guide
students on a path of revelation.
Yes, I miss it, but I take great solace in the fact that it
is happening hour after hour, day after day in class-rooms
all across the Saint Louis University campus.
Besides the friends you made at SLU, I’ll bet the
people who had the greatest impact on you were
your teachers. You may have lost touch with them,
but you probably remember their names, their quirks
and, most of all, the things they taught you.
Whenever I travel to meet SLU alumni, I am
always asked about our faculty. Sure, our graduates
want to know about campus changes and athletics
and new buildings, but most of all, they want to
know about their former professors. They want to
swap stories and compare notes, touching base with
shared memories and legends. In the end, it’s what
makes us a family.
This issue of UNIVERSITAS is devoted to teaching at
Saint Louis University. The first article introduces
you to innovative teaching designed to enhance the
undergraduate experience. Offered in a variety of dis-ciplines,
professors of these classes adopt unique
approaches to courses in the core curriculum. The
courses have been an unqualified
success and are now part of the
University’s regular offerings.
The second story in this issue
focuses on past recipients of the
Nancy McNeir Ring Award who
still are teaching at SLU. These
outstanding faculty share their
thoughts on why they teach. I am
sure you will find their words
inspiring.
The third story explores tech-nology
in the classroom and how
it has changed the face of teach-ing.
Saint Louis University is for-tunate
to have received a major
grant to make high-tech class-rooms
standard across campus.
Now our faculty are taking full
advantage of the opportunities
these wired classrooms offer.
Finally, our fourth story
answers the question, “What
makes an education Ignatian?” Three of my Jesuit
brothers discuss the roots of Jesuit schools and the
innovative teaching methods introduced by St.
Ignatius Loyola.
I hope you enjoy reading about many facets of
teaching at Saint Louis University. And I hope you’ll
take some time to thank a teacher in your life for
making a difference. Take it from me, such gratitude
is the true reward of the profession.
2
Veteran news man
joins senior staff
Julius Hunter, the senior
anchor at KMOV-TV
Channel 4 in St. Louis for 26
years, is now the University’s
vice president of community
relations. A prominent St.
Louisan with more than 30
years of broadcast and print
news experience, Hunter
was a regularly scheduled
radio talk-show host on
KMOX-AM 1120 and author
of a weekly St. Louis Post-
Dispatch column on little-known
facts about St. Louis
history. He is also the perma-nent
host of the Young Heroes
in Music program, featuring
young African-American
musicians, on KFUO-FM/
Classic 99. Hunter also
has taught broadcast journal-ism,
communications and con-temporary
issues courses on the
adjunct faculties of SLU,
Washington University,
Maryville University and
Harris-Stowe State College, his
alma mater. He is the founder
of a mentoring program at the
Pierre Laclede Elementary
School in St. Louis. In addi-tion,
Hunter was the first
Four new trustees
Now on board
Four new University trustees
were elected to four-year
terms at the Sept. 28 board of
trustees meeting: James J.
Burshek, S.J. (A&S ’69), assis-tant
to the treasurer for the
Jesuits of the Missouri
Province and former faculty
member at Saint Louis
University High School and
Regis Jesuit High School in
Denver; Francine Katz (Law
’83), vice president for corpo-rate
communications at
Anheuser-Busch Companies
Inc.; James T. Smith, who has
served as president of ConAgra
Frozen Foods as well as chair-man,
president and CEO of
Aurora Foods Inc.; and Daniel
P. White, S.J. (A&S ’90, Grad
’95), associate pastor of St.
Francis Xavier Church in
Kansas City, Mo., and former
faculty member at Regis Jesuit
High School.
REUNITING: More than 1,500 alumni and guests visit-ed
campus Sept. 20-22 for Reunion 2002 festivities, which
included a golf cart parade, food, campus tours, a soccer
game, fireworks and other activities. Above, Marianne
(Voss) Burnes (A&S ’52), a Fall Festival queen during her
years at SLU, presents flowers to this year’s homecoming
queen, Kim Bajarski (left), before a crowd of 4,000 at the
Saturday night men’s soccer game.
Hunter
African-American to serve on
the board of the Missouri
Historical Society, was a board
member of the Campbell
House Museum and is a mem-ber
of the Backstoppers’ board
of directors. Filling a new posi-tion
at SLU, Hunter will rep-resent
the University to various
civic, cultural and institutional
boards, initiatives and commu-nity
groups. He also will
enhance and promote SLU’s
cultural outreach initiatives.
Hunter also will communicate
SLU’s message regarding cur-rent
and future campus expan-sion
and developments to the
external community.
among the top 50 national
doctoral universities on the
“Great Schools at Great
Prices” list. The magazine
also reported that SLU’s acad-emic
reputation ranking has
risen on its “Best National
Universities” list. The list
includes 249 universities that
offer a wide range of under-graduate
majors as well as
master’s and doctoral
degrees with an emphasis
on research. In addition,
U.S. News recognized
several of SLU’s indi-vidual
programs, ranking the
aerospace engineering pro-gram
fourth in the nation in
its category and placing the
overall undergraduate engi-neering
programs in Parks
College of Engineering and
Aviation 30th in the nation
among schools whose highest
degree is a master’s. The
University’s undergraduate
entrepreneurship program
was ranked in the top 20.
SLU named a
‘Best Buy’ again
U.S. News & World Report
has ranked Saint Louis
University as one of the best
education values in the
United States for the fifth
consecutive year. The recent-ly
released report ranks SLU
NEWS BRIEFS
By The Numbers
74 SLUCare physicians listed in
the 2002 guide to the “Best
Doctors in America.” Only 4 per-cent
of all U.S. doctors are selected
to be on the list.
75 Years in the Society of Jesus
for Maurice B. McNamee, S.J.
(A&S ’33, Grad ’34, ’45), professor
emeritus of English and professor
emeritus of art and art history.
11,274 Students enrolled at Saint
Louis University.
Paul Schnabel is SLU’s new asso-ciate
vice president of University
development. Schnabel had served
as executive director of Health
Sciences Center development and
alumni relations since 1997. … In
August, University President
Lawrence Biondi, S.J., received
the Grand Order of Dr. Filippo
Mazzei Civis Illustris Americanism
Award from UNICO National
Inc., a national service group
steeped in Italian heritage and ded-icated
to the betterment of society.
The award is given annually to rec-ognize
professional achievement in
the arts and sciences that will bene-fit
humanity and enhance the civil,
social, commercial and industrial
development of the community.
… Dr. William Wold, professor
and chairman of molecular micro-biology
and immunology at the
School of Medicine, has been
elected a fellow of the Academy of
Science of St. Louis. … Liese L.
Hutchinson, assistant professor of
communication, has earned a
Fulbright Scholar grant to lecture
at Concordia International
University in Tallinn, Estonia, dur-ing
the spring semester. She will
teach international public relations
and case studies in public relations.
… Shani Lenore is the new
director of undergraduate admis-sion.
… Dr. Barry Katz, profes-sor
of research methodology,
received SLU’s Emerson
Excellence in Teaching Award. A
faculty member since 1975, Katz
was selected for his profound con-tributions
to the teaching profes-sion
and to students. … Dr. Ellen
M. Harshman (Grad ’78, Law
’92) has been named SLU’s senior
vice provost. … A recent book on
the works of a heralded University
professor emeritus Walter J. Ong,
S.J. (Grad ’41, ’84), is now avail-able
in paperback. An Ong Reader:
Challenges for Further Inquiry high-lights
28 selections written by Ong
between 1941 and 1998. For more
information or to order a copy, call
Hampton Press at (800) 894-8955.
… Dr. Jamie Comstock is inter-im
dean of School for Professional
Studies. She replaces Dr. Robert
Hasenstab (Grad ’67, ’71), who left
for Loyola University Chicago.
Didion receives
Literary Award
Joan Didion, novelist, essay-ist
and screenwriter,
received the 2002 Saint Louis
University Literary Award
from the Library Associates
on Oct. 1. Didion is the
author of a number of novels,
including Run River, Play It
As It Lays, A Book of Common
Prayer, Democracy and The Last
Thing He Wanted. Her non-fiction
work includes
Slouching Towards Bethlehem,
The White Album, Salvador,
Miami, After Henry and her
recent collection of essays,
Political Fiction. Didion and
her husband, John Gregory
Dunne, have co-authored a
number of screenplays, and
she is a contributor to The
New York Review of Books and
The New Yorker. This was the
35th year the award has been
given by the Library
Associates, a group dedicated
to enriching the cultural life
of the area and providing
financial help to the
University’s libraries.
McBRIDE HONORED: The Billikens honored SLU
men’s soccer all-time leading scorer Brian McBride (Pub
Ser ’96) at halftime of the Nov. 9 game at Robert R.
Hermann Stadium. McBride’s number 20 is the first retired
number in the history of SLU soccer. McBride is a member
of the U.S. Men’s National Team that advanced to the
quarterfinal round of the 2002 World Cup. One of the
USA’s most accomplished forwards, McBride ranks fourth
all-time on the U.S. goal-scoring list with 20, and his six
goals in World Cup qualifying are the second most in U.S.
history. A seven-year veteran of Major League Soccer’s
Columbus Crew, McBride entered the 2002 season ranked
14th in the league in career points. He is a seven-time
MLS All-Star. McBride is pictured above with Interim
Provost Joe Weixlmann (left).
Keep up with
Busch renovations
Want to watch the latest
Busch Memorial
Center construction develop-ments
via your computer? A
World Wide Web camera
(www.slu.edu/services/stude
v/Renovations/bmcrenov.ht
ml) provides up-to-the-minute
images of the con-struction
site. Once there,
click on the “live camera”
link. Expected to re-open in
August 2003, the new Busch
Memorial Center will include
51,000 square feet of new
construction and 100,500
square feet of renovation.
bished building
seats 160 and has
the same atmos-phere
and menu items
as the other 19 Pasta
House Co. locations in the
metro St. Louis area. In addi-tion
to providing another
venue for campus dining, the
SLU Pasta House Co. also is
attracting people to campus
who are not members of the
Saint Louis University com-munity,
thereby contributing
to the momentum of
Midtown redevelopment. For
more information or to find
out about the Pasta House
Co. takeout menu and Parties
to Go menu, call the restau-rant
at (314) 977-7421. No
reservations are necessary.
Pasta House Co.
debuts on campus
The Saint Louis University
community has a new
option for on-campus dining.
In November, a University-owned
Pasta House Co.
restaurant opened its doors on
campus at the site of the for-mer
Colorado restaurant,
3761 Laclede Ave. The
restaurant, which serves lunch
and dinner daily as well as a
continental breakfast buffet
on weekdays, has been
warmly received. The refur-
4
Cupples opens its
doors for photos
The elegant interior of
Samuel Cupples House is
now available to SLU alumni
for wedding and anniversary
photography. “We constantly
received requests from alums
to have pictures taken here
for their special day,” said
Pamela Ambrose, director of
Cupples House. “So many of
the alumni remember our
historic home when it was
called Chouteau House, the
student union back in the
’40s and ’50s, and want to
commemorate their anniver-sary
on campus. Plus, many
of our younger grads getting
married in St. Francis Xavier
College Church want wed-
Gilsinan honored
with service award
Dr. James F. Gilsinan III,
dean of the College of
Public Service, has received
the “SLU Star 2002 In Touch
with the Community Award.”
The annual award recognizes
one University faculty or staff
member who has made a
remarkable contribution to the
St. Louis community. This is
the second year for the award,
which is presented during the
kickoff of SLU Make a
Difference Day each year.
Gilsinan has written numerous
books and articles on public
policy, criminology and ethics.
Last May, the Student
Government Association rec-ognized
him with the George
D. Wendel Civic Leadership
Award, which honors an indi-vidual
who upholds the ideals
of the Jesuit mission to be
“women and men for others.”
Gilsinan serves on a variety of
boards devoted to public ser-vice
and community safety. He
also works with not-for-profit
groups to enhance their contri-butions
to the community.
REMEMBERING: The Saint Louis University commu-nity
took time for a day of remembrance on Sept. 11, the
first anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Above, Pax
Christi, the University’s Catholic peace organization,
holds a prayer vigil at the clock tower. Other events mark-ing
the day included a reading of all the names of the vic-tims
at the School of Law, a Mass of Remembrance at St.
Francis Xavier College Church and a symposium about
Sept. 11 and its aftermath.
ding photos taken in a beauti-ful,
unique setting.” A two-hour
service fee will be
charged. For information and
reservations, call (314) 977-
3575.
Samuel Cupples House at Christmas
The cover of
the Burgin-
Vanderbilt
collaboration
Prof teams up
with Vanderbilt
ASaint Louis University
professor and a well-known
New York socialite are
finding much in common
through their art. Professor
Richard Burgin, founding edi-tor
of SLU’s literary journal
Boulevard, and Gloria
Vanderbilt, best known as a
jeans designer, have collaborat-ed
on a book and more. The
book, Stories and Dream Boxes,
joins three of Burgin’s short
stories with photographs of
Vanderbilt’s Plexiglas con-structions.
Although it might seem like
an odd pairing, there are simi-larities
between the works of
Burgin and Vanderbilt. His
highly acclaimed writing has
been described as simultane-ously
elegant and disturbing.
Vanderbilt’s “Dream Boxes”
are beautiful, but a bit disturb-ing
as well, featuring objects
such as doll heads and wish-bones.
In addition to the new
book, Burgin recently com-posed
a long CD single that
accompanies a new portrait
doll designed by Vanderbilt.
The sorcerer doll is sold on the
Home Shopping Network.
“Doll of Dreams” features
music and lyrics by Burgin.
He’s also writing a novel for
Vanderbilt to illustrate.
Med specialties
get high rankings
Saint Louis University
Hospital’s “America’s Best
Hospitals” recognition in
U.S. News & World Report for
seven key specialty areas
places the hospital and its
medical staff partner, the
School of Medicine, among
the top 50 hospitals in treat-ment
for the following key
disorders and diseases: geri-atrics
(ranked in the top 10
nationally), respiratory, heart,
digestive disease, hormonal
disorders, kidney disease and
ear, nose and throat. In addi-tion,
Saint Louis University
Hospital received an impres-sive
accreditation score of 97
(of a maximum of 100) from
the Joint Commission on
Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations.
SLU prof digs up
new evidence
ASaint Louis University
geologist has unearthed
further evidence in his
mounting case to prove that
shifting of the continents —
and perhaps life on Earth —
began much earlier than
many scientists believe. Tim
Kusky, a professor of Earth
and atmospheric sciences, has
discovered the world’s first
large intact pieces of oceanic
mantle from the planet’s ear-liest
period, the Archean.
Working with colleagues
from Peking University,
Kusky uncovered the rare
find at a site near the Great
Wall, where last year, the
team discovered the planet’s
oldest complete section of
oceanic crust. Unlike the sea
floor samples Kusky found
last year, the mantle rocks
preserve 2.5 billion-year-old
minerals that hold clues to the
origin of plate tectonics and
DIFFERENCE MAKERS: Carole Buck, widow of leg-endary
broadcaster and philanthropist Jack Buck, addresses
the crowd of volunteers at the fifth annual SLU Make a
Difference Day Oct. 26. This year, more than 1,800 volun-teers
from Saint Louis University and the community regis-tered
for the event, which kicked off at SLU’s Robert R.
Hermann Stadium. Event participants then dispersed to
more than 50 local agencies to perform a variety of volunteer
opportunities.
15
The autumn 1987 issue of
UNIVERSITAS was devoted to the
inauguration of University
President Lawrence Biondi, S.J.,
on Sept. 30, 1987. The festivities
began early in the day with Mass
and lunch for the students. That
evening, the formal investiture
took place before a crowd of 2,000
people at Powell Symphony Hall
and featured representatives from
125 colleges and universities.
The issue also reported on the
100th birthday of the Midtown
campus, which was moved from
downtown St. Louis in 1888 upon
the opening of DuBourg Hall.
Another article included news of
the Simon Recreation Center’s
designation as one of the top 20
“benchmark sports and recreation-al
facilities” in North America by
the National Intramural
Recreational Sports Association.
Quotable UTAS: “Saint Louis
University’s Jesuit philosophy of
education might be summed up
this way: We want our young
people to realize that the best way
to know a good person is to be
one. According to St. Ignatius
Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit
order, we should strive to educate
men and women for others. Being
of service to and for others, not
being served, is the mark of gen-uine
leadership.” — University
President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., in
his inaugural address.
Sign of the times: A story on
campus changes began, “With the
recent inauguration of its 31st
president, the University opened a
brand new chapter titled ‘The
Biondi Years.’ Only the first few
paragraphs have been written,
however, and everyone here is
anxious to turn the page and see
what happens next. The president
himself is no exception.”
Rec Center
marks its 20th
In 1982, the Simon
Recreation Center opened
as the heart of Saint Louis
University campus life. Since
that time, thousands of stu-dents,
faculty, staff and alum-ni
have passed through the
turnstiles. The “young at
heart” facility has many fea-tures,
including an indoor
pool with diving well, a six-court
multi-purpose gym, fit-ness
equipment, an indoor
running track, five racquetball
courts, a squash court and
three multi-purpose rooms.
The Rec Center also offers
recreational opportunities that
include aquatics, fitness, well-ness,
intramural and sports
club programs. “There are
now more programs and
usage than the planners ever
dreamed,” said Hossein
Dastgah, director of campus
recreation. All alumni and
spouses may become mem-bers
of the Simon Recreation
Center, and many fitness pro-grams
are available to the
SLU community at non-member
rates. For more
information, visit
www.slu.edu/organizations/c
rcisc or call (314) 977-3975.
Web site offers
West Nile facts
As concern about West
Nile virus spreads across
the country, many people are
looking for a source of reli-able
information that goes
beyond a 15-second sound
bite. A new Web site
launched by the Center for
the Study of Bioterrorism and
Emerging Infections at the
School of Public Health is
such a resource. The site
(http://emerginginfections.slu
.edu) is devoted exclusively
to providing information
about infectious diseases such
as West Nile Virus, Ebola
Virus and Lyme Disease.
Users can search by organism,
syndrome or mode of trans-mission.
Each topic page
includes fact sheets, scientific
reference materials, newspa-per
articles and more.
Water Tower Inn
opens restaurant
The Water Tower Inn, the
University hotel located
in Salus Center, now is home
to a new restaurant, Salute.
The restaurant debuted Nov.
8 and offers a menu featuring
a wide variety of antipasto as
well as steak, pasta and other
items. Open to the general
public, Salute also features a
bar and lounge. Hours are 5-
8 p.m. Monday through
Saturday. Salute is closed on
Sunday.
provide evidence that the
continents began shifting 500
million years earlier than now
widely believed.
6
t first glance, Dr.
Russell Blyth’s “Mathematic
- …
