First West of the Mississippi: SLU's Pioneering Spirit

First West of the Mississippi: SLU's Pioneering Spirit

Whether you are part of the first successful manned mission to the moon or showing systemic courage to challenge injustice, pioneers are formed when the stakes are at their highest. This episode of 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast features an in-depth look at SLU's many firsts — from its status as the oldest university west of the Mississippi to the institutional resilience and values-driven decision-making that have marked its more than 200-year history. Our show starts with legendary NASA flight director and SLU alumnus Eugene "Gene" Kranz (PC '54), who details how his undergraduate experience as a Billiken shaped the mental fortitude required to navigate the Apollo 11 lunar landing under critical fuel margins. Then, Dr. Ellen Harshman, dean emeritus of the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, and University Archivist Katie Mascari join hosts Meg Connolly (A&S '90, GRAD A&S' 92) and Tony Minor (A&S' 03) to discuss how SLU has transformed academic knowledge into societal progress. From the groundbreaking Heithaus Homily to the University's refusal to participate in a major 1950s basketball tournament in segregated Louisiana and the Board of Trustees' defiant refusal to move the campus to the suburbs during a period of urban flight, learn about moments where SLU went against the tide to do what was right. Then hear how modern SLU continues its pioneering legacy through leading-edge research and innovation, and how alumni can carry the Jesuit ideals of being men and women for others into everyday corporate and civic spaces. The show concludes with information about how SLU honors its outstanding graduates and how you can nominate an alum for an upcoming award. Want to explore more? Check out these resources: * "Failure is Not an Option [https://www.amazon.com/Failure-Not-Option-Mission-Control/dp/1439148813]" on Amazon * National Air and Space Museum Eugene Kranz Exhibit [https://airandspace.si.edu/explore/stories/eugene-kranz] * Timeline of Saint Louis University [https://www.slu.edu/timeline/index.php] * Saint Louis University History on slu.edu [https://www.slu.edu/about/history/index.php] * Alumni Awards at SLU [https://www.slu.edu/alumni/awards/index.php]

Always a Billiken: Inside SLU Athletics

In part one of this episode of 1818: A Saint Louis Alumni Podcast,  Meg Connolly (A&S ‘90, GRAD  A&S ‘92) talks with SLU alumna and associate vice president of brand management, Laura Geiser (A&S ‘90, GRAD A&S ‘92), on the origins of one of the most iconic and unusual aspects of SLU’s sporting history: the Billiken. From the origins of “the god of things as they ought to be” as a turn of the 20th-century Labubu to the best ways for a Billiken to bring you good luck, Geiser shares the history and symbolism behind SLU’s iconic mascot. Then Meg and co-host Tony Minor (A&S ‘03) welcome Janet Oberle, Ph.D. [https://slubillikens.com/staff-directory/dr-janet-oberle/4], (GRAD '99, GRAD ED '18) Saint Louis University’s deputy director of athletics and two-time alum, and former men’s basketball standout Jordair Jett (A&S ‘14) [https://slubillikens.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jordair-jett/2753] for a roundtable on Billiken Athletics. From playing on SLU’s first Division I women’s soccer team to witnessing NCAA tournament milestones and the program’s steady climb, Oberle hits on the highlights of Billiken athletics, including the strong connections between student-athletes and the University for years after graduation. Then relive SLU’s legendary NCAA comeback over NC State and the heartbreak against Michigan State with Jett, who also shares what it meant to be the first in his family to attend college and tells us about a new arrival who will carry on the name “Jordair.” Then, as always, Tony shares a valuable alumni perk you can enjoy year-round while on campus: access to Simon Recreation Center and Pius Memorial Library. Learn more about how to enjoy these benefits. [https://www.slu.edu/alumni/benefits/campus-resources.php] Want to learn more about today’s topics? Explore SLU’s resources that help explain the Billiken, including a page dedicated to the topic on slu.edu [https://www.slu.edu/about/key-facts/what-is-a-billiken.php] and a 2019 article about the legends and lore around the mascot [https://www.slu.edu/news/2019/august/slu-legends-lore-billiken.php]. Stay on top of all things Billiken athletics on its website [https://slubillikens.com/], or tune into another SLU podcast, hosted by Saint Louis University Director of Athletics Chris May, From the Stands [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-stands/id1442581959].

Two Centuries Shaping St. Louis

In part one of this episode of 1818: A Saint Louis Alumni Podcast, Meg Connolly (A&S ‘90, GRAD A&S ‘92) speaks with SLU alumnus Jody Sowell, Ph.D, president and CEO of the Missouri Historical Society, about how the people of SLU have helped contribute to its legacy in St. Louis. Sowell highlights key figures, including Nobel laureate Edward Doisy, aviation benefactor Oliver Parks and Fr. Claude Heithaus, whose 1944 sermon called for SLU to enroll Black students. Sowell also discusses the Missouri History Museum’s exhibit on SLU’s destruction of the historically black Mill Creek Valley neighborhood and the University's role in the city’s future. Then, Meg and co-host Tony Minor (A&S ‘03) welcome guests Peg Weathers, president and CEO of Grand Center Inc., and Brooks Goedeker, executive director of St. Louis Midtown Redevelopment Group, for a roundtable about the University’s impact on Midtown and St. Louis as a whole. They discuss the University’s decision in the 1960s to remain in the city, its role as an anchor for Grand Center, and recent redevelopment in the area, including City Foundry, Topgolf, Target, and more. Finally, as always, Tony shares a valuable alumni perk — this time, tools to help you start, change or advance your professional path.  Want to learn more about today’s topic? Explore more of the history behind Mill Creek Valley, including the Missouri History Museum’s exhibit [https://mohistory.org/exhibits/mill-creek] (which runs through July 12, 2026), photos and an overview [https://libguides.slu.edu/c.php?g=1448028] available through SLU’s library, and a public art installation [https://www.slu.edu/news/2024/september/legacy-mill-creek-valley.php] on campus that honors its legacy, today. Or, get updates on redevelopment near SLU [https://www.stlmrc.com/news-2]and Grand Center [https://www.grandcenterinc.org/about-us]. Finally, access professional development resources for alumni [https://www.slu.edu/alumni/benefits/professional-development.php] through SLU’s Career Services.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: SLU's Jesuit History

In this inaugural episode of '1818: A Saint Louis Alumni Podcast,' co-hosts Tony Minor and Meg Connolly delve into SLU's more than 200-year history with the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. The episode leads off with Meg speaking with alumnus Father Roc O'Connor musician and member of the beloved St. Louis Jesuits, known worldwide for Catholic liturgical songs like 'Be Not Afraid,' 'Here I Am Lord,' and 'City of God,'  followed by a round table discussion with alumni Father David Suwalsky, SLU's vice president for mission and identity, and David Miros, director of the Jesuit Archives and Research Center.  After exploring Jesuit contributions to SLU and St. Louis - touching on notable figures, pivotal moments like the cholera epidemic, and the ongoing preservation of Jesuit history - Tony concludes the episode by exploring a key alumni benefit.  Want to learn more? Check out SLU's Mission Matters podcast [https://www.slu.edu/mission-identity/programming/mission-matters-podcast.php], or hear more from the St. Louis Jesuits [https://www.stlouisjesuits.com/]. You can also explore SLU's digital archives [https://www.slu.edu/library/archives/digital-collections.php], which include "Woodstock Letters," a publication of the Society of Jesus from 1872 until 1969, originally intended for Jesuit readers only. Plus, stay tuned for future episodes of "1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast," which delve into other moments in Jesuit history, including the historic Heithaus Homily [https://www.slu.edu/news/2020/february/slu-legends-lore-heithaus-homily.php] and infamous 1949 St. Louis exorcism [https://www.slu.edu/news/2019/october/slu-legends-lore-exorcism.php].

Introducing 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast

Some aspects of Saint Louis University have become legend and lore. Others have stayed hidden, until now. Welcome to 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast, where more than 200 years of SLU history come to life through unforgettable memories, surprising moments, and voices that shaped the institution we know today. Over eight episodes this season, co-hosts Meg Connolly [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-connolly-1a71a05/] (A&S '90, Grad' 92) and Tony Minor [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-minor-07482851/] (A&S' 03) will guide listeners through SLU's past — uncovering stories that deserve to be told. With guests including NASA's Gene Kranz, the St. Louis Jesuits' Fr. Roc O'Connor and Billikens from across the decades, we'll explore: * The facts behind the infamous St. Louis exorcism that inspired a Hollywood film * Our rich Jesuit heritage  * The untold ways SLU has influenced the St. Louis community * How SLU's iconic Billiken mascot got its start And much more Whether you're a proud alum, a current Billiken, an interested St. Louisan, or simply love a great story, subscribe now to 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast and discover the background that made SLU what it is today. Find us at slu.edu [http://slu.edu/] or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.