SLU Mission Matters: Recent Episodes
SLU Office of Mission & Identity
Saint Louis University’s Office of Mission and Identity ensures that the principles and traditions of Catholic, Jesuit higher education, and the mission and core values of SLU are integrated into operations, structures, programs and practices, and the formation of its students, faculty, staff, administration and board members.
Dr. Becky Muich and Louise Neiman discuss the programming and goals of the Honors Program at Saint Louis University.
Dean Leslie McClure discusses the College for Public Health and Social Justice and the state of public health today.
Dr. Michael Boyle, Executive Director of the new Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education, discusses the founding and goals of the center.
Fr. David Suwalsky, SJ, Vice President for Mission and Identity, discusses the life and work of Fr. Claude Heithaus, focusing on his work to promote racial justice at SLU and the legacy of his 1944 homily denouncing racial segregation.
Dr. Christopher Tinson, department chair in African American Studies, and Dr. Katrina Moore, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement in the College of Arts and Sciences, discuss the state of the Department of African American Studies before and since Occupy SLU, and the relationship of their work to the Mission of Saint Louis University.
Luella Loseille, Assistant Director for Diversity and Inclusion in the Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship, and Rochelle Smith, vice president of the Division for Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement, discuss the legacy of Occupy SLU 10 years later, and discuss the upcoming commemoration of Occupy SLU.This October marks the 10th anniversary of Occupy SLU, a six-day peaceful teach-in and demonstration at the clock tower following the officer-involved shootings of Michael Brown and Vonderrit Myers, Jr. The occupation culminated in the adoption of the Clock Tower Accords, an agreement committing SLU to strengthening work for diversity and equity on campus and in the community. We have asked Luella Loseille, Assistant Director for Diversity and Inclusion in the Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship, and Rochelle Smith, vice president of the Division for Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement, to share with us about this year’s commemoration of that moment in our history as an institution, as well as their reflections on where we are a decade later and where we go from here.
Dr. Kasey Fowler-Finn, Associate Professor of Biology, speaks about her research with spiders--and all they have taught her about living the Jesuit mission fully!
Paul Lynch, English professor, is joined by two students in his class Sacramental Imagination: Modern American Catholicism in Literature, Rhetoric, and Film, to speak about how a sacramental imagination is a way of living with an Ignatian worldview--and how it benefits not just ourselves but our entire community.
Tim Murphy, Assistant Vice President, and his team join us from the brand new recording studio in Pius Library. Listen to them describe the space and all its possible uses for students, faculty, and staff! Learn more at https://www.slu.edu/news/announcements/2024/february/atc-recording-studio.php
Jasmin Patel, Associate Vice President & Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice President for Research, speaks about the work of the research office, the current projects happening, and what makes SLU unique in its striving to be an R1 institution of higher learning.
Director Diane Richter, Ph.D., and members of her therapeutic team speak about the variety of outreach offered to the community by the Interdisciplinary Center for Autism Services, housed in SLU's School of Education. Learn more at https://youtu.be/kKDBf-0mbK4?si=gkM-VYT-fOScqqJ9
Cid Cardoz, Director of IT End User Services, explains the wide scope of SLU's IT services and all the ways the team is making it possible for SLU's mission to live and thrive safely and efficiently.
Kendra Johnston, Director of SLU's Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources, speaks about the work of the center in advocacy for the health needs of students, and how the team at CADR work to make the mission come alive on campus.
Andrea Hitsman, Director of Visit/Admission Event, speaks about her work with prospective SLU students (and current!) as she lives out SLU's mission every single day.
David Pole, Director of the Center for Interprofessional Education and Research at SLU's Medical School, speaks about how he incorporates his Buddhist practices and beliefs into his work in the Jesuit mission.
Gene Brion, Director of Mission and Identity at Loyola Academy, speaks about the intersection of our two educational institutions in light of the Jesuit mission. Learn more at www.loyolaacademy.org
Julia Lieberman, Professor of Spanish and Intercultural Studies, speaks about her research and expertise, connecting them to the rich history and legacy of Jesuit education
Kyle Crews, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Affairs from the School for Professional Studies, speaks about an exciting new collaborative initiative starting up in Fall 2023, when a SLU education will be made available in a variety of locations all across the globe!
Luella Loseille, Assistant Director for Diversity and Inclusion and Coordinator of Atlas Week, speaks about the exciting upcoming events during April 16-22, 2023. Tune in to learn more and don't forget to visit https://www.slu.edu/atlas-week/index.php
Listen to Gladys Smith, Program Director of Habitat for Neighborhood Business, describe how her own experience as a SLU grad positioned her perfectly to make a difference in this transformative project for business entrepreneurs in St. Louis City. For more information, contact Gladys directly at 314-977-3625 or gladys.smith@slu.edu
Program Director Meredith Rataj and Jeff Smith speak about the work of the Transformative Workforce Academy for those members of the community who are justice-involved. Learn more at https://workforcecenter.slu.edu/twa.jsp
Dr. Mary Dunn, Associate Professor in Theological Studies and Director of the Center for Research on Global Catholicism, speaks about the Center's birth and initiatives--both present and future.
Dr. Richard Marks, Assistant Vice President for the Division of Innovative Community Engagement and Director of the Cross Cultural Center speaks about the wide variety of initiatives and programs offered at the Center.
Caitlin Stamm, SLU's archivist, speaks about the contents of the archives, the role of archivist, and how history is being made at SLU today.
Fr. Ted Vitali, professor of philosophy and Passionist priest, tells us how he has come to see the Jesuit mission at SLU alive and well over the years--with a word or two of recommendation for how to strengthen it moving forward.
Listen to Dr. Harold Braswell, SLU professor of Health Care Ethics, speak about how he has integrated his Jewish heritage with the Catholic Jesuit mission of SLU. For more information on his experience with the Hawthorne Dominicans, you can read this article: https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/coming-to-jesus
Tim Hercules, Director of IntoSLU, speaks about our international Billikens and the program designed to optimize their SLU experience.
Jim Roach, long-time Campus Minister at SLU and moderator of the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ) speaks about this incredible opportunity for students all across the nation (and world!) Listen to find out where the Billikens are headed next week to put into practice "the faith that does justice." Learn more at https://ignatiansolidarity.net/iftj/
Stephen Lamkin, the Director of the Billiken Success Program, tells us about the transformative power of presence and relationship in journeying with a special segment of our SLU Billiken population.
Lindsay Gonterman, Director of the SOAR program (Students' Opportunity for Achievement and Resources), tells us about the program, its history and the future of the SLU Billikens who are participants. Learn more at www.slu.edu/soar
Kyle Clinkingbeard, student counselor, therapist, and social worker at the University Counseling Center, speaks about the Center and all it offers to students--especially this year as we focus on "accompanying youth in the creation of a hope-filled future."
Julie O'Heir, the director of SLU's prison education program, introduces Steven and Fletcher two SLU students finishing their sentences at the Eastern Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre. They speak about how they experience their SLU education as freedom, empowerment, and reorientation toward a life of greater meaning.
Victoria Martin, "Dr. V," the Interim Director of Retention & Student Success, speaks about the initiative of Billikens First Chapter and the support system it creates for some of our newest Billikens.
Lauren Davis, Interim Associate Director of Housing, Operations, and Facilities, talks about the ins and outs (no pun intended) of Move-In days here at SLU, as well as the transition from Summer Welcome to Fall Welcome for all our SLU Billikens.
Susan Fanale, Director of Orientation and all that is involved with First Year Experience for new Billikens, speaks about SLU 101, Oriflamme, and the ongoing support provided for new students at SLU.
Dr. John Martin III, the director of the Gift Body Program at SLU Medical School, describes what the program is, how it benefits medical students, future medical students, and even already-practicing surgeons. Learn more at https://www.slu.edu/medicine/medical-education/case/gift-body-program.php
Fr. Suwalsky and Dr. Johnson speak about the nature of hope, the effects of hope, and the absolute need for hope to be our commitment, our support, and a lived aspect of our SLU mission.
Judi Buncher, incoming president of SAC and Felicia Powell, current president of SAC at Doisy speak about what the committee is all about and how to become a member. Fore more information visit https://www.slu.edu/sac/
Vice President Danielle Uy and Former Vice President Bill Kauffman speak about the experience of the Office of the General Counsel specifically as it relates to SLU's Jesuit mission and identity.
Christy Hicks-Aydt and Ben deFoy talk about their experience on the working group that has committed SLU to being a "Laudato Si" University. More at https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/
Jay Hammond explains the newly formed the Ignatian Service Minor, launching in Fall 2022. As architect and director of the minor, Dr. Hammond describes how the minor intersects with different academic disciplines as well as the CORE, the Universal Apostolic Preferences, and the Mission Priority Examen.
In this episode, Dr. Johnson & Fr. Suwalsky speak about their experiences on the Student Wellbeing Task Force, discussing not just the initiatives and work of the group but also the ever-changing mission of tending to the needs of the entire SLU community.
Emily Komos, the program coordinator of the Micah Program, shares with us what the program is all about, how long its been in existence, and how it is a living embodiment of the SLU mission.
Dr. Petruta Lipan, Executive Director of St. Louis University's Museums and Galleries, speaks about the role of art in the overall education of SLU students and the variety of galleries and museums on campus.
Fr. Suwalsky & Dr. Johnson engage the painful reality of the university's earliest beginnings when the Jesuits arrived with three enslaved couples, and continues the narrative to understand that unless and until we confront that difficult past, we cannot shape a future faithful to the mission.
SLU Juniors Liam John & Audra Youmans speak about their outreach to those in our neighborhood who suffering from inadequate shelter, and what some from the SLU community are doing to help. Read more at https://unewsonline.com/2021/12/slu-and-the-fight-against-homelessness-and-food-insecurity/
Diego Abente, President and CEO of Casa de Salud, speaks about the mission of this collaborative partner of SLU's. Casa de Salud delivers high quality health services to uninsured and underinsured patients, with a focus on immigrants and refugees in St. Louis and its metro area. It is located on the South campus grounds, at the corner of Choteau and Compton.
Dean Danny Willis & Professor Joanne Schneider from the School of Nursing describe what it means to be called to be a nurse and how nursing at SLU personifies the Jesuit mission and ideals.
Fr. David Suwalsky, SJ, Vice President for Mission and Dr. Amber Johnson, Interim Vice President in the Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement, engage in dialogue about current campus events from the perspective of their respective offices.
Dr. Terri Rebmann, Director of the Institute for Biosecurity and Special Assistant to President Fred Pestello, speaks about SLU's response to COVID-19 over these past 22 months and how it has been an expression of our mission and identity.
Dr. Ghazala Hayat, Director of Neuromuscular and Clinical Neurophysiology at SLUCare, as well as Director of Continuous Quality Improvement at SLU Medical School, joins us to talk about the experience of students, administrators, doctors, lab technicians, clinicians, and researchers during this time of the COVID variant, Omicron.
Fr. Carlos Esparza, SJ, from the department of Economics speaks about how his research intersects with the mission of the Church as well as SLU's mission, and how his identity as a Jesuit priest has been impacted by his formation in the Society as well as his ministry within it.
Gina Merys, Director of the Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, speaks with us about what the Reinert Center has to offer, how it expresses SLU's mission, and what programs are available to faculty.
Eric Anderson, Interim Assistant Vice President for Student Well-being, joins us to speak a little about the Division of Student Development and how the SLU community can better support one another as we live into health.
Archivist Emeritus John Waide (of the famous "Wednesdays with Waide podcast," also available on this channel) takes us on a brief tour of the university's history as we celebrate SLU's 203rd birthday this week.
A "special edition" spliced track where Fr. David Suwalsky, SJ, gives insight into a few of the hidden artwork gems at SLU that speak to our mission and identity.
Fr. David Suwalsky, SJ, Vice President for Mission and Identity, speaks about this historic 500th anniversary year commemorating Ignatius' conversion after being struck by a cannonball at the Battle of Pamplona.
Dr. Mark Pousson & Christine Luebbert speak about The Ability Institute of St. Louis University--its history, its reach, and its impact.
Dr. Ness Sandoval, Associate Professor of Sociology, speaks about SLU's relationship with the Hispanic population of the St. Louis area, specifically the history of the "Hack-a-thon" that SLU hosts annually.
In this episode, we learn about the history of SLU's hockey team--you may be surprised!
Dr. Stephen Belt speaks about the relationship between Parks College, Claver House, and Farragut Elementary in the Ville. Tune in for a wonderful view into SLU's mission reaching out through aviation!
Listen to John Waide, former SLU archivist, detail the first Jesuits to arrive in St. Louis--and how they got to SLU!
Fr. David Meconi, SJ, Director of SLU's Catholic Studies Centre, talks about the life and development of the Centre, the spirituality of the students, and upcoming offerings and events. For more information, visit https://www.slu.edu/arts-and-sciences/catholic-studies/index.php
Join John Waide for a historical recap of the 1947-48 NIT Billiken Basketball Champions
Campus ministers Patrick Cousins & Erin Schmidt speak about the experiences of shifting Campus Ministry to the changing needs of the students, especially during these times of pandemic.
In this episode, John details for us the history of SLU's mascot, the Billiken. Did it originate in Alaska? Japan? Or Kansas City? Tune in and find out! And for more historical info, visit: https://www.slu.edu/news/2019/august/slu-legends-lore-billiken.php
Tom Auffenberg speaks about the SLU-sponsored program "Next Chapter, a six month guided journey to assist recently retired people in discerning what God is calling them to do in the next chapter of their lives. For more information, visit https://www.slu.edu/mission-identity/initiatives/next-chapter.php
In this episode, John Waide talks about the person of Fr. Jack Bannon, a figure from SLU's history department, archives, and Jesuit legacy--and one of John's personal heroes, to boot!
Listen to John Waide discuss the team of medics and nurses from SLU that served at a field hospital in North Africa and northern Italy during World War II.
Join Melissa Apprill, Director of SLU's Campus Kitchen, and hear more about its operations, its expression of the mission, and opportunities to get involved. https://www.slu.edu/life-at-slu/center-for-service/campus-kitchen.php
Fr. Ronny O'Dwyer, SJ, the Director of the Billiken Teacher Corps, together with SLU student & Billiken Teachers Beth Moeller & Kristen Abbarno, speak about the experience of spirituality, community, and education as a member of the BTC. https://www.slu.edu/education/institutes/billiken-teacher-corps.php
Explore the history of Fr. Schwitalla, one of SLU's early Jesuits who influenced the Medical School history in valuable ways.
Join John Waide, Archivist Emeritus from SLU, as he speaks about the earliest history of the Medical School
Molly Schaller (School of Education) and Michelle Verner (Campus Ministry) speak about their experiences of encountering SLU's mission through their work with the students at the university.
Dr. Lisa Jaegers, the Director of the Transformative Justice Initiative at SLU speaks about the program and its service to improve the criminal justice system health and safety, as well as supporting prevention of incarceration and successful transitions back into the community.
https://www.slu.edu/mission-identity/initiatives/transformative-justice/index.php
David Brinker, Director of SLU's MOCRA (Museum of Contemporary Religious Art), speaks about the history of the museum, explores the variety of ways the museum expresses and invites expression of SLU's mission, and discusses current exhibits & upcoming events.
https://www.slu.edu/mocra/index.php
Tom Hare, Director of CASA Belize, and Suzy Kickham, Senior at SLU, discuss CASA Belize, a new study abroad program coming to SLU in Fall 2020. https://www.slu.edu/study-abroad/casa-belize.php
Jordan Glassman and Megan Tartell, current Seniors graduating in May 2020, speak about their experience of engaging SLU mission & Jesuit identity during their years as students.
Dr. Paul Lynch, Director of SLU's Prison Education Program, talks about the origin, development, and transformative power of his experiences with the program, and how other faculty might get involved.
https://www.slu.edu/arts-and-sciences/prison-program/index.php
Dr. Kevin Cloninger (Executive Director) and Lara Pennington (Director of Development and Community Engagement) provide an introduction to Anthropedia, the new wellness center right off campus. Hear how Anthropedia's services can benefit individuals (both students & staff) and also teach us how to live healthier and wholer lifestyles.
Fr. Chris Collins, SJ, and Sr. Virginia Herbers, ASCJ, introduce the Mission Matters podcast as a new initiative out of the Office of Mission & Identity. A brief history of the Office, the origin of the podcast, and a preview of coming attractions from the Office of Mission.
Cristina McGroarty, MSN, RN, from the Trudy Valentine School of Nursing, introduces us to "Nurse Stories," a program she originally instituted at the Nursing School but which will expand to the entire South Campus in Fall 2020.
Brooks Goedeker, Executive Director, tells us about the St. Louis Midtown Redevelopment Corporation and its relationship with SLU. Explaining the SLMRC as an outgrowth of the collaboration among SLU, SSM Health, and the city of St. Louis, Brooks talks about the developments happening in and around SLU. www.stlmrc.com