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Athanasii Kircheri è Societ. Jesu, Sphinx mystagoga : sive Diatribe hieroglyphica, qua mumiae, ex Memphiticis Pyramidum adytis erutae, & non ita pridem in Galliam transmissae, juxta veterum Hieromystarum mentem, intentionemque, plena fide & exacta exhibetur interpretatio : ad inclytos, abstrusiorumque cognitionum peritia instructissimos Galliae philologos directa
Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University
Spring 2017 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University.1
WWW.SLU.EDU
IMPRESSIVE NEW
CHESS TEAM
Page 15
ALUM FILMMAKER
JAMES GUNN
Page 18
“SPECIAL TOPICS”
COURSES
Page 22
SOMALIAN
SOCCER STAR
Page 28
Page 10
This year has been filled with great accom-plishments
as well as difficult decisions.
Some of these decisions were painful as
they directly impacted our community. It
is understandable to be conflicted about the
real-life impacts of our budget reductions while we talk of
investing in the future of SLU. Yet, if we intend to make
a difference, we must continue to build a university that
continues to attract, educate and inspire young people
with sharp minds and great hearts. Our mission is woven
throughout each part of this magazine and as always, the
motivation for all that we do. I’m confident that the SLU
community is resilient, tightknit and blessed.
Three years ago, I was entrusted with ensuring a bold
future for the University — for the Billiken community.
We must innovate, grow, elevate excellence, become a
stronger community partner, keep tuition affordable and
break down barriers that prevent worthy students from
obtaining a SLU education. We do this knowing that nav-igating
a rapidly changing higher education landscape is a
complex, iterative process.
Thankfully, I have the privilege of learning from
SLU presidents who have come before me. They shared
prescient writings on the challenges universities would
likely face in the new millennium — challenges we are
experiencing every day. They championed vigilance and
remarkable fiscal management. They emphasized the
importance of physical space through bold architectural
development plans. Our past is an invaluable source of
wisdom, encouragement and inspiration.
As a student, you became a member of the Billiken
community. For many years, SLU became a familiar place
where assumptions were challenged, ideas were tested,
values were debated and growth was fostered, but it was
never intended to be a permanent home; to take the mis-sion
of this University seriously is to discern that the
home of a Billiken is the place in the world where your
experience and heart are most needed.
The most meaningful contributions to the world this
University makes are those that are accomplished together.
As we approach our bicentennial year, I hope that every-one
participates in the celebration. Please return and
share in the events and festivities. The University needs
you. And I need you — each of you.
It is my sincere hope that as you read this magazine you
are content in the space you reside; surrounded by those
who love you; doing the work you must do; knowing that
your SLU community is forever proud of you as a child of
Saint Louis University.
May God bless you,
Dr. Fred P. Pestello
P R E S IDENT ’ S
ME S S AG E
In this issue of Universitas, you will find stories about some of
the most important happenings at the University — initiatives
that advance our strategic priorities; spotlights on our academic
enterprise: researchers, students and classes; and our efforts to
ensure that Midtown St. Louis flourishes well into the next century.
10
A Grand Plan
An overview of SLU’s proposal to develop
Midtown and connect campus
15
Chess to Impress
A glimpse into SLU’s remarkable first year in
collegiate chess — By Sarah Hilgendorf
18
Top Gunn
A Q&A with alumnus and Guardians of the Galaxy
filmmaker James Gunn — By Laura Geiser
22
Changing the Subject
A look at SLU’s “special topics” courses on
everything from hip-hop to happiness
— By Molly Daily
26
Food for Thought
An introduction to SLU’s student-run Labre
Ministry with the Homeless — By Amy Garland
28
From Somalia to SLU
The story of Billiken soccer player and “reluctant
hero” Saadiq Mohammed — By Maria Tsikalas
32
E for Entrepreneurship,
E for Education
The many ways that innovation thrives at Saint
Louis University — By Elizabeth Krasnoff Holzer
36
Survey Says …
The results of SLU’s first comprehensive alumni
survey since 2010
VOLUME 4 3, ISSUE 2
EDITOR
Laura Geiser (A&S ’90, Grad ’92)
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Amy Garland (A&S ’97)
ART DIRECTOR
Matt Krob
CONTRIBUTORS
Molly Daily
Marie Dilg (Grad SW ’94)
Sarah Hilgendorf
Elizabeth Krasnoff Holzer
Maria Tsikalas
ON CAMPUS NEWS STORIES
University Public Relations
Billiken Media Relations
ON THE COVER
Grand Hall, at the northwest corner
of Grand Boulevard and Laclede
Avenue, under construction.
Photo by Steve Dolan
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
Universal Printing Co.
Worldwide circulation: 112,500
© 2017, Saint Louis University
All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part
without permission is prohibited.
Student Carol Sperl cooks food for
Labre Ministry with the Homeless.
PHOTO BY DOUGLAS GARFIELD
2 On Campus
New Billiken mascot /// Bicentennial kickoff
/// May commencement honorees /// Diversity
award /// Billiken Hall of Fame /// 2+SLU
program /// Summer at SLU
38 Class Notes
43 Alumni Spotlight
Mark Peterson (A&S ’86)
44 In Memoriam
47 Feedback
48 The Last Look
F E ATU R E S
D E PARTME NTS
3
WWW.SLU.EDU
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Meet the New Billiken Mascot
The new Billiken mascot debuted at halftime during the Jan. 25 men’s basketball game.
The costume reflects the feedback from the mascot poll that SLU conducted last fall, when 17,000
people voiced their opinions in an online survey. The results informed the decisions to make this
Billiken all white with a sculpted tuft of hair, relatively closed mouth and open but intense eyes
without heavy eyebrows.
“People are clearly passionate about the Billiken,” University President Dr. Fred P. Pestello said.
“This fall, members of our community asked for a platform to voice their opinions, and we listened.
This new version of the mascot is the result of a collaborative process. It’s the way it ought to be.”
ON C AMPUS
PHOTO BY BILL BARRETT
5
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Bicentennial Celebration to Begin
with Mass under the Arch
Saint Louis University will begin the celebration
of its 200-year anniversary with a Mass under
St. Louis’ Gateway Arch on Saturday, Sept. 23. The
outdoor Mass will begin at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will
be invited to stay on the Arch grounds following
Mass to enjoy a special fireworks display and other
family-friendly activities.
St. Louis Archbishop Robert J. Carlson will be the
presider and homilist. Ronald Mercier, S.J., provin-cial
of the Jesuits’ Central and Southern Province,
will be the principal concelebrant.
The bicentennial Mass will be one of the first
major events on the renovated Arch grounds.
Originally known as Saint Louis Academy, SLU’s
first location was in a small home located on what is
now the Arch grounds.
“This is a fitting place to launch our bicentennial
events,” said Dr. Ellen Harshman (Grad Ed ’78, Law
’92), dean emerita and director of bicentennial plan-ning.
“We are truly marking this milestone where it
all began.”
The Mass falls during SLU’s annual Homecoming
and Family Weekend. It is open to alumni, their fam-ilies
and the public. It is the first of numerous events
that are planned for SLU’s 15-month bicentennial
celebration.
22
fireplaces at Cupples House
36
fountains circling the clock tower
69
trees on the Madrid Campus
87
cardio machines in the
Simon Recreation Center
114
steps in DuBourg Hall’s main staircase
121
flags around the roof of the
Center for Global Citizenship
143
fume hoods and biosafety cabinets in
the Doisy Research Center
238
air conditioner window units in
Griesedieck Hall
7,020
mailboxes in Busch Student Center
BY THE NUMBERS
Around Campus
Alumna and National Higher
Education Leader will be the May
Commencement Speaker
SLU alumna and president of the University of
Texas at El Paso, Dr. Diana Natalicio (A&S ’61),
will return to Saint Louis University in May to deliver
the commencement address to SLU’s 2017 spring
graduates. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. Saturday,
May 20, in Chaifetz Arena.
Included among Time magazine’s 2016 list of the
100 most influential people in the world, Natalicio
has been president of the University of Texas at El
Paso (UTEP) since 1988. During her tenure as president, UTEP’s enrollment has
grown from nearly 15,000 to more than 23,000 students,
who reflect the demographics of the Paso del Norte region
from which 90 percent of them come. More than 80 percent
are Mexican American, and another 5 percent commute to
the campus from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.
Following her commencement address, Natalicio will
receive an honorary doctor of science from the University.
SLU will also bestow honorary doctorates on John Padberg,
S.J., Rev. Starsky Wilson and Rich McClure.
Padberg, also a SLU alumnus (A&S ’49, Grad ’54), most
recently served as director of the Institute of Jesuit Sources,
which publishes primary source materials and original
works in Jesuit spirituality and history. He has strong ties
to SLU; from 1964 to 1973, he was a professor of history
and academic vice president. Padberg also was president of
Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
McClure and Wil son co-chai red the Ferguson
Commission, which was appointed by Missouri Gov. Jay
Nixon in November 2014 to study and recommend actions
to address the underlying causes of social unrest in the
St. Louis region. McClure most recently was president of
UniGroup, a 1.7 billion agent-owned specialized trans-portation
and relocation company. He retired in 2014 and
now runs Spero Advisors. Wilson is president and CEO
of the Deaconess Foundation, a faith-based, grant-making
organization devoted to making child well-being a civic
priority in the St. Louis region. He also is pastor of Saint
John’s Church.
Celebrating SLU Couples and
175 Years of College Church
Dr. Kevin A. Baumer (A&S ’86, Med ’90) and his
wife, Mary (Marcolina) Baumer (Nurs ’87), came
back to campus in February for the celebration
of weddings held at St. Francis Xavier College
Church as part of the church’s 175th anniversary
year. Nearly 175 couples renewed their wedding
vows during Mass and toasted each other at a
gathering afterward.
PHOTO BY JEREMY KELTNER
ON C AMPUS
Natalicio
Padberg
McClure
Wilson
SLU Program Seeks Efficiency and Effectiveness
Saint Louis University’s strategic plan, “Magis,” calls for SLU to “foster a culture
of excellence, effectiveness and efficiency deeply rooted in our institutional
mission and Catholic, Jesuit values.” With this in mind, the University has launched
a multi-year program known as Magis Operational Excellence.
The most extensive review of administrative and academic operations in
University history, the program seeks to transform SLU into a more efficient
and effective organization. The program also will identify opportunities for cost
savings and revenue growth that can be invested in strategic priorities, such as
strengthening academic programs, enhancing research initiatives and keeping a
SLU education within reach for all qualified students.
Led by a steering committee that includes faculty, staff and student representa-tives,
the effort has been open, inclusive and collaborative — involving thousands
of members of the SLU community. Following a rigorous four-month review, the
University identified 25 focus areas for improvement. These focus areas include
academics, enrollment, fundraising, facilities, research and travel, among other
areas. Teams of faculty and staff are being formed to develop options to enhance
each area of improvement.
One of the focus areas is a redesign of SLU’s organizational structure. University
leaders were charged with streamlining their organizations and developing staffing
plans for the future. As part of this restructuring, the positions of approximately
100 staff members — as well as 150 vacant staff positions — were eliminated in
March. Departing employees were offered enhanced severance benefits and job
placement assistance.
Another focus area is a reinvention of SLU’s academic enterprise. The overarching
goal of this initiative is to achieve cost savings in ways that also elevate the qual-ity
of instruction at the University and enhance students’ experiences. Led by the
University’s provost in collaboration with the academic deans, work on this major
initiative will take place over a one- to three-year period.
SLU’s focus on operational excellence comes at a time when the landscape of
higher education in the United States is rapidly changing, and universities across
the country are being called to make college more affordable, more accessible and
more responsive to the needs of employers. The challenges are compounded in the
Midwest, where the number of high school graduates is declining.
While financially strong, SLU is not immune to these mounting pressures.
Without significant changes, the University is predicting annual losses in the range
of 10-40-80 million
in cost savings and new revenues.
For the latest on the program, visit slu.edu/operational-excellence.
Med Students Celebrate Match Into Residency Programs
In March, fourth-year students from the School of Medicine learned of their
assignments via the National Residency Match Program, which annually
matches students with their choice for residency. This year’s class matched into pro-grams
that included Yale, Harvard, Mayo Clinic, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Case
Western Reserve, Stanford and UCLA, as well as programs at SSM Health Saint
Louis University Hospital and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
“We’re pleased with the excellent positions and programs our students obtained,”
said Dr. L. James Willmore (A&S ’64, Med ’68), associate dean for admissions and
student affairs at the School of Medicine. “Saint Louis University medical students
typically get placements in strong residency programs, and this year is no different.”
PHOTO BY RE-I CHIN
FROM LEFT: Matthew Garrity, Courtney Kaar, Jessica Liu and Ambrose
Campbell show the letters confirming their residency matches.
6
UNIVERSI TAS SPRING 2017
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SLU’s Highest Teaching Honor Goes to Paul Bracher
Dr. Paul Bracher, assistant professor of chemistry, received the 2016 Nancy
McNeir Ring Award for excellence in teaching.
Established in 1966 and named for the University’s first dean of women, the
award is presented by SLU’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, the international Jesuit
honor society, to a faculty member who displays special dedication to students in
and out of the classroom.
“Receiving a teaching award selected by students is particularly meaningful,
because it suggests that you’ve had a really positive impact on at least one student —
hopefully, more,” Bracher said.
As part of the honor, Bracher delivered the University’s midyear commencement
address in December. He talked about how his own college experience was altered
after surgery to remove a spinal tumor left him unable to walk.
“As you make goals and plans for the future, remember that every successful per-son
faces continued challenges, and there is always room for improvement, no
matter how talented or perfect things may seem,” he said.
Margaret Atwood to Receive the
2017 St. Louis Literary Award
The Saint Louis University Library Associates
selected Margaret Atwood to receive the 2017
St. Louis Literary Award.
For more than 50 years, Atwood has moved seam-lessly
from genre to genre. She is best known for her
fiction, including The Handmaid’s Tale, Cat’s Eye and
Oryx and Crake. Her most recent novel, Hag-Seed, is a
retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
The award ceremony will be Tuesday, Sept. 19, at
the Sheldon Concert Hall. For more information,
visit lib.slu.edu/about/associates.
New Administrators and Deans
Justin Daffron, S.J.
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
Daffron (Grad Ed ’00) works with vice
presidents and academic leaders to focus
on growth strategies for the University,
while monitoring what other institutions are
doing and the landscape for private higher
education. Previously he served in leadership
roles at Loyola University Chicago.
William P. Johnson
DEAN, SCHOOL OF LAW
Johnson came to SLU in 2012. Before
becoming dean, he was a law professor and
director of the Center for International and
Comparative Law. He also has served as
director of the Summer Law Program at SLU
Madrid.
Dr. Jonathan Smith
VICE PRESIDENT FOR DIVERSITY AND
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
In 2015, Smith became SLU’s first special
assistant to the president for diversity and
community engagement. In addition to his
current responsibilities, he now leads the
University’s Cross Cultural Center and the
Center for Global Citizenship.
SLU Awarded National Honor for Diversity
Saint Louis University is the first Jesuit university and the first private institu-tion
of higher education in Missouri to be selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity
magazine for its Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award.
Established five years ago, the HEED Award is the only national recognition
honoring colleges and universities for outstanding efforts and successes in the area
of diversity and inclusion throughout their campuses. INSIGHT works to further
national discussion of issues of diversity and inclusion.
“This recognition only encourages us to renew our efforts and strengthen our
commitment to making SLU more diverse, more equitable and more inclusive,” said
Dr. Jonathan Smith, vice president for diversity and community engagement. “This,
I think, is what our mission calls us to do.”
PHOTO BY STEVE DOLAN
Awards and
Honors
Dr. Jonathan Lux (Grad A&S
’09, ’14), instructor of English
as a second language, was
the 2016 Matteo Ricci Faculty
Fellow at the Beijing Center for
Chinese Studies.
Dr. Benjamin Looker, associate
professor of American studies,
received the American Studies
Association’s John Hope
Franklin Prize for his 2015 book,
A Nation of Neighborhoods:
Imagining Cities, Communities,
and Democracy in Postwar
America. The book has earned
several other awards, including
the Kenneth Jackson Award,
which is given to the best book in
U.S. urban history.
Ted Mathys, a full-time
instructor in the Department
of English, received two
fellowships for poetry writing:
the National Endowment for
the Arts 2017 Fellowship in
Creative Writing, as well as a
2016 St. Louis Regional Arts
Commission Artist Fellowship.
During the St. Louis Regional
Chamber’s Arcus Awards
in February, Saint Louis
University won the Arcus
Award for Achievement in
Educational Attainment for
its Prison Program, which
graduated its first class of
students with associate’s
degrees in 2015, and for the
SLU Re-entry Program. The
School of Law was awarded
the BMO Harris Bank St. Louis
Spirit Award, which it shared
with the ArchCity Defenders.
The Arcus Awards recognize
companies and organizations
that demonstrate exceptional
commitment to leading the
St. Louis region’s economic
strengths and championing a
better tomorrow for the region.
Billiken Great: Contemporary (Honors
student-athletes from 1980 to present)
Brad Byars (Swimming and Diving,
2004-08) set school records in the 100
freestyle and 200 freestyle. He was the
first Billiken to win a conference title for
the men’s team when he captured gold
in the 100 free at the 2008 Atlantic 10
Championships.
Brittney Cloudy (Track and Field, 2008-
12) holds five school records: indoor
60-meter dash, indoor long jump, outdoor
long jump, indoor triple jump and outdoor
triple jump. She won eight Atlantic 10
individual titles and competed in the
USA Junior Outdoor Track and Field
Championships.
Tommie Liddell III (Men’s Basketball,
2005-09) is eighth in SLU history in
career points and career rebounds, and
first in average minutes played. He was
named the A-10 Rookie of the Year in
2005-06. Liddell set a SLU single-game
record with eight 3-pointers in 2007.
Whitney Roth Kramer (Volleyball,
2006-09) earned Atlantic 10 Conference
Setter of the Year honors three times.
She is SLU’s all-time assists leader and
holds the top two single-season assist
marks. During her career, she helped
the Billikens to a 98-29 record and three
NCAA Tournament appearances.
Billiken Great: Pioneer (Honors
student-athletes prior to 1980)
Julie Bookmyer Murphy (Field Hockey,
1979-81) earned first-team Mitchell and
Ness All-America honors in 1981. During
her playing career, the Billikens posted a
48-12-6 record and held the No. 1 ranking
in the country for six weeks in 1979. She
was a member of the 1980 Under-21 USA
National Team.
Don Range (Men’s Soccer, 1959-60)
was a key member of the Billikens’ 1959
and 1960 NCAA championship teams.
Despite playing just two seasons, he is
the 20th all-time leading scorer at SLU
with 72 points. Range was named Most
Outstanding Offensive Player of the 1960
NCAA Championship.
Tammy Suyematsu (Field Hockey,
1978-80) is SLU’s all-time goals leader.
She scored 20 goals her senior year in
1980, which is fourth in a single season
in school history. During her career, the
Billikens posted a 64-10-5 record, which
included a school-record 28 wins in 1978.
Distinguished Alumni Awa
Leonor K. Sullivan Collection
Photo album from the christening and launching of the new 210-ft. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter ACTIVE (WPC-618), at Christy Corporation, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, July 31, 1965. Sponsor: U.S. Representative Leonor K. Sullivan, Democrat from St. Louis, MO, widow of the late Representative John B. Sullivan of the Eleventh District of Missouri. The ACTIVE is the fourth of the new 210-ft. class of medium endurance cutters built for the U.S. Coast Guard. From: Public Information Division, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington DC 20226--65 pages. The photo album was compiled by Rear Admiral P.E. Trimble, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Coast Guard, and presented as a gift to Rep. Sullivan on August 18, 1965. Photos, newspaper clippings, and correspondence pertaining to other christenings from 1966 and 1969 are included in the back