NEW Utas fall - Saint Louis University

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By Lawrence Biondi, S.J. Saint Louis University President I ’m convinced that it must have been a SLU graduate who coined the phrase, “What a small world.” I’m sure you’ve all had a similar experience: you’re sitting in a restaurant, standing in line to check out at a grocery store or even taking in a ball game, and someone around you says something like, “Didn’t you go to SLU?” Whatever the opening line, what almost always ensues is a brief conversation between two people. They may have never met before, but it’s as if an instant connection has been made. They begin talking like old friends. Although I realize that this phenomenon frequently happens between people who share a common identity, I often come away from such experiences convinced that members of our SLU community transcend the superficialities of just sharing an alma mater or even a fondness for a particular sports team. I truly believe our mission and our Ignatian heritage unites us on a deeper level. The recent Homecoming festivities only reinforced my belief. As all of you know, during Homecoming, we welcome thousands of former students back to campus, putting them in contact once again with each other and with our current students, faculty and staff. There were tours of Grand Center, our own home in Midtown, as well as the new and improved Busch Student Center. There were parties, outdoor concerts, Billiken soccer, a parade and fireworks. There were golf outings, class reunions and tailgates. And serving as an appropriate, intimate ending to the weekend, there was the Golden Billiken Brunch for members of the classes up to and including the class of 1953. Alhtough all of these activities are entertaining and help to demonstrate our appreciation for members of our SLU family, perhaps the most satisfying element of Homecoming is found in the personal interaction between longtime friends. For Homecoming is one of the few times during the year in which generations of Billikens come back to campus to celebrate and commemorate their shared identity. Alumni reminisce about old times while also introducing their former classmates to their personal families. We at SLU show off our campus and introduce our current family of students, faculty and staff, who share their own thoughts and feelings about the SLU experience. Alumni often share their own success stories, but more importantly, their stories about family, friends and faith. They tell me how the philosophy, ethics and theological components they once grumbled about now serve them well in their everyday lives. Conversely, we let alumni know that SLU remains committed to informing and transforming our current students, who, in turn, will transform society in the spirit of the Gospels. I give assurances that although the nature of higher education has changed, SLU remains true to its Jesuit, Catholic heritage — just like it has for generations, all the way back to its founding in 1818. Yes, we truly see the spirit of Saint Louis University revealed and refreshed during our Homecoming festivities. It gives me great joy to hear about the ways in which members of the SLU community continue to make a difference for their families, for their communities, for their professions, for their world. Though it is only one weekend during the year, there’s undoubtedly an invisible bridge that links generations of Billiken alumni together. We can be reassured that SLU continues to succeed in preparing its graduates for a lifetime of service to humankind. It’s wonderful to see that SLU is indeed “where the heart is” in so many people’s lives.
On the Cover: The new Busch Student Center courtyard. For more photos of Busch Student Center, see page 12. UNIVERSITAS Volume 30, No. 1 Editor Laura Geiser (A&S ’90, Grad ’92) Assistant Editor Chris Waldvogel Contributors Clayton Berry Jeff Fowler Photo Credits Steve Dolan, 3, 9, 30 Joe Finlay, 4 Kevin Lowder, 10 Dave Preston, 26 John Quinn, S.J., 20 James Visser, cover, 4, 12-15 Chris Waldvogel, 2, 3, 5 New Line Cinema, 18, 20-22 Design AKA Design Inc. Art Direction: Richie Murphy Design: Stacy Lanier 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. Please 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 Accurate Business Mailers Inc. Worldwide circulation: 109,611 © 2003, Saint Louis University. All rights reserved. C O N T E N T S FALL 2003 6 Home-Court Advantage Take a peek at the plans for Saint Louis University’s proposed arena. 10 Remembering Father Ong A look at the life of one of SLU’s most noted scholars. 12 Center of Attention The renovated and expanded Busch Student Center is drawing raves. 16 Momentum The Campaign for Saint Louis University marks its first anniversary. 18 Lore of the Rings A SLU professor is one of the world’s foremost experts on J.R.R. Tolkien. IN MEMORIAM ALUMNI notes 2 24 32 28 30
Page 1: THE MAGAZINE OF SAINT LOUIS UNIVERS
Page 5 and 6: Three new deans now on campus Dr. E
Page 7 and 8: FETCHING: Saint Louis University de
Page 9 and 10: You can’t quite hear the roar of
Page 11 and 12: esearch building and arena. Althoug
Page 13 and 14: He served on the 14-member White Ho
Page 15 and 16: Aug. 28 marked an official rebirth
Page 17 and 18: What’s Inside The expanded Busch
Page 19 and 20: neurosurgeon, gave two generous gif
Page 21 and 22: A SLU professor has become a noted
Page 23 and 24: speak about Tolkien and philosophy
Page 25 and 26: Future Billiken in the family? Cons
Page 27 and 28: 1968 Lester Berkheiser (Parks) is t
Page 29 and 30: 1985 Scott Ash (B&A) is a software
Page 31 and 32: Bonnie Voils. … Dr. Joyce Hoffman
Page 33 and 34: Travel Program: SLU Tours Cruise th
Page 35 and 36: Grand once more Reading the latest

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