GRADUATE STUDENTS MAKE AN IMPACT ON ST. LOUIS’ CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Page 8 ALUMNUS’ PHOTOS AUTHOR’S LIFE THE LIBRARY HONOR ROLL TELL STORIES INSPIRES OTHERS ASSOCIATES OF DONORS Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 19 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE VOLUME 43, ISSUE 1 EDITOR Laura Geiser (A&S ’90, Grad ’92) ASSOCIATE EDITOR Amy Garland (A&S ’97) ART DIRECTOR In September 1985, former Saint Louis University President Paul Matt Krob C. Reinert, S.J., wrote a piece for Momentum magazine on “The CONTRIBUTORS Spiritual Dimensions of Giving and Getting.” In an effort to show Emily Clemenson how philanthropy is ultimately tied to the love of God, human Marie Dilg (Grad SW ’94) Tina Haberberger growth and development, Father Reinert connected two ostensibly Maria Tsikalas opposing concepts: religious values and fundraising. Ultimately, he articulated that SLU’s ability to live our mission and achieve ON CAMPUS NEWS STORIES University Communications PHOTO BY STEVE DOLAN our goals relies heavily on the benevolence of our benefactors. Medical Center Communications First-year students await the start of convocation at Chaifetz Arena in August. nswering the call to live a life of service and service to SLU (page 3). When asked about her dedication Billiken Media Relations generosity is no easy feat. Father Reinert to the University, Mary said it was an “act of love.” The FEATURES SPECIAL INSERT admitted he would be unable to devote his way each of us shows our love toward the University dic- ON THE COVER life to the service of Saint Louis University tates the manner in which we choose to give of our gifts: Billiken Teacher Corps students 8 19 if he were not “genuinely committed to the our time, our resources and our knowledge. hundreds of promising young men and women who come There is often a false pretense that service and philan- Corps Values Honor Roll of Donors A Universitas is published by Saint Louis to us each year, whose lives now and in the future I am thropy are purely humble acts, and we should not receive University. Opinions expressed in A new program prepares students to make convinced we can enrich with spiritual material, with any benefit. In fact, what we receive from giving is just as Universitas are those of the individual an impact at St. Louis-area Catholic schools. divine and human possessions.” important as what we give. We give because we identify authors and not necessarily those of the — By Emily Clemenson DEPARTMENTS Now, 31 years later, those students Father Reinert with a cause, an idea or some part of ourselves in those we University administration. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are welcome spoke of are our alumni, and a new generation of Billikens are serving. In giving, we receive. We realize those we but will be returned only if accompanied 12 2 On Campus shares in the promise of a SLU education. The future serve are companions on the journey to becoming women by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. New residence hall Medical envisioned by Father Reinert is our present. and men for and with others. Letters to the editor must be signed, and /// In Focus Center plans Bruemmer honor Our mission dares us to pursue truth for the greater Since Saint Louis University’s founding nearly two letters not intended for publication should /// /// Through his photographs, alumnus Cengiz Commencement New deans and glory of God and the service of humanity. SLU alumni centuries ago, we have made great advances, charted new indicate that fact. The editor reserves /// the right to edit all items. Address all mail Yar captures conflict and tells stories. trustees Billiken Olympian live this mission. You follow a variety of vocations, invest territories and worked on the margins of our disciplines. /// /// to Universitas, DuBourg Hall 39, One N. — By Amy Garland Bicentennial planning in the work we do and give within your means. The con- Our ability to continue delivering high-quality, val- Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103. We accept email at [email protected]. tinued success and prosperity of our University hinges ues-based, mission-driven education is contingent upon Class Notes on all alumni seeing giving as a part of our obligation to the generosity of our donors. 14 35 support the institution. Thank you for sharing Saint Louis University’s belief in Postmaster: Send address changes to Setting the World on How I Got Here And I am grateful so many of you are supporting our the power of the Jesuit pedagogy, faithful service and com- Universitas, Saint Louis University, 36 present-day efforts. This issue of Universitas features our passionate health care. By supporting our students, faculty, One N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103. Fire Dr. Diana (Siedhoff) Natalicio (A&S ’61) Honor Roll of Donors (page 19), which includes the names researchers and health care providers, you are SLU’s part- Alumnus and author John O’Leary shares his Website: slu.edu/universitas own experiences to motivate others. of our most loyal donors. It is inspiring to see so many of ner in our efforts to create a bright future that serves a 41 Alumni Spotlight — By Maria Tsikalas you take to heart Father Reinert’s nuanced perspective higher purpose by contributing to the greater good. Universitas is printed by Rosemary Connelly, R.S.M. (Grad Ed ’63) on giving and serving Saint Louis University as alumni Thank you for your dedication to Saint Louis Universal Printing Co. and showing your love for SLU. Indeed, he wrote that the University. Your philanthropy and your acts of love make 16 44 In Memoriam word “philanthropy” means “love for humankind, love for all the difference. Worldwide circulation: 112,500 Opening the Book on the all human beings.” 47 Alumni Events This summer, I had the opportunity to participate in © 2016, Saint Louis University Saint Louis University the ceremony where our beloved alumna Mary Bruemmer All rights reserved. Library Associates 48 Feedback was named a Dame Commander of the Order of Saint Sylvester Pope and Martyr for her more than 60 years of Dr. Fred P. Pestello For nearly 50 years, the organization has Reproduction in whole or in part been bringing noted authors to campus. 49 The Last Look without permission is prohibited. — By Amy Garland ON CAMPUS Spring Hall Opens After nearly two years of planning, preparation and construction, the $43.8 million Spring Hall welcomed students on New Administrators and Deans Aug. 17. To celebrate the official opening Dr. Kevin Behrns of the eight-story, VICE PRESIDENT FOR MEDICAL AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE 153,000-square-foot residence hall, a ribbon- Currently the chair of the department of cutting ceremony was surgery and the Edward R. Woodward held on Aug. 8. Professor of Surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine, Behrns will The residence is located begin his tenure at SLU on Jan. 1. He will at the corner of Laclede oversee the educational, research, clinical and service activities and Spring avenues of SLU’s nationally ranked School of Medicine. The CEO of (south of Fusz Hall), SLUCare, the University’s physician practice, will report to which formerly was Behrns, who will also serve as a key liaison with SSM Health. the location of Clark’s Bar and later The Kenneth A. Olliff Grind coffeehouse. It’s VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH PHOTO BY MICHELLE PELTIER equipped with single and double suite-style rooms, Most recently vice president for program Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis joins a large crowd giving alumna and a “living room” with a development at the University of Chicago, longtime volunteer Mary Bruemmer (seated) a standing ovation. kitchen, study lounges, Olliff co-founded Arete, a research a conference room, a accelerator that averages $20 million per chapel and an outdoor year in external funding. He also created Dame Mary courtyard/amphitheater, the Big Ideas Generator, an incubator which has been named that awards funding and support for bold, early-stage projects Bruemmer Awarded Papal Knighthood in honor of SLU legend that have potential for growth. At SLU, he works with deans, Former dean of student affairs Mary Bruemmer (A&S ’42, Grad Ed ’60) department chairs and faculty to advance the quality, scope and Mary Bruemmer. In was named a Dame Commander of the Order of Saint Sylvester Pope and addition, Spring impact of research across the University. Hall is home to two Martyr in June. learning communities Dr. Michelle Sabick The honor was a surprise during a retirement party for the 96-year-old — the Honors Learning DEAN OF PARKS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, who served as a full-time SLU volunteer for the past 26 years. (She first Community and the AVIATION AND TECHNOLOGY retired in 1990 after nearly 35 years in the administration.) Leadership for Social For the past two years, Sabick chaired the Change Learning Department of Biomedical Engineering in Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis presented Bruemmer with a Community. The Parks College. Prior to that, she was on the commemorative scroll and a cross medallion from Rome that is meant to residence hall adheres faculty of Boise State University in Idaho, to LEED silver standards, where she also chaired the mechanical be worn at significant archdiocesan events. promising a comfortable and biomedical engineering department. Throughout her career, and environmentally “Mary has been a role model, a guiding light and a moral compass for Sabick has worked to improve the ways that universities deliver generations of SLU students and alumni,” Carlson said. “She has also friendly space for its new engineering education. A noted researcher, she has received inhabitants.