Jesuit education

The School of Public Health at Saint Louis University participates in a tradition of excellence in education and dedication to service that has marked the University’s founders, the Society of Jesus, for more than four centuries.  While the University is both Roman Catholic and Jesuit, the underlying tradition is not exclusive, but wholly dedicated to the dignity and development of all persons. 

As stated by the leader of the Jesuit order, Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, at a national gathering at Santa Clara University in 2000:

"The real measure of our Jesuit universities lies in who our students become. Tomorrow's 'whole person' cannot be whole without a well-educated solidarity.  We must therefore raise our Jesuit educational standard to educate the whole person of solidarity for the real world. Solidarity is learned through 'contact' rather than through 'concepts.'  When the heart is touched by direct experience, the mind may be challenged to change."

The School of Public Health is the only accredited school located within a Roman Catholic, Jesuit institution.  This uniqueness is reflected in the Covenant of the School, which is a statement of values that guides the activities of the School and its members.  We hope that students will live these values while here and take these values with them when they enter the world of practice. The attitudes, aspirations and principles reflected in the Covenant were drafted in 1987 by a diverse group of students, faculty and staff within the School of Public Health community. 

“As a Jesuit university, SLU’s mission is to educate the whole person – mind, body, heart and spirit. I believe SLU holds true to this mission in its academic rigor and its ethical and moral foundations.” (Vivian McKay, MPH ’01)

Return to Home Page