Saint Louis University to Celebrate Bicentennial in 2018

Saint Louis University is the first institution of higher learning west of the Mississippi River. And soon, it will be the first to celebrate a bicentennial.

Although SLU won't mark 200 years until 2018, planning is already underway.

Ellen Harshman, Ph.D., dean emeritus of the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business and former vice president for academic affairs, has been appointed to lead SLU's bicentennial efforts. Her 43-year career makes her uniquely suited for the job.

"I have been at Saint Louis University for decades, and I've worn a lot of hats here," Harshman said. "That helps me approach this celebration from all angles - academic, social, spiritual and historic. Plus, we've assembled a great team of committed colleagues, representing all constituencies of the SLU community, who are already brainstorming ideas for this milestone anniversary."

Harshman leads a Bicentennial Steering Committee of representatives from throughout SLU, as well as the Jesuit community. They are:

• Joe Adorjan, chairman emeritus, SLU Board of Trustees
• Bradley Bailey, Ph.D., associate professor, Fine and Performing Arts
• Donna Bess Myers, assistant dean, Student Support, Parent and Family Programs
• Dolores Byrnes, writer, Office of the President
• Chris Collins, S.J., special assistant to the president, Mission and Identity
• Meg Connolly, executive development director, Alumni Engagement
• Laura Geiser, assistant vice president, Marketing and Creative Services
• Ann Knezetic, counselor, Office of Admission
• Kevin Lynch, president, Student Government Association
• Cynthia McKenna, coordinator, Center for Health Care Ethics
• Anthony Minor, assistant vice president, Stewardship
• Teri Murray, Ph.D., dean, School of Nursing
• Robert O'Toole, S.J., professor emeritus, Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome; adjunct instructor, Theological Studies
• John Padberg, S.J., Jesuit scholar and historian
• Pat Sly, vice chairman, SLU Board of Trustees; executive vice president, Emerson
• John Waide, archivist emeritus
• Daniel White, S.J., pastor, St. Francis Xavier College Church
• Brenda Wilson, executive assistant to the board, Office of the President

While many academic and social events are still in very early planning stages, a history of SLU has been commissioned that will be published by late 2017. Dolores Byrnes, Ph.D., is writing the book.

"Dolores has been hard at work researching our long and complex history," Harshman said. "She's uncovering great stories and details from our past that have never been told before. I'm certain this history will be a compelling read that sheds new light on how SLU grew to become the outstanding institution it is today."

In addition to the book, Harshman shared a few other details about bicentennial planning thus far:

• The events will likely kick off in September 2017, probably during Homecoming and Family Weekend. "That way we can devote even more time to this historic occasion," she said.

• Three special academic symposia are being planned, with one occurring each semester of the celebration: fall 2017, spring 2018 and fall 2018.

• Outreach to the business and civic community has begun.

• Departments and divisions will be asked to consider how their annual events could be themed around the bicentennial during the 16-month celebration. 

"We're hoping that annual lectures, exhibits and events can embrace our 200 years and present topics and speakers who will add to our commemoration of the bicentennial," Harshman said.

Watch for future updates and the Bicentennial website by the end of summer. If you have ideas for the bicentennial, contact any member of the Steering Committee or send an email to slu200@slu.edu.