Statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola Unveiled

To generations of students, Bruemmer has embodied the University's mission, working tirelessly as a student advocate, friend and champion. Now, Saint Louis University alumnus Patrick C. Ward, M.D., has honored Bruemmer for her service, dedicating in her honor a statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola, "The Pilgrim." The University unveiled the statue at a blessing and dedication ceremony May 17 in the DuBourg Hall quadrangle.

"Mary Bruemmer was to me, as she has been to many generations of SLU students, a support, a friend and a mentor," Ward said. "When I was president of Oriflamme, she helped me groom my leadership skills and organizational skills to take the organization to new levels and activities. When I was a resident adviser, she helped me with my listening skills and my counseling skills. She would never take credit for any of that, but that is the truth. I owe her, as well as Saint Louis University, a debt I could never repay, for they together have made me the person I am today."

After graduating from Saint Louis University in 1942 and working in Springfield, Ill., for a variety of organizations, Bruemmer returned to the University in 1956 as director of women's housing. She earned her master's degree at SLU in 1960. In 1967, she became the University's dean of women and assistant to the vice president for student affairs. In 1972, she was named the dean of student affairs. From 1985 to 1990, Bruemmer was the assistant to the vice president for development.

Since retiring from her University position in 1990, Bruemmer has been a full-time Saint Louis University volunteer, currently serving as the liaison for the Women's Council; coordinator for Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honor society; and a Women's Commission volunteer.

Among her numerous honors are the Victor R. Yanitelli, SJ, Award from the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the University's Fleur de Lis Award and the William Barnaby Faherty, SJ, Alumni Merit Award from the College of Arts and Sciences. She also received an honorary doctorate at this year's University commencement.

Bruemmer said that when Ward told her he wanted to honor her, a statue of St. Ignatius was the first thing that came to mind.

"I think that for today's students and for our alumni and for the Jesuit community, it's important that we show our Jesuit roots," Bruemmer said. "The statue seemed the ideal way to do that."

The bronze statue was designed by artist Vicki Reid of St. Charles, who also sculpted "Madonna Della Strada" near Fusz Hall. Reid depicts St. Ignatius during his pilgrimage -- a man whose spiritual commitment led him to walk all over the world with his followers.

"I strongly believe in the Jesuit philosophy," said Ward, who now lives in Washington, D.C. "A statue to honor the Jesuits, as well as Mary Bruemmer, seemed a perfect fit."

Also perfect, Bruemmer said, is the statue's location on the University's quad near DuBourg Hall, where Jesuits lived when Bruemmer was a student.

"In those days, this was the only place the Jesuits had to walk or recreate. It was their playground and their prayground, the place where they gathered," she said. "It was the place students knew they could find a Jesuit."

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