 
Freshman Class Sets Records
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"These academic achievements are even more remarkable given that this year's freshman class is nearly 12 percent larger than last year's class," said University Provost Sandra Johnson. An estimated 1,400 freshmen began classes Aug. 28 -- the University's largest freshman class ever.
In addition, the class is geographically diverse, a sign of SLU's national prominence. The freshmen hail from 37 states and a number of foreign countries, including China, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and Venezuela. While more than half of this year's freshmen, for the first time, are from outside the St. Louis metropolitan area, Johnson said Saint Louis University remains steadfast in its commitment to serving local students. The University's goal to achieve greater geographic diversity is built on a plan that maintains a strong presence in the metropolitan area.
The University also is continuing dedication to helping students attend college. This year, as part of Project SLU2000, SLU expanded the number of full-ride presidential scholarships to 30 annually from 10. New provost scholarships joined dean and University scholarships as well. In all, academic and service scholarships were awarded to 53 percent of the freshman class.
Along with the obvious academic standouts -- there are 20 National Merit Scholars in the class -- many of this year's freshmen already have shown signs of becoming women and men for others. As part of "SLU Early Action," more than 100 freshmen and their parents volunteered in the community Aug. 24. They labored in a Midtown garden or assisted with the construction of SLU's Habitat for Humanity house or volunteered at local homeless shelters.
"To have the students help their neighbors even before classes begin sends an important message about reaching out and introduces them to the concept of serving," said Bernie Schaefer, community outreach director.
Though the class of 2004 brings greater academic credentials and geographic diversity, one thing remains constant: Continuing a legacy of quality education, more than 20 percent of the freshmen are sons and daughters of Saint Louis University alumni.
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