Biondi Casts Spotlight on Regional Challenges, Solutions During Citizen of the Year Speech

University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., with Dr. Donald Suggs of the St. Louis American. Photo by Steve Dolan

Saint Louis University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., was recognized as St. Louis' "2005 Citizen of the Year" during a special event Wednesday, April 19, at SLU. Awarded by a committee of former recipients and sponsored by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the honor is given annually to a community leader who demonstrates concern for St. Louis' growth and vitality.

Last year's recipient, Dr. Donald Suggs, publisher and president of the St. Louis American, introduced Biondi, describing him as "Renaissance man." After the introduction, Biondi took the stage in Cook Hall's Anheuser-Busch Auditorium to deliver a speech that referenced SLU's successes but focused more on the issues facing the St. Louis region that most concern him.

Biondi led off by acknowledging all of those who make SLU shine, "from the grounds crew to the history professors to the health care providers to the deans and vice presidents, and many, many other professionals."

"I know, and you know, that this award honors not only me but this entire University community that I am privileged to lead," he told an audience filled with friends, family, colleagues and local leaders, including St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay. Biondi's 98-year-old mother, Albertina, was in the front row.

Biondi discussed the University's dramatic growth over the last decade, including rising national rankings and the growing endowment. He also highlighted SLU's commitment to social justice, offering concrete examples of how members of the University community strive to make a difference in the world. Biondi also told the crowd that the University welcomes all peoples regardless of their religious beliefs, race, or sexual orientation.

Biondi spent most of his time at the podium addressing the issues he views as keeping the city and region from becoming as great as it could or should be. He talked about challenges facing the city's public schools, the region's mass transit system, the airport and economic development. He also tackled tough issues such as diversity and political polarization.

"I believe that being named Citizen of the Year brings with it a responsibility, first to discern and then to help lead the dialogue of how we all can make our lives better, and at the same time, to point out the significant challenges we have to deal with in order to achieve a more equitable, a more fulfilling life for all of our citizens," Biondi said.

Facing these issues squarely and solving them, Biondi said, would require commitment from what he called the "three-legged stool" of government, business and higher education. He said he felt these three key facets failed to work together far too often.

"We must commit ourselves to St. Louis. We must commit our time. We must commit our money. We must commit our talents. And, most importantly, we must commit ourselves to working together."

Biondi also shared his vision for the future, which included a booming downtown, lively riverfront and beautiful marina. He shared his hope that the region would become a hub for biotechnology.

"Most of all I would like to see the day when we are no longer divided by whether we live in the city or the county or in the Metro East - that we are all simply St. Louisans," he said.

Near the end of his speech, Biondi turned to the previous Citizens of the Year, who were featured on stage with him. He called them risk takers and people with vision.

"Blessed with so much talent, how could we not all succeed in working together for the common good of our fellow citizens?" Biondi asked.

The old St. Louis Globe-Democrat began the "Man of the Year" award in 1955. The Post-Dispatch took sponsorship in 1988, and the award committee renamed the honor in 1997.

The "2005 Citizen of the Year" honor was just the latest recognition for Biondi. He has earned the prestigious St. Louis Award, the Leon R. Strauss Urban Pioneer Award, the Mayor John H. Poelker Leadership Award and the Chief Executive Leadership Award for CASE District 6.

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