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Saint Louis University Oral History Project

Every Billiken has a story; we’re excited to hear yours! With more than 142,000 Saint Louis University alumni worldwide, we know that each graduate has a unique perspective. That’s why we’re partnering with Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI) to verify your alumni record and collect your story in your own words.

Clock Tower Plaza on SLU's campus from above.
SLU’s Office of Alumni Engagement has launched the Oral History Project, an initiative to honor and preserve the stories, memories and experiences that make our community so special.

Share your memories and memorialize your unique journey as a graduate from one of the nation’s premier Jesuit, Catholic universities, from career outcomes and professional successes to friendships and family connections.

As part of this project, PCI will also confirm your alumni record, making it easier for you to stay connected to SLU in the future.

All personal information will be kept confidential, and outreach to you about this project on SLU’s behalf is the only way PCI will interact with you. 

How to Participate

Watch for postcards and emails from PCI with instructions on how to get started. You’ll be able to call in to verify your contact information and share your memories.

You do not need to purchase the physical book or digital version to share your story, and SLU is not generating any revenue through this project. Your participation in this project, while appreciated, is completely voluntary.

If you choose to participate, you’ll have a chance to review your story and submit a photo after the call. These histories will be compiled into a book and digital publication. 

What to Talk About

Every Billiken’s experience is distinctive. Here are a few questions to help you get started when sharing your SLU memories:

  • Why did you choose Saint Louis University?
  • What did a Jesuit education mean to you?
  • What were you involved in outside of the classroom? Did you participate in any student organizations or play a sport?
  • Did you study abroad? If so, what are your favorite memories from SLU-Madrid or elsewhere?
  • Did you have an internship, volunteer in the community or work on research while at SLU? What did those experiences mean for your career?
  • What was your favorite class and why?
  • Who was your favorite professor and why?
  • How have you stayed connected to SLU as an alum? Maybe you follow Billiken athletics, return to campus for Homecoming and Family Weekend or have a regular lunch date with friends you made at SLU?

FAQ

I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How do I get started?
  • If you received a postcard or an email about the Oral History Project, call the number listed to speak with a dedicated representative who will verify the information we have on file for you, make updates where needed and ask you about your time at Saint Louis University. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip will be provided to Saint Louis University at the conclusion of the project.

    • If you received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
  • If you did not receive a postcard or email, call the dedicated Saint Louis University update line at 1-866-571-0464.
  • If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, email PCIservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
  • If you’re attending Homecoming and Family Weekend, stop by Busch Student Center, Room 256,  between noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, to learn more about SLU’s Oral History Project.   
What if I can’t find my email or postcard?

If you can’t find the email or postcard and want to reach PCI directly, call 888-827-6096. They will be able to look up your record and assist you. 

How can I participate if I’m Deaf or hard of hearing?

All Billikens can participate in this project! Email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com, and PCI will send a personalized link for you to share your written story and a photo.

I updated my information, but need time to think about what experience to share. What’s the deadline to participate?

You can call back at any time before March 13, 2026, to participate in SLU's Oral History Project.

Can I choose what information is included in the publication?

The only information that is included in the publication is your name, class year and degree, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your alumni record with the University.

You will have the opportunity to review your oral history before its final submisson. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear in the publication at any time before March 13, 2026, by contacting PCI’s customer service help desk at 1-800-982-1590 or PCIservice@publishingconcepts.com.

I shared my SLU story. How can I submit a photo?

You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption. If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a mailer to send in a physical photo to be printed. (The photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.)

Do I have to purchase the book if I participate?

You do not need to make a purchase to participate in SLU's Oral History Project. Throughout the project, you will have the option to purchase branded merchandise, a physical book or digital publication. All purchases are optional, even for those who participate and share their story. 

Who can purchase a book?

The Saint Louis University oral history publication is available for sale only to Saint Louis University alumni.

How does PCI partner with SLU?

The PCI team is helping SLU verify alumni records and collect alumni stories to produce an oral history publication. We have only shared your contact information with PCI as a contractor to conduct this work, not for any other purposes. You may receive emails and communication directly from PCI about this project but trust that Saint Louis University has reviewed each of these and is working directly with the company at no risk to you. 

How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law.

Does Saint Louis University profit from this project?

SLU is receiving no compensation from book sales or merchandise offered by PCI. These items underwrite the cost of the project itself and are offered as a benefit to participants. Our primary goal is to ensure our alumni records are accurate and to collect oral histories. 

Why does Saint Louis University need a partner for this project?

With more than 142,000 living alumni to contact, SLU does not have the resources to reach out to everyone individually to verify their information and collect these stories. This project complements in-house efforts, including mailings, contact from student callers, emails and more.

If your information is out of date, and you'd prefer not to contact PCI, we encourage you to update it online here.

When will I receive my order?

Books printed as part of SLU's Oral History Project are expected to be distributed in October of 2026.

How can I cancel a book or package I ordered over the phone?

Contact PCI’s customer service help desk at 1-800-982-1590 to cancel your order of a book or other merchandise related to SLU's Oral History Project.