Exploring SLU Traditions Across Generations
In this episode of “1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast,” co-hosts Tony Minor (A&S ‘03) and Meg Connolly (A&S ‘90, GRAD A&S ‘92) delve into all the events and experiences that bond Billikens together through the years.
About Episode Seven
Some Saint Louis University traditions stand the test of time, while others are unique to specifics era of Billikens. "Inside SLU Traditions" explores the history of longstanding campus events and practices, including Homecoming and Family Weekend, which dates back to the 1920s at SLU. In the first part of this episode, Connolly and SLU archivist emeritus and alumnus John Waide (GRAD '73) break down the history of this signature annual event, which has evolved from being centered around a football game or basketball game to featuring dances, parades, and, most recently, a tailgate and men’s soccer game.
“And so they have the soccer game, and at the halftime of the soccer game, they shoot off the fireworks from the top level of the Compton Olive Garage,” Waide said. “I think it's a pretty cool celebration now. And it does harken back to the earlier days when they had the parades and the floats and the homecoming queen and king.”
Inside the Roundtable Discussion
Then, in our roundtable segment, alumni guests from across the generations — Bill Klepper (A&S '66, GRAD ED '67, '75), Maria Rozier Kiphart (CSB '07) and Chandler Beck (PH '23) — join Connolly and Minor to discuss their favorite SLU traditions. The group reminisces about everything from Mass at St. Francis Xavier College Church and the impact of SLU’s service culture to unauthorized trips down a snow-covered Art Hill and jaunts through campus fountains.
“I tried so hard to get a few traditions started during my time at SLU,” Beck said. “One of my favorite ones, though, was I would take each of my summer orientation groups and get them to stand in the Dolphin Pond.”
Alumni Perks
To wrap up the episode, Minor shares some of our favorite alumni benefits: the signature events that bring all Billikens back to campus. Those include Homecoming and Family Weekend, Alumni Fan Fest and more.