SLU Launches Oral History Project
A new oral history project aimed at engaging Saint Louis University’s more than 142,000 living alumni launches this fall, encouraging Billikens to share stories of their time on campus and successes since graduation.
Following similar successful projects at institutions across the country — including several Catholic, Jesuit universities — the initiative will also verify alumni records, increasing SLU’s ability to create community and engage graduates.
The project, which comes at no cost to SLU, will conclude in late 2026 with the publication of a full-color hardcover book with selected stories from alumni across all of SLU’s schools and colleges. Participants will receive the opportunity to purchase the volume, a digital record of their interview or Saint Louis University merchandise supporting the initiative.
How to Take Part
“Graduates will be invited to participate in the project via postcards and emails from SLU’s partner in the project, Publishing Concepts, Inc., (PCI) over the fall and early winter,” said Tony Minor, assistant vice president for alumni and donor engagement. “From there, they can call PCI’s call center, choosing to verify their alumni information alone or to provide an oral history. They can even add a photo.”
Alumni returning to campus for 2025 Homecoming and Family Weekend (Sept. 26-28) can also learn more about the project and get a link to participate from 12 to 4 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 27, in Busch Student Center, Room 256.
PCI’s representatives will write an initial draft of each Billiken memory shared, which alumni can review and edit. In addition to possible inclusion in the book, stories may also be used on social media or lead to other alumni features.
“It’s important to note that this is not a fundraising initiative,” Minor said. “Alumni will not be asked to make a gift or contacted by PCI for any other purpose.”
Increased Opportunities for Alumni Engagement
Instead, it is an engagement effort, Minor said.
The Oral History Project is among several new ways to show points of alumni connection this fiscal year. A new podcast, 1818, will run concurrently with the oral history project, and SLU’s alumni website has recently been enhanced to emphasize graduate achievements.
“We often say, Once a Billiken, Always a Billiken,” Minor said. “Building relationships is at the heart of what we do, and that is only possible through the connection of graduates across all generations. We can’t wait to learn more about their memories and impact on the world.”
For more information on Saint Louis University’s Oral History Project, visit slu.edu/alumni or email oralhistory@slu.edu.