Scholarship Dinner Celebrates Donor Generosity, Student Success

Saint Louis University hosted donors and scholarship recipients on campus for the annual Scholarship Dinner — celebrating the generosity of SLU’s supporters and the success of its students. 

Financing a college education is a daunting task for most families. Each year, more than 90% of undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students at SLU receive financial aid, including scholarships. 

Thanks to the philanthropic commitment of its supporters, Saint Louis University experienced a remarkable year for scholarships in 2024. With the help of donors:

• $9.6 million in scholarship funds were raised to support students
• 5,101 individual gifts were made to scholarship funds
• Nearly $19 million in scholarship funds were awarded to 3,141 students
• Nearly all of SLU’s first-time freshmen — 99.7% — received financial aid
• 43.5% of the 2024 undergraduate class graduated with no student loan debt

“These incredible achievements were made possible because of you and your unwavering commitment to making SLU’s transformative Jesuit education accessible to all,” said Tony Minor, assistant vice president of alumni and donor engagement. “We are extremely grateful and inspired by donors’ generosity. We are also proud of our students, each of whom uses their talents and knowledge to make a difference on campus, in the St. Louis region, across the country and around the world.”

The evening included opportunities for donors and scholarship recipients to get to know each other and featured the music of Six Eight Christian A Cappella, a group of SLU students formed in 2014. 

I’ve learned that success isn’t just about financial spreadsheets or leadership strategies, it’s about understanding people, making ethical decisions, and using our skills to uplift those around us."

Sam Aitchison

The student speaker, senior Sam Aitchison, shared with attendees why he is passionate about shaping the future of education. Aitchison, who recently received the prestigious Truman Scholarship, hopes to pursue a master’s degree in educational transformation. 

“One of the greatest gifts of my SLU education has been the emphasis on holistic development. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about financial spreadsheets or leadership strategies, it’s about understanding people, making ethical decisions, and using our skills to uplift those around us,” Aitchison shared during the event. “None of this would be possible without the generosity of donors like you. Receiving a scholarship is more than just financial assistance – it shows someone believes in me.”

This year’s event also celebrated University President Fred Pestello, Ph.D.’s 11 years of transformative leadership as he prepares to step down from his role at the end of June.

Under Pestello’s leadership, Saint Louis University has broken records in enrollment, fundraising and research growth. SLU recently received R1 Status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. And, the University has elevated its involvement in the St. Louis Region, partnering with others to address the region’s most pressing issues. 

Additionally, Pestello led the largest and most successful fundraising campaign in the University’s history, creating 416 new scholarships. To honor Drs. Fred and Fran Pestello, the Saint Louis University Student Government Association has established a new named scholarship to be awarded annually to an undergraduate student. 
 
The Drs. Fred and Fran Pestello Legacy of Leadership Award will recognize a student who upholds the Jesuit mission, maintains academic excellence and actively engages in community service. 

“Through their education and impact, the awardee will embody the spirit of transformational leadership that you inspired throughout your tenure at SLU,” Minor said before presenting Drs. Fred and Fran Pestello with a proclamation honoring the scholarship.

Learn more about the impact of scholarship support at SLU.