SLU Shaped Joe Cattaneo’s Lifelong Commitment to Service
Reflecting on his time at Saint Louis University, Joe Cattaneo (A&S ’69, GRAD A&S ’71) said he considers it a pivotal experience that offered him not only a solid education but also a profound sense of purpose.
“My experience at SLU helped me become who I am today,” he said. “I’m someone who takes on various responsibilities, identifies as moderately liberal, is self-deprecating and empathetic, actively participates in charitable organizations and considers myself something of a jack-of-all-trades.”
That sense of self-awareness — shaped in part by a year spent attending high school in Italy for one year — sparked Cattaneo’s desire to broaden SLU’s global reach. He wanted to create opportunities for students from around the world to experience the same transformative education he received.
In 2022, he turned that vision into action by establishing a named scholarship for international undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences. His goal: to help them access SLU’s top-tier education, build lasting friendships and enrich their time in the United States.
That dream is already taking shape. For the past two years, Cattaneo has attended SLU’s annual Scholarship Dinner, which honors donors who have established scholarships and highlights the impact of these scholarships on students, while providing an opportunity for donors and their recipients to connect. Recently, he met the French pre-med student who received his award and connected with other international students. Hearing firsthand how financial support opened doors for them was deeply rewarding, he said.
“I appreciate being invited to this annual event,” he said. “Learning about students’ achievements and conversing with other donors about our days at SLU is always rewarding. I look forward to the next Scholarship Dinner on April 23.”
A Journey of Adaptability and Leadership
Cattaneo said he chose SLU over Loyola University Chicago and Drake University because he wanted to stay closer to home. He credits the unwavering support of the faculty as a significant influence on his achievements. He said the late John Padberg, S.J., provided encouragement throughout his college years, while the late John Bannon, S.J. (A&S ’28, GRAD A&S ’29), helped him turn a “D” into an “A,” demonstrating to Cattaneo that he could realize his potential. His mentor, the late George Wendel, Ph.D. (GRAD A&S ’56, GRAD A&S ’60), guided him toward pursuing a master’s in urban affairs. And joining Delta Sigma Phi during his freshman year fostered a lasting sense of brotherhood, he said. He remains actively engaged with the fraternity’s foundation today.
After earning bachelor’s degrees in political science and history and a master’s in urban planning, Cattaneo initially targeted law school. However, the Vietnam War shifted his aspirations, leading him to serve as an officer in the United States Army Reserves for 14 years in both the infantry and artillery.
“The war impacted my planned career in a negative way,” he said. “I had to readjust my expectations and seek employment after returning from active duty in the early 1970s.”
I cherish the memories of my college days, the friendships I forged, and the education I received. I’m proud to assist current students and fellow alumni, encouraging them to make the most of their experiences, practice patience and pursue their ambitions.”
Joe Cattaneo (A&S ’69, GRAD A&S ’71)
Cattaneo’s ability to adapt to change led him to a successful career in the nonprofit sector, as well as in advertising and trade associations. He began his professional journey at the American Red Cross in 1970 and advanced into leadership roles across Illinois, Wisconsin and Ohio. After two decades with the Glass Packaging Institute in Washington, D.C., where he progressed from vice president of marketing to president, he retired for the second time in 2019. Recently, he has consulted on packaging and recycling initiatives and briefly served as interim CEO of Volunteer Fairfax in 2023.
Living as a “man for and with others” has been a guiding principle for Cattaneo, he said. Over the past decade, he has volunteered with the American Red Cross National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region, taking on leadership roles and joining the Red Cross Alumni Network board in 2024.
“Saint Louis University provided me with a solid foundation,” Cattaneo said. “I cherish the memories of my college days, the friendships I forged, and the education I received. I’m proud to assist current students and fellow alumni, encouraging them to make the most of their experiences, practice patience and pursue their ambitions.”