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11th SLU-Madrid Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony Reflects Jesuit Mission

by Isaiah Voss

On April 9, the Saint Louis University-Madrid community celebrated its 2026 honorees and their accomplishments in Viña Aula 1.

SLU-Madrid Rector William P. Johnson, J.D., welcomed awardees and attendees, emphasizing the University's mission.

"As members of a Jesuit university, the entire community has a shared mission," Johnson said. "Among other things, that mission calls us to care for the whole person — not just as a tagline or a motto, but as a meaningful calling to truly care for our students, our colleagues, our neighbors and the stranger."

Master of ceremonies and SLU-Madrid alumna Katherine Espinosa ('13), highlighted the importance of recognizing that mission in action.

"Our students, our faculty and our staff — our collaborators — reveal themselves every day to be, in the words of St. Ignatius, 'men and women for others,'" Espinosa said. "We know that quote so well. And while that can often be quiet work — not less important work — it's also good to celebrate it sometimes. And that's exactly why we're gathered here tonight."

Seven individuals pose for a photo with a screen behind them that reads "11th Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards".

Awardees pose (from left to right): Felipe Queipo, Cristina Bermejo and Israel Pedroza (Rescate representatives), Marta Moreno, Ph.D., Victoria "Viki" Villarreal, Claire Meyer and SLU-Madrid rector William P. Johnson, J.D. Photo by Ángel García. 

Claire Meyer ('14) commented on her time at SLU-Madrid and its lasting impact.

"Across the board, it was an outstanding international business curriculum," Meyer said. "What I took away from my experience is really a bedrock of some of the deepest and most meaningful friendships I’ve had in my life, still to this day."

Victoria "Viki" Villarreal ('86, '88), SLU-Madrid vice rector and alumna, spoke about how SLU shaped her career. Villarreal said she attended her first class at SLU-Madrid in Aula 1, the space where the ceremony took place. SLU-Madrid reacquired the building and opened it to students in fall 2025, years after being occupied by another university.

"I had no idea what Madrid would bring or that my career would become so connected to this campus," Villarreal said. "Working at SLU has taught me that our lives are not defined only by titles or outcomes, but by how we treat people."

2026 Award Recipients:

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