SLU Recognizes Heimburger at Retirement Celebration
Saint Louis University saluted David Heimburger, vice president and chief financial officer, on his last day in that role.
Members of the SLU community gathered in the St. Louis Room of the Busch Student Center to say farewell on Wednesday afternoon to recognize Heimburger, who is retiring after 17 years at the University.
“He’s done this with calm, steadiness, candor, and sound judgment,” said SLU President Edward Feser, Ph.D. “He’s always collaborative, and he has a very strong moral compass. That’s all been to our great advantage here at SLU.”
Heimburger, a Billiken alum who earned an accounting degree in 1985, joined SLU in 2009 as the director of budget. In 2011, he was named the CFO for the University.
Feser noted that, during Heimburger’s tenure, SLU saw its endowment grow by nearly 170 percent. SLU also underwent several major projects under Heimburger, including the construction of two new residence halls, the Jesuit Center, the O’Loughlin Family Champions Center, and the Sinquefield Science and Engineering Center.
Heimburger also supported the University’s reacquisition of Saint Louis University Hospital from Tenet and its subsequent transfer to SSM Health, and the integration of the SLUCare physician practice with SSM. With his team, he also spearheaded the implementation of Workday and launched the Midtown St. Louis Redevelopment Corporation.
“He’s been involved in some of the most consequential investments and projects in SLU history,” Feser said.
While Heimburger excelled at his job, Feser said he will be most remembered for the way he treated people.
“For me, what distinguishes him is how he does it,” Feser said. “I think all of us in the room know how trusted he is, how much he listens, and how he treats people with respect, whether they are a trustee or a member of faculty, staff, or student. He’s always approached his job with a love for the mission of Saint Louis University.”
Michael Lucido, vice president of facilities, said Heimburger's greatest strength was his ability to bring people together.
“David has always understood that at the heart of every successful organization, there are strong relationships,” Lucido said. “He knows that collaboration isn’t simply about getting people in the same room, it’s about listening and understanding different perspectives, building trust and finding common ground.”
Tara Thomason, assistant vice president and controller, valued Heimburger as a boss. She said he always supported his team and noted that he regularly sent texts to her and other team members offering praise and encouragement.
“He consistently made us feel supported in the decisions we were making,” she said.
Thomason and others said Heimburger constantly showed he cared. He always checked in on employees and asked questions about their families.
Jeff Hovey, senior director of business services, praised Heimburger for being a great listener and for his ability to make hard decisions.
“It was a compassionate no,” Hovey said. “It was never a gleeful no. It was always him wanting to help you.”
Heimburger was presented with a statue of King Louis IX and an autographed Saint Louis University basketball. Heimburger noted that all his success at SLU was due to being part of a great team.
“SLU is a great place for learning, and it has certainly played an important part in my life,” he said. “The successes we have achieved are due in large part to my team. I am truly blessed to work with talented and motivated leaders.”
Heimburger said he was touched by all the nice remarks from his colleagues.
“I’m super excited about the next book of my life, but today is the day to look and smile with deep satisfaction,” he said.