John O'Leary Fires Up SLU at Cannonball Conference
John O’Leary had a simple message for Saint Louis University staff at the 3rd annual Cannonball Conference – go forth and set the world on fire.
O’Leary (CSB, ’99) addressed the packed crowd inside the Wool Ballrooms on Thursday morning and offered advice and words of encouragement. He shared the famous quote from St. Ignatius, the Jesuit whose injuries from a cannonball inspired the conference’s name, and motivated the staff with the following advice.
“Set the world on fire — that’s your mandate,” he said.
O’Leary shared his life story, starting from when he was burned at 9 years old and doctors doubted he would survive his injuries. He overcame the odds, wrote two books, became a motivational speaker and currently has a movie, “Soul on Fire,” based on his life, playing in theaters nationwide.
He offered SLU staffers three different ways to set the world on fire. The first was to ignite a sense of gratitude. He shared the story of his late father, Denny (Law ‘68). He once asked his dad, who was living with Parkinson’s disease, for three things he was grateful for about his condition. His dad listed three and O’Leary went to embrace him.
“He said, ‘Sit back down,” O’Leary said. “I’m not finished. I have more.”
His dad kept listing off things he was grateful for, from spending time with family to medical advancements to handicapped parking. He even noted that he was grateful to wake up early each day and see the “light cut through the darkness.”
He encouraged the SLU community to write down the things that they are grateful for in their lives.
O’Leary’s second lesson was to be present. He spoke about the power of being present and being there for people. He said when he was in the hospital, his mother, Susan, was consoled in a time of great stress by a Jesuit scholastic named Don Lee.
“He didn’t say a word, but he was there,” O’Leary said.
His final way to set the world on fire was to demand far more. He encouraged the SLU staff in the ballroom to ask themselves what more they could do in life.
O’Leary told the story of how his life intersected with Hall of Fame St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck. After his accident, Buck visited O’Leary in the hospital and motivated him with autographed baseballs and a trip to Busch Stadium for John O’Leary Day.
“Jack changed that boy’s life,” he said.
When finished with his remarks, O’Leary was saluted with a standing ovation from the record number of SLU staff members in the crowd. SLU’s Vice President of Human Resources Mickey Luna said nearly 1,000 people had registered to attend this year, and the room was filled.
Before O’Leary’s remarks, Luna noted that the event was a chance for the staffers to take a break and enjoy each other’s company. It was also an opportunity to say thanks for all the hard work done by the staff.
“You show up with care, compassion, and love for our students and one another,” Luna said. “Your commitment is amazing.”
Luna also hosted a question-and-answer session with SLU President Edward Feser, Ph.D. Feser shared his initial thoughts about being at SLU.
“I’m lucky to be here,” Feser said. “I picked SLU because you picked me, and I feel very grateful to be here.”
Feser shared insight gleaned from his background growing up in rural America, notably as the son of a park ranger who grew up in national parks. He learned that black bears, for example, like grain when he followed a trail and found himself face-to-face with an equally shocked bear.
As a leader, Feser said he wants to be direct and candid, but also enthusiastic, optimistic, and full of hope. He touched on his vision for SLU’s future and the goal of a new strategic plan that is being developed. He also weighed in on some light-hearted topics and noted that he was not fond of St. Louis-style provel cheese.
Feser also announced that the Christmas holiday at SLU would be extended. He said that the University will be closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, to Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.