In the final episode of 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast's first season, co-hosts Meg Connolly (A&S '90, GRAD A&S' 92) and Tony Minor (A&S' 03) explore the historical facts and spiritual legacy behind one of Saint Louis University's most infamous stories: the 1949 St. Louis exorcism, a real-life event that inspired William Peter Blatty's bestselling novel and screenplay The Exorcist.

Learn:

• How Georgetown student William Peter Blatty discovered the story and the origins of Saint Louis University's involvement.
• Why SLU archivists and Jesuits involved in the rite intentionally protected the identity of the real child at the center of the exorcism for over 70 years.
• What happened after the book and movie concluded, and the real-life toll the event took on the Jesuits involved.

First, Archivist Emeritus John Waide (A&S '73), who has answered decades of questions about Saint Louis University's role in the famous religious rite, joins Connelly to discuss a landmark 2013 panel held in Pius XII Memorial Library that drew over 1,000 students and community members on the 40th anniversary of the film. The nearly two-hour video coverage of the event remains one of SLU's top posts on YouTube, with more than 282,700 views.

Then, Waide stays on as an expert in the second half, where he is joined by Brian Shelton, Ph.D. (GRAD A&S ' 03), author of Theology of a Diary: The 1949 St. Louis Exorcism. Together, the panel unpacks primary source documents detailing the pastoral commitment of the SLU Jesuits involved in the rite, separating Hollywood fiction from reality and examining how a story often associated with fear ultimately delivers a powerful message of hope and perseverance.

Explore More:

• SLU Legends and Lore: St. Louis Exorcism
• Universitas: Exorcism Exposé
• Teaser: Inside SLU's 2013 Exorcism Panel

In this episode of 1818: A Saint Louis Alumni Podcast, co-hosts Meg Connolly (A&S ’90, Grad ’92) and Tony Minor (A&S ’03) explore all the events and experiences that bond Billikens together through the years.

First, Connolly and SLU archivist emeritus and alumnus John Waide (GRAD '73) break down the history of Homecoming and Family Weekend, which dates back to the 1920s. Early on, homecoming traditions centered around a football game or basketball game. Over the years, the event featured parades, dances and, most recently, a men’s soccer game. While the festivities have changed over time, the tradition of bringing the Billiken community together for the event now known as Homecoming and Family Weekend has endured.

Then, in our roundtable, alumni guests from across the generations — Bill Klepper (A&S '66, GRAD ED '67, '75), Maria Rozier Kiphart (CSB '07) and Chandler Beck (PH '23) — join Connolly and Minor to discuss their favorite SLU traditions. The group reminisces about everything from Mass at St. Francis Xavier College Church and the impact of SLU’s service culture to unauthorized trips down a snow-covered Art Hill and jaunts through campus fountains.

Finally, as always, Minor shares some of our favorite alumni benefits: the signature events that bring all Billikens back to campus. Those include Homecoming and Family Weekend, Alumni Fan Fest and more.

Want to learn more? Read about Saint Louis University homecoming traditions, faith traditions and traditions Billikens enjoy on campus today.

In this episode of 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast, hosts Meg Connolly (A&S ‘90, GRAD A&S ‘92) and Tony Minor (A&S ‘03) explore how campus involvement shapes student life and lays the groundwork for lifelong connection. Connolly opens the episode alongside Amy Fehlig Kendall (CSB ‘91, GRAD CSB ‘98) to discuss the history and impact of Oriflamme, SLU’s longest-standing group of student leaders that welcome new students to campus and help them transition to college life. Fehlig Kendall reflects on how Oriflamme and the warmth of the Billiken community built her confidence, created lifelong friendships, and eventually came full circle when her own sons attended SLU.

In the second half, Minor and Connolly lead a dynamic roundtable with alumni guests Jeff Jarrett (CSB '03) and Aric Hamilton (A&S ’23, GRAD ED ’25). They explore why saying "yes" to sometimes unexpected campus opportunities during a student’s undergraduate years can lead to a lifelong calling. Jarrett shares how working at SLU’s on-campus radio station, KSLU, influenced his career in music management and event production, while Hamilton reflects on how serving as SLU’s Student Government Association president helped him discover a passion for higher education administration and student advocacy.

Finally, as always, Minor shares a valuable alumni perk — signature celebrations held throughout the year just for graduates, their families, and guests, offering exclusive experiences not available anywhere else.

Want to learn more? Delve into SLU’s Oriflamme, from where the group takes its name to what it represents on campus today, and learn more about the group’s longtime advisor, Mary Bruemmer. Get a glimpse at what student organizations exist on campus today, as well as what alumni clubs offer in St. Louis and beyond. Plus, don’t forget to see which signature alumni events are coming up next.