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.

Whether it was the inaugural class or last year’s students, alumni who visit Saint Louis University-Madrid all share a similar sentiment upon their return: studying there changed their lives. This episode of 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast dives into the student experience of SLU-Madrid past, present and future.

First, Tim Morrow (A&S '71) and Barbara Morrow (A&S '71) share nostalgic memories of arriving in Spain in 1969 as part of the first class to study at SLU-Madrid. They discuss how their tight-knit group of a few dozen students navigated cultural immersion and late-night tapas outings under the legendary leadership of Raymond L. Sullivant, S.J. The Morrows, now married, met as students at SLU. They remain close with several other students who studied at SLU-Madrid with them.

Then, current campus leaders William Johnson, J.D., SLU-Madrid rector, and Victoria Villarreal (A&S '86, GRAD CSB '88), vice rector and associate vice president, chief financial officer, join hosts Meg Connolly (A&S '90, GRAD A&S' 92) and Tony Minor (A&S' 03) to discuss milestone moments that have shaped SLU-Madrid. They share what the student experience is like today and their hopes for the campus's future.

The episode concludes with details about an opportunity for graduates to reminisce on the St. Louis campus: campus visits tailored just for alumni. SLU's Office of Alumni Engagement now offers complimentary alumni tours of either side of SLU's St. Louis campus — available by appointment 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Want to explore more? Check out these resources:

- Learn more about alumni tours
- View SLU-Madrid’s current program offerings

Whether you are part of the first successful manned mission to the moon or showing systemic courage to challenge injustice, pioneers are formed when the stakes are at their highest. This episode of 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast features an in-depth look at SLU's many firsts — from its status as the oldest university west of the Mississippi to the institutional resilience and values-driven decision-making that have marked its more than 200-year history.

Our show starts with legendary NASA flight director and SLU alumnus Eugene "Gene" Kranz (PC '54), who details how his undergraduate experience as a Billiken shaped the mental fortitude required to navigate the Apollo 11 lunar landing under critical fuel margins. Then, Dr. Ellen Harshman, dean emeritus of the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, and University Archivist Katie Mascari join hosts Meg Connolly (A&S '90, GRAD A&S' 92) and Tony Minor (A&S' 03) to discuss how SLU has transformed academic knowledge into societal progress. From the groundbreaking Heithaus Homily to the University's refusal to participate in a major 1950s basketball tournament in segregated Louisiana and the Board of Trustees' defiant refusal to move the campus to the suburbs during a period of urban flight, learn about moments where SLU went against the tide to do what was right.

Then hear how modern SLU continues its pioneering legacy through leading-edge research and innovation, and how alumni can carry the Jesuit ideals of being men and women for others into everyday corporate and civic spaces.

The show concludes with information about how SLU honors its outstanding graduates and how you can nominate an alum for an upcoming award.

Want to explore more? Check out these resources:

• "Failure is Not an Option" on Amazon
• National Air and Space Museum Eugene Kranz Exhibit
• Timeline of Saint Louis University
• Saint Louis University History on slu.edu
• Alumni Awards at SLU

In part one of this episode of 1818: A Saint Louis Alumni Podcast, Meg Connolly (A&S ‘90, GRAD A&S ‘92) talks with SLU alumna and associate vice president of brand management, Laura Geiser (A&S ‘90, GRAD A&S ‘92), on the origins of one of the most iconic and unusual aspects of SLU’s sporting history: the Billiken. From the origins of “the god of things as they ought to be” as a turn of the 20th-century Labubu to the best ways for a Billiken to bring you good luck, Geiser shares the history and symbolism behind SLU’s iconic mascot.

Then Meg and co-host Tony Minor (A&S ‘03) welcome Janet Oberle, Ph.D., (GRAD '99, GRAD ED '18) Saint Louis University’s deputy director of athletics and two-time alum, and former men’s basketball standout Jordair Jett (A&S ‘14) for a roundtable on Billiken Athletics.

From playing on SLU’s first Division I women’s soccer team to witnessing NCAA tournament milestones and the program’s steady climb, Oberle hits on the highlights of Billiken athletics, including the strong connections between student-athletes and the University for years after graduation. Then relive SLU’s legendary NCAA comeback over NC State and the heartbreak against Michigan State with Jett, who also shares what it meant to be the first in his family to attend college and tells us about a new arrival who will carry on the name “Jordair.”

Then, as always, Tony shares a valuable alumni perk you can enjoy year-round while on campus: access to Simon Recreation Center and Pius Memorial Library. Learn more about how to enjoy these benefits.

Want to learn more about today’s topics?

Explore SLU’s resources that help explain the Billiken, including a page dedicated to the topic on slu.edu and a 2019 article about the legends and lore around the mascot.

Stay on top of all things Billiken athletics on its website, or tune into another SLU podcast, hosted by Saint Louis University Director of Athletics Chris May, From the Stands.

In part one of this episode of 1818: A Saint Louis Alumni Podcast, Meg Connolly (A&S ‘90, GRAD A&S ‘92) speaks with SLU alumnus Jody Sowell, Ph.D, president and CEO of the Missouri Historical Society, about how the people of SLU have helped contribute to its legacy in St. Louis. Sowell highlights key figures, including Nobel laureate Edward Doisy, aviation benefactor Oliver Parks and Fr. Claude Heithaus, whose 1944 sermon called for SLU to enroll Black students. Sowell also discusses the Missouri History Museum’s exhibit on SLU’s destruction of the historically black Mill Creek Valley neighborhood and the University's role in the city’s future.

Then, Meg and co-host Tony Minor (A&S ‘03) welcome guests Peg Weathers, president and CEO of Grand Center Inc., and Brooks Goedeker, executive director of St. Louis Midtown Redevelopment Group, for a roundtable about the University’s impact on Midtown and St. Louis as a whole. They discuss the University’s decision in the 1960s to remain in the city, its role as an anchor for Grand Center, and recent redevelopment in the area, including City Foundry, Topgolf, Target, and more.

Finally, as always, Tony shares a valuable alumni perk — this time, tools to help you start, change or advance your professional path.

Want to learn more about today’s topic?

Explore more of the history behind Mill Creek Valley, including the Missouri History Museum’s exhibit (which runs through July 12, 2026), photos and an overview available through SLU’s library, and a public art installation on campus that honors its legacy, today.

Or, get updates on redevelopment near SLU and Grand Center.

Finally, access professional development resources for alumni through SLU’s Career Services.

In this inaugural episode of '1818: A Saint Louis Alumni Podcast,' co-hosts Tony Minor and Meg Connolly delve into SLU's more than 200-year history with the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. The episode leads off with Meg speaking with alumnus Father Roc O'Connor musician and member of the beloved St. Louis Jesuits, known worldwide for Catholic liturgical songs like 'Be Not Afraid,' 'Here I Am Lord,' and 'City of God,' followed by a round table discussion with alumni Father David Suwalsky, SLU's vice president for mission and identity, and David Miros, director of the Jesuit Archives and Research Center. After exploring Jesuit contributions to SLU and St. Louis - touching on notable figures, pivotal moments like the cholera epidemic, and the ongoing preservation of Jesuit history - Tony concludes the episode by exploring a key alumni benefit.

Want to learn more? Check out SLU's Mission Matters podcast, or hear more from the St. Louis Jesuits. You can also explore SLU's digital archives, which include "Woodstock Letters," a publication of the Society of Jesus from 1872 until 1969, originally intended for Jesuit readers only. Plus, stay tuned for future episodes of "1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast," which delve into other moments in Jesuit history, including the historic Heithaus Homily and infamous 1949 St. Louis exorcism.