Donor Highlights

DONOR HIGHLIGHT: CLASS OF 2012

Class of 2012 Makes Mark at St. Louis U. High Day

The second annual St. Louis U. High Day celebration, phonathon and online days of giving, held November 14-16, 2019, focused on the theme of #SLUHMeetsTheNeed. More than $375,000 was raised for SLUH’s financial aid program.

At the phonathon on November 14, a full table of volunteers from the Class of 2012, led by Alumni Board member John Jedlicka ‘12, made extensive outreach to classmates with scores of phone calls, text messages and emails.

“I look forward to St. Louis U. High Day every year,” says Jedlicka. “It’s a great reason to bring classmates together in person or otherwise to catch-up or check-in. Most importantly, the event allows us to give back to the SLUH community that so graciously supported us and continues to provide for every class. Our class continues to have high involvement and participation each year because we feel so strongly in the school’s mission.”

This year's St. Louis U. High Day celebration kicks off on Thursday, November 12, and will conclude with a Mass of Gratitude to all SLUH donors on November 16, the 202nd anniversary of SLUH's opening.

DONOR HIGHLIGHT: JOY AND GEORGE '52 MEISEL

Joy and George '52 Meisel

Divine Inspiration

JOY MEISEL MAKES LASTING GIFT TO CHAPEL RENEWAL

St. Louis Cardinals fans may not recognize the name George Meisel ‘52 like they do Stan Musial or Albert Pujols, but Meisel’s professional contributions paved the way for generations of elite players to compete at the old Busch Stadium, an iconic landmark that rivals the Gateway Arch.

In the mid-1960s, while working for Bryan Cave in commercial real estate, Meisel played a key role in the Cardinals’ move from Sportsmans Park to the original Busch Stadium, which opened in 1966. The opening and closing of the old Busch Stadium, which was part of the renovation of the downtown area, were the “bookends” to George’s illustrious career, which began in 1961 after a three-year stint in the U.S. Air Force. In 1970, he became a partner at Bryan Cave, where he worked nearly his entire career.

Today Joy Meisel is honoring her deceased husband’s legacy with a gift to the renovation of SLUH’s chapel – a strategic priority of the school’s Go Forth campaign.

“George always spoke so highly of his years at The High School,” she says. “There is no school on earth where the faculty gives such special attention and love to each student – not to mention the lifelong friendships that are formed.” Joy, an alumna of The Academy of the Sacred Heart (City House), met George on a blind date. Thereafter, the couple was inseparable. Though they did not have children, Joy found her vocation in life in taking care of others, such as her parents, her in-laws, her aunt and uncle, and George.

In a generous spirit that harkens to that of the school’s foundress, Anna Backer – a widow who gifted SLUH’s current campus in remembrance of her late husband George, an 1869 graduate of the school – Joy feels gratitude in giving back to the school that was so foundational for her husband.

Her gift to SLUH will punctuate the school’s Jesuit, Catholic mission while providing for the creation of a new altar, in honor of George and Joy, in the renovated chapel. In a way, it will also serve as a “bookend” for her enduring relationship with George, which, in the Catholic Church, began at an altar and will remain in perpetuity at this altar.

“George’s days at SLUH became part of his DNA, all the days of his life,” Joy says. “I also benefited from that education when I married him and spent my life with him. I am sure he is pleased with this lasting gift for God’s chapel.”

Chapel Renewal to Reaffirm Mission, Form Church Leaders

GENEROUS LEADERSHIP GIFT BOOSTS KEY CAMPAIGN INITIATIVE

To learn more about the Chapel renewal project, visit www.sluh.org/chapel.

St. Louis University High’s Chapel renewal initiative, a cornerstone of a comprehensive campaign to further the school’s mission in its third century, will punctuate its Jesuit, Catholic identity and commitment to forming Men for Others. Generous donors Pat and Aja Stokes have pledged to match $2 million in gifts made toward this important mission-focused priority.

“ We are deeply humbled and grateful for the Stokes’ extraordinary generosity,” says President Alan Carruthers. “This pledge will double the impact of all gifts made to this critical projec t while renewing the central sacred space of the school so that all students, faculty, staf f, parent s and alumni will experience SLUH as a place of encounter with God.”

By renovating the main Chapel, while simultaneously creating the David J. and Kelly E. Laughlin Campus Ministry Center, SLUH will make more efficient use of space, create positive environmental impact and reaffirm its commitment to vocations and creating leaders for the Church. SLUH has historically been one of the top feeder schools to Kenrick-Glennon Seminary for the Archdiocese of St. Louis and the Society of Jesus. In addition, thous ands of gr aduate s play active roles in their parishes and dioceses as leaders of competence, conscience and compassion. A renewed Chapel will further this faith-filled tradition.

“It is truly time to restore our Chapel to its original dignity, to inspire our community toward greater praise, reverence and service for God,” says Fr. Ian Gibbons, SJ, SLUH Principal. “The Chapel’s new lighting, seating and restored aesthetic will engage the senses and stir the hearts of our young men.”

The Chapel renovation and creation of a new Campus Ministry center are among the top priorities of Go Forth, a transformative campaign that positions SLUH for future generations with a deepened focus on financial accessibility, program excellence and a 21st century campus. The restoration of the chapel and new campus ministry office follow SLUH’s recent acquisition of the Madonna della Strada retreat center near Troy, Missouri.

“The future of SLUH will be built on the strength of our Jesuit, Catholic mission,” says Carruthers. “We are proud to solidify our character and our charism for future generations of Jr. Bills through the Go Forth campaign.”

DONOR HIGHLIGHT: PAT AND AJA STOKES

Aja and Pat Stokes Pat and Aja Stokes are supporting the Chapel renewal initiative with a generous pledge to match $2 million in gifts made toward this effort. Pat, the former Chairman and CEO of Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., shares some of his own perspectives on faith and the importance of this mission-focused priority.

Who have been inspiring saints and heroes in your life?

As far as saints go, I was inspired by my namesake St. Patrick. After all, converting Ireland and driving the snakes out of Ireland is pretty inspiring, but now I hear that he is on the list of saints who may be more legend than fact. I do think that St. Paul is an inspiring figure. He started off in the wrong direction, but the Lord knocked him off his mule and suggested he straighten out his life. He went on to become one of the most prolific spreaders of the gospel in the early Church. I think we can all learn from him that it is never too late to change direction for the good. I have no particular contemporary heroes, but I am always impressed by those who give their time in the service of others. Time is a precious commodity – we only have so much of it.

Why do you feel the Chapel renovation project is important for SLUH and the Church?

Education is very important. but without values it loses its focus. Having a career, raising a family and enjoying life are fine, but they need a greater purpose. I think having a chapel where students can be at peace with themselves and understand what makes them individuals will benefit both SLUH and the Church. There should always be a time and place to explore your relationship with God.

What inspired you to make the matching gift to SLUH?

Maybe it was the Holy Spirit with the assistance of Fr. Paul Sheridan, SJ. I have known Fr. Paul for more than 40 years. In that time I have seen him work tirelessly for others with a long period devoted to SLUH. He has raised money for facilities, financial aid, and done everything he could to make SLUH a better place. Lately I could see that he was focused on spirituality and the need for students to make their relationship with God the focus of their formative experience. So when he told me of his interest in renovating the Chapel, it was easy to say I would help.

What are your hopes and dreams for the students of SLUH?

High school is a great time for SLUH students. They enter as boys and graduate as young adults. It is a time of formation. It is not the end of learning, but it is a time when they form values and learn to think. The time they spend at SLUH will influence them for the rest of their lives. My hope is that they will seize the opportunity to become intellectually and spiritually well rounded. May they all go on in their lives to be persons for others.