Letter from the President

In 2000 and 2006, the Jesuit Secondary Education Association (now known as the Jesuit Schools Network) released a document to help all Ignatian-inspired school apostolates maintain and deepen their Jesuit identity. Reflected in that document is a profound statement of St. Ignatius’ second observation in the Contemplation on the Love of God, which “reminds us that love consists in the mutual sharing of goods” (Spiritual Exercises [231], What Makes a Jesuit School Jesuit [2]).

The successful completion of the St. Louis University High Go Forth campaign, the largest in the history of our 204-year-old school, demonstrates that the love for our educational and formational community is broad and deep. The campaign was not only an exercise in fundraising, but also an opportunity to listen, unpack and be moved by the stories of alumni, friends and benefactors who were considering “mutual sharing of gifts” because of their love of the school and its Jesuit mission. "The successful completion of the St. Louis University High Go Forth campaign, the largest in the history of our 204-year-old school, demonstrates that the love for our educational and formational community is broad and deep."

It was a true and humbling blessing to hear alumni who graduated from the 1940s through the 2000s reflect, process and define the formational and educational impact of SLUH. Stories of teachers, coaches and administrators – lay and Jesuit – delineated the long blue line of intellectual and faith-filled alumni. The commonality for all of these conversations was a deep sense of foundational excellence that led to meaningful and rich lives of service, leadership and personal success.

Some spoke of fulfilling marriages and raising wellrounded and accomplished children, or perhaps a life of service to the Church. Others recalled scientific and entrepreneurial creativity, or even corporate and financial outcomes. But all spoke of problem solving, work ethic, service to others, a relentless pursuit of excellence, as well as lessons learned and embedded deep through their formational experiences at SLUH. Our school is deeply blessed by the Christ-inspired love that permeates our tradition on 4970 Oakland. Our enrollment remains strong at about 1,000 boys; our 100-year-old campus is being renewed to serve another 100 years; our modernized programming provides exceptional STEM and global education opportunities; our activities and athletics are vibrant and successful (SLUH was among the Top 5 athletic programs, according to local media); and our academic outcomes remain at a level of traditional excellence.

Your love and generosity, underpinned by our Jesuit mission, is allowing us to make great things happen for and with the young men we serve. Thank you for supporting our Go Forth campaign, and thank you for helping us live for the Greater Glory of God.

Gratefully,

Alan Carruthers

President