University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. has gone to the Far East for two weeks. Departing on Oct. 26, he was accompanied by his staff and Vice President of Development Don Whelan. With stops in Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, Biondi will be visiting the more than 700 alumni that call Asia home.

The entire trip is one of fund-raising and visiting many cities in these countries. Taiwan will be an important stop for the tour, because Saint Louis University has made itself right at home there. Taipei hosts a SLU Masters Program which, along with the Madrid campus, makes up many of the international programs that SLU offers.

Bangkok, Thailand will be a special stop on the Asian tour. Biondi will attend a dedication ceremony with last year’s Sword of Ignatius Loyola recipient, Joseph H. Maier, C.Ss.R. The Sword of Loyola is the highest honor bestowed on individual achievement. Former recipients have included President Harry S Truman, Fr. Walter Ong and astronauts from the 1969 space flight. The award symbolizes the Ignatius vision of service and given to those who have given of themselves to humanity. A sword is awarded to represent Ignatius, who laid down his sword to serve God.

Maier is a receptionist priest in Bangkok and has been responsible for setting up AIDS hospices for women and orphans all over Thailand. Biondi, Maier and the Bishop of Bangkok will be dedicating a new orphanage and hanging the Sword of Loyola at the ceremony.

Upon Biondi’s arrival at the airport in Taipei, 25 excited alums bade him welcome to Taiwan. This trip has been made possible largely through the efforts of the SLU graduates in Asia.

Biondi and Whelan will return to campus on Nov. 14.