Saint Louis University hosted the National Seminar on Jesuit
Higher Education last weekend. At the seminar, a number of
representatives from the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities across
the nation were on campus talking to faculty and students on
concerns that face the University’s ideals and mission.

The seminar is hosted three times a year as a way to bring up
issues and brainstorm ideas that would be beneficial to focus on in
Conversations, a national magazine published biannually. Staff
members of Conversations met with about 40 students, who
represented the various student organizations, on Saturday, Sept.
13 for a lunch, and to get the students’ opinions.

The intent of the discussion was for students to voice their
opinions on the issues they consider important to the University.
Concerns were raised about what role the administration should have
in forming the identity of the University. Students agreed that the
administration needs to fully understand the Jesuit mission and
identity in order to help form the identity of SLU.

In response to the administration’s role in forming the identity
of the University Student Government President Nick Sarcone said,
“I am a firm believer that leadership begins with the person on top
and trickles down from there.”

Conversations focused on gaining a better grasp on what it means
to go to a Jesuit university and the impact that such an education
has upon the students. Those in attendance agreed that the core
classes, particularly the philosophy and theology core, add to the
balance of the individual.

“The thing about this University, for me, is that I felt
important from the second I stepped onto campus–when I was a
senior in high school,” said senior Sarah Keller. “I felt the
identity that the students have here is amazing.”

The Department of Campus Ministry plays a big role in student
life, interacting with the community and promoting the ideals of
men and women for others throughout the campus. While the
discussion about the amount of time students allow for reflection
in their lives was questioned, many believed that there were ample
number of resources for students to seek out reflection, from Mass
to retreats.

“Reflection should be a part of the culture at SLU … living
out the Jesuit mission and ideals on all levels,” Sarcone said.

“The fact is that we don’t reflect on why we are doing what we
are doing: we just do it is the American way–we are charging
ahead. American culture is making fantastic time but it doesn’t
always mean we know where we are going,” said Jack O’Callaghan,
S.J., Loyola University of Chicago, moderator of the
discussion.

“At SLU, you feel the need … to keep checking your course and
asking why, what and how are we doing what we are doing,”
O’Callaghan said.

Chris Clark, Black Student Alliance president said, “We are all
part of the same community.” He believes that it is important for
one to grow and learn from their experiences.