First West of the Mississippi: SLU's Pioneering Spirit

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 AmazonNational Air and Space Museum Eugene Kranz ExhibitTimeline of Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis University History on slu.eduAlumni Awards at SLU