Two Centuries Shaping St. Louis

In part one of this episode of 1818: A Saint Louis Alumni Podcast, Meg Connolly (A&S ‘90, GRAD A&S ‘92) speaks with SLU alumnus Jody Sowell, Ph.D, president and CEO of the Missouri Historical Society, about how the people of SLU have helped contribute to its legacy in St. Louis. Sowell highlights key figures, including Nobel laureate Edward Doisy, aviation benefactor Oliver Parks and Fr. Claude Heithaus, whose 1944 sermon called for SLU to enroll Black students. Sowell also discusses the Missouri History Museum’s exhibit on SLU’s destruction of the historically black Mill Creek Valley neighborhood and the University's role in the city’s future.Then, Meg and co-host Tony Minor (A&S ‘03) welcome guests Peg Weathers, president and CEO of Grand Center Inc., and Brooks Goedeker, executive director of St. Louis Midtown Redevelopment Group, for a roundtable about the University’s impact on Midtown and St. Louis as a whole. They discuss the University’s decision in the 1960s to remain in the city, its role as an anchor for Grand Center, and recent redevelopment in the area, including City Foundry, Topgolf, Target, and more.Finally, as always, Tony shares a valuable alumni perk — this time, tools to help you start, change or advance your professional path. Want to learn more about today’s topic?Explore more of the history behind Mill Creek Valley, including the Missouri History Museum’s exhibit (which runs through July 12, 2026), photos and an overview available through SLU’s library, and a public art installation on campus that honors its legacy, today.Or, get updates on redevelopment near SLU and Grand Center.Finally, access professional development resources for alumni through SLU’s Career Services.