Father Biondi's Vision Statement
"My vision is to establish and maintain Saint Louis University as the finest Catholic university in the United States, wherein the entire University community is actively engaged in student formation. Challenged by outstanding faculty and a modern, value-centered curriculum reflecting the Jesuit tradition, students are fully prepared to contribute to society and to be effective leaders of social change based on the ethical values and principles taught in the Saint Louis University tradition."
About SLU
Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of 12,733 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second-oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Through teaching, research, health care and community service, SLU has provided one-of-a-kind education, leadership and service for 191 years.
Learn more about SLU at www.slu.edu.
SLU at a Glance
Saint Louis University is ranked among the top five Jesuit universities in the country and is considered one of the nation's best values in higher education. Many of SLU's undergraduate and graduate programs have earned national recognition. The 2009 edition of U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" ranks SLU 80th out of more than 260 national universities.
SLU is one of the area's largest and most respected employers with almost 9,000 employees, including faculty, staff, student workers and house-staff residents. The University consists of 127 buildings on 235 acres.
Life at SLU
The Student Government Association charters approximately 190 student organizations including service/honorary/social fraternities and sororities, media/audiovisual programming groups and special-interest clubs.
Among the University's numerous amenities are a 120,000-square-foot recreation center, an expanded student and alumni center, an on-campus hotel and several art galleries. Eight residence halls, three apartment complexes and three language houses offer diverse living options.
Top-Notch Teaching
Saint Louis University boasts more than 1,500 outstanding faculty members, with 99 percent of tenured and tenure-track faculty members holding a terminal degree. SLU offers inquiry courses for undergraduates that feature small class sizes and unique learning experiences. In fact, the average class size is 23.1 students, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 12:1.
Thirty-seven Jesuits live, teach and minister at Saint Louis University, which boasts 39 endowed chairs and 13 named professorships. SLU offers more than 95 academic programs in the arts and sciences, philosophy and letters, engineering and aviation, business, the allied health professions and nursing, and social services. Nationally recognized experts teach undergraduate courses in philosophy, biology and chemistry, just to name a few.
Character Development
SLU has been recognized as a character-building college by The Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage Character Development. Dedicated to forming "women and men for others," the University received a $1.93 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. for a project that encourages students to reflect on faith and value commitments, as well as service to others, when choosing careers.
In 2007, University students, faculty and staff contributed a record-high 836,550 community service hours to organizations, groups and individuals. During spring break each year, more than 100 students give up vacations to spend time serving the poor and marginalized across the country.
SLU by the Numbers
108,598 living alumni
12,733 total enrollment in 2008-09 (42 percent male, 58 percent female)
7,814 undergraduate students in 2008-09
2,876 degrees awarded in 2007-08
900 approximate number of students attending 9 p.m.
Sunday Mass at College Church
612 international students from 87 foreign countries
96 percent of first-time freshmen receive financial aid
57 percent of freshmen are from out of state
39 number of endowed professorships
