What It Means to be Jesuit Educated at Saint Louis University
Hi! I’m Jack, a junior at Saint Louis University studying Aeronautics. When I first came to SLU, I knew it was a Jesuit university, but I didn’t totally get what that meant. I figured I would be focused on flying planes and learning the science behind it, but what I didn’t expect was how much SLU’s Jesuit identity would shape my education.
Jesuit education at SLU is not just about taking a theology class or two. It’s a mindset, one that is centered on cura personalis, or “care for the whole person.” And that care shows up everywhere: in the thoughtfully-designed courses, in guidance from professors, in the way students encourage and support one another and in the University’s goal to help students grow as people, within the world of academia and beyond.
One of the biggest takeaways from my SLU experience has been that learning is not just a means to get a job; learning is a process of becoming, of transforming into the best version of yourself. Even in my very technical field, I’ve been pushed to think about how I can use what I’m learning to serve others. Whether it’s through safety, accessibility or innovation, there is a real sense that the things I’m studying can and will contribute to something greater.
Outside of the classroom, I’ve found a lot of meaning through my involvement with the Campus Ministry, which has helped me grow in my personal life. I also attend the weekly Sunday Evening Student Mass at College Church – it’s a great atmosphere, with hundreds of students of all faiths gathering to reflect and ground themselves before heading into the next week. As part of my spiritual growth, I’ve attended Adoration for quiet reflection, joined faith-sharing groups and even had the chance to go on a pilgrimage to Rome with other SLU students.
Service is another big part of the SLU experience. Through classes and clubs, I've volunteered in the St. Louis community, and it has helped me realize how education and service are meant to go together. At SLU, you’re not just learning to be good at something; you’re learning to be good for something.
The Jesuit motto “people for and with others” is reflected in the way students live, study and serve. Jesuit education at SLU does not just change how you think; it changes how you live. No matter what you’re studying, you’ll graduate not only smarter, but more grounded, more compassionate and more prepared to make a difference in the world.
Jack is a junior at Saint Louis University studying flight science. He is originally from O'Fallon, Illinois.