Inside SLU Traditions

In this episode of 1818: A Saint Louis Alumni Podcast, co-hosts Meg Connolly (A&S ’90, Grad ’92) and Tony Minor (A&S ’03) explore all the events and experiences that bond Billikens together through the years. First, Connolly and SLU archivist emeritus and alumnus John Waide (GRAD '73) break down the history of Homecoming and Family Weekend, which dates back to the 1920s. Early on, homecoming traditions centered around a football game or basketball game. Over the years, the event featured parades, dances and, most recently, a men’s soccer game. While the festivities have changed over time, the tradition of bringing the Billiken community together for the event now known as Homecoming and Family Weekend has endured. Then, in our roundtable, alumni guests from across the generations — Bill Klepper (A&S '66, GRAD ED '67, '75), Maria Rozier Kiphart (CSB '07) and Chandler Beck (PH '23) — join Connolly and Minor to discuss their favorite SLU traditions. The group reminisces about everything from Mass at St. Francis Xavier College Church and the impact of SLU’s service culture to unauthorized trips down a snow-covered Art Hill and jaunts through campus fountains.  Finally, as always, Minor shares some of our favorite alumni benefits: the signature events that bring all Billikens back to campus. Those include Homecoming and Family Weekend, Alumni Fan Fest and more. Want to learn more? Read about Saint Louis University homecoming traditions, faith traditions and traditions Billikens enjoy on campus today.