On This Day in SLU History

SLU-Madrid is featured on Spanish TV in a pregame show before the USA-Spain World Cup soccer match, reaching millions of viewers.

SLU announces the patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church, Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir, will receive SLU's highest honor as part of his pastoral visit to the U.S. Sfeir's visit was noted as the most significant visit by a religious visit to St. Louis since Pope John Paul II's 1999 tour of the city.

"Post-Minimalism and the Spiritual," an exhibition examining spirituality through the work of four Chicago artists, closes at SLU's Museum of Contemporary Religious Art.

SLU collects more than 7,000 pounds of shoes during the year's "Battle for the Boot," winning the second annual show drive competition to benefit Shoeman Water Projects.

SLU researcher M.N. Frances Yap, Ph.D., becomes the University's first Pew Scholar. The Pew Scholars program recognizes significant scientific promise.

Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology — then located in Cahokia, Illinois — holds an open house featuring displays of antique and experimental aircraft and concerts by the St. Louis German Band and "Volition."

Day one of the Olympic men's gymnastic trials begin at Chaifetz Arena.

Day one of the Olympic men's gymnastic trials begin at Chaifetz Arena.

27 high school students from across the United States and Puerto Rico are participating in a summer academy at Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology geared toward long term sustainability.

SLU researchers including Enrico di Cera, Ph.D., have perfected a new version of the blood-regulating enzyme thrombin and have harnessed its anti-blood clotting abilities.

Newslink reports that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas hosted a reception for more than 225 School of Law faculty, staff, alumni and students in Washington, D.C., in honor of the Center of Health Law Studies' 30th anniversary.

Newslink features Parks College students loading a trebuchet — a type of catapult — for a demonstration as part of a symposium hosted by the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

SLU's softball team shatters the school record for wins in a season with 30 wins to make its fourth straight trip to the Atlantic 10 softball championships.

The Olympic torch passes through campus on its way to the Summer Games in Athens, Greece.

Ellen Harshman, Ph.D., J.D., receives the 2011 Coro Leadership Award for her work exemplifying the organization's mission to prepare engaged, responsible and effective leaders who make significant, positive impacts on their communities.

29 SLU-Madrid students begin taking part in the campus' six-week summer law program, immersing themselves in Spanish legal culture.

Newslink reports on the "ReSpectacle Program," an initiative by SLU ophthalmology residents to use technology to match unused glasses with those in need of prescription eyewear.

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon visits SLU for an international business event discussing world food shortages and food insecurity.

Newslink features a story about Brittany Cloudy, a SLU track star who survived being dropped from a burning building as a child, going on to find success on and off the field at the University.

Newslink reports that first-year SLU medical student George Hanna has received a "star-studded" scholarship from the Pauletta and Denzel Washington Family Gifted Scholars Program in Neuroscience.

The cornerstone is laid for St. Francis Xavier College Church at Grand and Lindell, beginning construction of the foundation of the church.

Former @SaintLouisMBB standout Rob Loe joins the New Zealand men's national team as it prepares to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

SLU alum Mike Isaacson (A&S '69, Chaifetz Grad '96), artistic director and executive producer of the Muny, wins a Tony Award for producing Fun Home.

Chaifetz Arena ends up a successful graduation season with more than 85,000 people visiting the arena to attend a record number of commencement ceremonies in a three-week run.

Leonard Wood, who served as the chief of staff of the U.S. Army from 1910-1914, receives an honorary degree from Saint Louis University.

The National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) Conference takes place on campus. The conference's events highlight SLU's achievements in the field of international education.

Newslink reports that Vedad Ibisevic, former Billikens men's soccer player, and his teammates on the Bosnia-Herzegovina Men's National Team took to the field at Robert R. Hermann Stadium for practice before a match against the Ivory Coast.

Campus Ministry re-creates the famed Chartes Cathedral labyrinth, allowing SLU students, faculty and staff members to experience a tradition of interactive prayer dating back centuries.

Saint Louis University Museum of Art (SLUMA) hosts a factory party to celebrate its exhibit, Warhol's Polaroids: A Method, giving guests a chance to dress in costumes while reliving the swinging '60s.

SLU is named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a school can receive for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement.

Newslink reports that the SLU community donated almost 9 tons of items to Campus Kitchens, Goodwill Industries and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul through its annual Trash to Treasure drive.

SLU alumni John Moriarty, Eric Koettker, Greg Ortyl and Andy Vitale participate in the Guiness Book of World Records' "Longest Marathon Playing Baseball." The epic game clocks in at 70 hours, nine minutes and 24 seconds.

A $3 million donation to the School of Law by the Anheuser-Busch Foundation receives wide media attention, including from the Associated Press and MSN Money.

Newslink reports that SLU's role in the U.S. historic World Cup upset over England will be featured in a documentary. Harry Keogh, the most successful soccer coach in Billiken history, played on the 1950 national team

Newslink reports that soccer standout Tim Ream has been named to the Gold Cup roster. The former Billiken All-American has played fo the United States national team among other international appearances.

Property earmarked for DuBourg Hall is purchased.

Newslink reports that sophomore baseball player Mike Vigliarolo has become the first Billiken to receive Player of the Year honors from the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Newslink reports that 78-year-old Charles Dahm, M.D., a longtime School of Medicine faculty member, was among graduates at the University's commencement ceremony, earning his fourth SLU degree.

The U News reports that SLU has approved plans for its first co-ed dorm, which will be known as the Center for Educational Living. The center, lead by a married couple of co-coordinators, will house 240 upperclassmen men and women in Marguerite Hall.

Saint Louis University's baseball team wins their third consecutive Atlantic 10 regular season championship, according to reports.

Newslink reports that Saint Louis University Hospital, now SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, is the only local hospital and one of 13 nationwide to receive the American Heart Association's Triple Gold Achievement Hospital honor.

Saint Louis University's newly erected Pius XII Memorial Library opens to patrons.

Saint Louis University held its first commencement ceremony on campus in 60 years. Fox Sports personality and native St. Louisan Joe Buck delivers the commencement address.

The University News reports that the Association of Black Collegians is hosting Black Culture Day, featuring exhibits of black art, literature, craft and fashion, and an address by sociologist Nathan Hare, Ph.D.

The University News reports that Dr. Kurt von Schuschnigg, former cabinet minister and later chancellor of pre-Hitler Austria is to speak at the University's commencement address. It will be the first time since 1942 that all schools of the University will be represented among the graduates at the commencement exercise to be held on June 1.

The "Flying Billikens" of Parks College surpass the nation's thirty-four best clubs, to win the Bendix Trophy as the outstanding team at the 19th annual National Air Meet.

The College Church on the Ninth and Washington campus catches fire.

Leading British philosopher Rev. Frederick Copleston, S.J., famous for his BBC addresses and for his debates with Lord Bertrand Russell and others, speaks on "The Scandal of Philosophy" in the Kelley Auditorium.

Newslink announces that SLU's Center for Entrepreneurship will create a new institute for private business to encourage the growth and vitality of family and other closely held businesses.

The Sisters of Charity of Maryland come west to open the first parochial school for girls in St. Louis, attached to St. Francis Xavier College Church.

Paul Reinert, S.J., responds to a letter where he was satirized by the "concerned members of the Christian community of Saint Louis" both for supporting United States militarist policies in Indochina and for heading an institution that is failing to relate to the black community. He acknowledges the validity of what he calls a minority opinion on the University's policies and cautions against making a scapegoat of the University by tearing it down "physically or symbolically."

The University News announces "those who are tired of the tedious system of getting information from Pius XII library, put your pencils down and take note - a computerized card catalogue and check-out system will be in operation by the fall semester."

Saint Louis University celebrates the 100th anniversary of the coming of the Jesuits to the Midwest.

Newslink reports that Eleonore Stump, Ph.D., and John Greco, Ph.D., have received a $3 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation to support their research intellectual humility. It's one of the largest grants ever received for a humanities project in University history.

Twelve laymen meet with SLU's president to solidify and enlarge the graduate lecture program, and form the Post-graduate Society, which furthers post-graduate courses throughout the University.

The Billikenews reports that Paul Reinert, S.J., is traveling to Washington D.C. to attend a meeting at the American Council on Education. Reinert is a member of the council's Committee on Accrediting Procedures in Higher Education.

Margaret Thatcher visits campus and presents a lecture titled "Reflections on Freedom" at the former West Pine Gym as part of the Great Issues Speaker Series.

Newslink announces that chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov will deliver the University's May 2015 commencement address.

University President William Banks Rogers, S.J., welcomes President Theodore Roosevelt to Saint Louis University. The University Cadets serve as guard of honor for the presidential party. Later, Rogers hosts President Roosevelt during a display of $50,000 worth of combustible fireworks that announce the dedication of the World's Fair.

SLU's Varsity Breeze (predecessor to The University News) floats the idea of a student-aid fund, owing to the fact that 60 percent of students pay for their own education. The board claims that the effort involved in earning money for their tuition affects their studies detrimentally.

200 guests attend the unveiling of a portrait of President Emeritus Lawrence Biondi, S.J. “He sought to make SLU more than a collection of buildings. He made it a home,” said University President Fred Pestello.

Saint Louis University's radio station, WEW ("We Enlighten the World") hits the airwaves for the first time. It is only the second radio station in the United States.

The St. Louis Globe-Democrat announces that SLU will admit African-American students for the University's summer session.

A new Union House for students is planned with the purchase of the Cupples House, then occupied by the Order of Railroad Telegraphers.

The University News reports that the Archdiocese of St. Louis has invited Pope John Paul II to visit the city. The pope's visit took place in January 1999

Janet Reno, former U.S. attorney general under President Bill Clinton and the first woman to hold that office, speaks at SLU about career and justice. "We need to take affirmative action for kids. We need to open up the door and excite them about learning," she says before receiving two standing ovations.

The Junior Prom is held at the Moolah Temple. It's the first St. Louis junior prom, and juniors — who decided on an informal dress code — dance the night away to Kennedy's 12-piece orchestra.

Playwright Arthur Miller visits campus to receive the Wilma and Roswell Messing Jr. Award from the University Library Associates. The award will later be known as the St. Louis Literary Award.

Newslink announces that history professor Thomas Madden, PhD, has been named a Guggenheim Fellow for his work studying Venice during the Crusades.

It is announced that Norman Mailer, acclaimed for his World War II novel, The Naked and the Dead, will be the final speaker of this year's Great Issues Series at Saint Louis University. Mailers iconoclastic political journalism and his insightful personal essays indicate that he will be a dynamic and valuable speaker.

Saint Louis University hosts its third annual Showers of Service. Nearly 600 SLU community members take part.

The University radio station begins to send out weather reports. It's the first station west of the Mississippi to do so.

Aviator Robert Hage speaks at the Parks Commencement ceremony. Hage is the author of a popular aviation textbook and worked on the design for the DC-10

Members of SLU's Judo Team demonstrate a throw during team practice.

Bishop Joseph Rosati lays the cornerstone for the new Saint Francis Xavier Church on the northeast corner of the University grounds, at Ninth Street and Christy Avenue. President John Elet, S.J., addresses a crowd from the east balcony of the main building of the University.

The University News announces the go-ahead of this fall's initiation of Saint Louis University in Spain, at its newly founded Madrid campus. An estimate of 35 participating students has increased to 45. "Of this number," comments Father Sullivan, "the great majority are from St. Louis area schools."

Chaifetz Arena is dedicated.

Students in Marguerite Hall host an open house where they show off their living quarters.

Alternative band Bon Iver plays at the Billiken Club in Busch Student Center, years before winning the 2011 Grammy for Best New Artist.

SLU's "Allies for Inclusion: The Ability Exhibit" makes its national debut at the American College Personnel Association College Student Educators International convention in Baltimore.

Newslink announces that theatre students participate in a production of Mukashi, Mukashi, featuring audience participation and puppets in its interpretation of classic Asian tales. The play is co-written and directed by SLU alumna Louise Hung.

The University unveils Hotel Ignacio, a new boutique hotel, as a sign of its commitment to the revitalization of the St. Louis's Midtown arts district.

Newslink announces that Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee will speak on campus at a sports business symposium.

Students protest University plans to raze Choteau House, now called the Cupples House. Sophomore Tom Grady is quoted as saying, "Choteau House is one of the soundest structures architecturally as well as aesthetically, on this campus."

Senior guard Jordair Jett is named Associated Press' All-America Honorable Mention. He's the first Billiken to receive the honor since Larry Hughes, who played in the 1997-1998 season, and the sixth Billiken overall.

Students participate in an egg throwing contest in front of Samual Cupples House.

SLU’s Centennial Endowment Fund meets much enthusiasm after being endorsed by the Vatican: “There is no cause more worthy of praise and support than that which concerns the instruction and the moral formation of youth."

Walter Ong, S.J., speaks at the training school for Catholic leaders. Ong was a professor of English for more than 35 years at SLU.

A group of alumni and St. Louis businessmen meet with a Saint Louis University committee of Jesuit and lay faculty members to plan for celebrating the centennial of “the old college.”

Professor Josephus Wells Hall gives the first medical lecture to SLU students and a large audience of the general public. Instruction in medicine at SLU begins in a small house adjoining the University buildings, on the north side of Washington Avenue, between Tenth and Eleventh streets. The building is the personal property of the first dean, Dr. James V. Prather. At the time, only eight universities and one college have functioning medical departments.

The Saint Louis University chapter of the Benjamin Franklin Kite-Flying Society sponsors a “Kite Kontest” in Forest Park. Prizes are awarded for the most unusual and highest-flying kites.

Grover Loening, a German-American aircraft manufacturer who received the world's first degree in aeronautical engineering, visits Parks College and receives the Parks Pioneer Award.

In honor of Women’s History Month, SLU’s Women’s Studies Program encases a poster of “Christa,” a four-feet-tall bronze by sculptor Edwina Sandys that depicts Christ as a woman, for display in the lobby of Ritter Hall.

Peter Verhaegen, S.J., is named superior of the Jesuit mission in Missouri. He makes Saint Louis University his home.

Saint Louis University’s first recycling center is established by the Environmental Corps at the Busch Memorial Center, where a container for used newspapers is placed on the loading dock.

Former Saint Louis University President Thomas R. Fitzgerald, S.J., dies at the Wolfington Jesuit Residence at Georgetown University. He was 82.

The world-famous von Trapp family sings outstanding examples of early Catholic liturgical music and Gregorian chants, among other offerings, at the University Auditorium.

Archduke Otto von Hapsburg, heir to the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, speaks at Saint Louis University, drawing upon the long and tragic history of the Hapsburg dynasty to discuss current European problems and to advance his plans for the restoration of his empire.

The Faculty Women’s Club of the University issues 9,000 invitations to clergy, alumni, faculty and friends in honor of the inauguration of incoming University President Paul C. Reinert, S.J., to be held in the West Pine Gymnasium.

A free St. Patrick’s Day party for all SLU freshman women is held in the Chouteau House at 8 p.m. The dress code is informal, but attendees are encouraged to wear green.

Sigma Xi is installed at Saint Louis University. It's the only chapter of the fraternity in the United States at the time.

Frances McMenamy, S.J., father provincial of the Jesuits of Missouri, returns to SLU after a tour of Central America where he visited St. John's College in Belize, a school run by SLU faculty members. He declares that students in Belize are eager to come to St. Louis to further their educations.

SLU's trustees recommend that an honorary medical degree be given to Benjamin Brown, who would later be the first person to receive a medical doctorate west of the Mississippi.

Catholic residents meet to discuss the possibility of erecting a new church, which will become Saint Francis Xavier Church at Ninth Street and Christy (Lucas) Avenue and will be known more widely as “the College Church.”

The University News reports on the Ice Bills completing their first hockey season on a joyful note as they meet the Bowling Green State University Falcons. The Bills fight to an overtime 4-4 tie in their last game of the 1970-71 season.

Bob Dylan performs at the Kiel Opera House in downtown St. Louis. Tickets are available for students to purchase for between $2.50 and $4.50 through a mail order form that required a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Jeremiah Connor, a former sheriff of St. Louis and designer of the city's Washington Avenue, donates the land for Saint Louis University to Bishop DuBourg.

A space vehicle exhibition, sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is held in the University auditorium. A SLU alum has been involved in every NASA launch.

The University News reports that a nationwide strike of students will take place on April 12, 1935, to oppose fascism and war.

Dr. Rowan Williams, the former archbishop of Canterbury who officiated at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, visits SLU to deliver the theology department’s Henry de Lubac Lecture, “Christ, Creator and Creature: Reflections on Christology and the Nature of Created Being,” at the Center for Global Citizenship.

Bruce Springsteen performs to the largest sold-out crowd in Chaifetz Arena history. More than 10,240 tickets were sold.

Brewery heir Joseph Griesedieck turns over the first spadeful of dirt in the groundbreaking ceremony for Griesedieck Hall, marking the start of construction on Saint Louis University’s 17-story “residence for men.”

Archbishop Peter Kenrick dies. At his funeral, University Cadets will form the guard of honor around his coffin.

Saint Louis University hosts its first annual indoor track meet at the St. Louis Coliseum. Fifteen universities and track clubs participate.

Saint Louis University’s first Mardi Gras weekend begins with a parade on West Pine Boulevard at noon. That night, a dance is hosted at the Chase Hotel at which dancing the Twist has been banned.

Napster representatives arrive at SLU. A discussion is held with keynote speakers Chuck D, from Public Enemy, and Ted Meyers, an executive from Rhino Records.

The Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) is founded. Each year, a number of graduating Billikens commit to a year of service with the JVC and similar ventures.

The first of many Louisiana students begins studying at Saint Louis College. At the time, the territory beyond the Mississippi River includes only two states: Louisiana and Missouri.

The Saint Louis University Billiken basketball team beats their archrival, Washington University, winning the City Championship for the first time.

Anti-Catholic rioters attack the medical school; they are driven back, but return later and destroy the building and its contents.

Jazz great Dewey Jackson and his orchestra perform at a dance at Saint Louis University at an interracial dance held at SLU in the gym, sponsored by the Catholic magazine "Interracial Review."

Newslink reports that renderings of the new SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital have been unveiled. University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., SSM officials and St. Louis leaders— including Mayor Lyda Krewson — turn over the first shovels of the dirt on the project later that year

Today at SLU in 1963: Walter Ong, S.J., receives the Ordre des Palmes académiques, the national order in France that honors distinguished academics and scholars, for his work on French logician and educational reformer Peter Ramus.

Today at SLU in 1973: A SLU fraternity raffles off 100 gallons of free gas. Eight months later, the 1973 oil crisis begins.

Renowned civil rights activist Dr. Angela Davis shares her experiences with the Saint Louis University community as part of Black History Month. The event attracts 1,600 students from across the nation.

W. H. Auden, perhaps the greatest living poet of the day, speaks at Saint Louis University in the West Pine Gymnasium as part of the Great Issues series. In 1970, Auden will receive the Messing Award at SLU for his literary achievement.

Playwright Tennessee Williams captivates an audience of nearly 600 at Pius XII Memorial Library as he receives the Wilma and Roswell Messing Jr. Award. The award will later be known as the St. Louis Literary Award and given to John Updike, Joan Didion and Margaret Atwood, among many other acclaimed authors.

Morris Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center speaks before a packed Busch Memorial Center audience. His presentation, “Why Can’t We All Get Along?” is part of the Student Government Association’s Great Issues series.

SLU faculty Dr. Donald Greiff and Dr. Henry Pinkerton have discovered a cure for typhus fever, according to The University News. The research team includes Dr. Vicente Moragues.

Today at SLU in 1964: U.S. President Lyndon Johnson visits SLU in one of his 1st public appearances after the assassination of President Kennedy. He speaks at the future site of the Busch Memorial Center and plants a tree to symbolize the growth of St. Louis.

Today at SLU in 1924: William F. Robinson SJ, president of Saint Louis University, and Reverend Mother Concordia of the Sisters of Mary sign a document giving the University charge of St. Mary's Infirmary.

Today at SLU in 2014: SLU announces the digitization of 19th-century diaries that include some of the earliest first-hand accounts of the daily lives of students and Jesuits.

Today at SLU in 1908: John P. Frieden, SJ, is appointed the 19th president of Saint Louis University.

The Saint Louis University men's soccer team joins members of the United States Olympic soccer team for an exhibition game against the St. Ambrose Fighting Bees. Half of the Olympic team that year is made up of players from St. Louis.

Today at SLU in 1946: Enrollment at Saint Louis University sets a record: 6,118 total. Many are veterans home from World War II. #SLU200 slu.edu/200years

Today at SLU in 1923: Magician Harry Houdini makes a stop at SLU to lecture against "mediums." @sciam's Committee on Psychic Research reveals that so far, these so-called mediums have been found to be 100 percent fraudulent. #SLU200 slu.edu/200years

Today at SLU in 2013: The new Magis Faculty Society meets for the first time at Il Monastero. The society was created to foster connections among SLU's retired and emeritus faculty members. #SLU200 slu.edu/200years

Today at SLU in 1953: Billikenews reports that the Knights of Columbus Foundation at SLU received the first shipments of microfilm of the Vatican Library's priceless manuscript collection. #SLU200 slu.edu/200years

Today at SLU in 1912: The St. Louis Times describes the newly appointed president of SLU, Alexander Burrowes, SJ: "On his full face and even features is an expression inviting confidence and bespeaking kindness." #SLU200 slu.edu/200years

Today at SLU in 1933: Saint Louis University and the Sisters of St. Mary open Firmin Desloge Hospital, which would later become @SLUHospital. #SLU200 slu.edu/200years

Today at SLU in 1958: The cornerstone of @piuslibrary is put in place. Before that, the University's library collection was housed in the Pere Marquette Gallery, located on the 2nd floor of DuBourg Hall. #SLU200 slu.edu/200years

Today at SLU in 2013: SLU announces the 2005 @SLUWsoccer will be inducted to the Billiken Hall of Fame. The team was the 1st SLU women's team to earn an NCAA Tournament berth. #SLU200 http://www.slu.edu/200years/index.php

Today at SLU in 2002: @TheUNews reports that @KSLUradio goes global with its first internet broadcast. The stream is limited to 4 hours because it drains resources from University's servers. #SLU200 http://www.slu.edu/200years/index.php

Today at SLU in 1836: Mississippi Sen. Robert Walker, chairman of the Committee on Public Lands, reports a bill which calls for a grant of land to the "French University of Saint Louis." #SLU200 http://www.slu.edu/200years/index.php

Today at SLU in 2009: Sources, a poetry collection by SLU professor Devin Johnston, is selected as a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle 2008 award for poetry, according to @TheUNews. #SLU200 http://www.slu.edu/200years/index.php

Today at SLU in 1944: Claude Heithaus, SJ, eulogizes Otto J. Kuhnmuench, SJ, as, "a living edition of the Ratio Studiorum." Kuhnmuench taught Latin at SLU for 30 years, earning the nickname "The Old Roman." #SLU200 http://www.slu.edu/200years/index.php

Today at SLU in 2017: The College for Public Health and Social Justice announces its REACH initiative, which aims to address problems that undermine the health of children and mothers. #SLU200 http://www.slu.edu/200years/index.php

Today at SLU in 1999: Classes are cancelled so that SLU students and faculty can attend papal events during Pope John Paul II's visit to St. Louis. #SLU200 http://www.slu.edu/200years/index.php

Saint Louis University announces that @SLULAW will move downtown to a new building donated by Joe and Loretta Scott. #SLU200 http://www.slu.edu/200years/index.php

Today at SLU in 2013: SLU researchers and their collaborators at @Mizzou and @PittTweet report a breakthrough in the pursuit of new hepatitis B drugs that could help cure the virus. #SLU200 http://www.slu.edu/200years/index.php

Today at SLU in 1976: @SLU_SGA's Popular Film Series offers students the chance to view a screening of American Graffiti for only 50 cents with a SLU ID. #SLU200 http://www.slu.edu/200years/index.php

Today at SLU in 1911: SLU is named a Collegium Maximum, an official Jesuit term for the "premier college" of a province, by the Father General in Rome. #SLU200 http://www.slu.edu/200years/index.php

George Hood, a Saint Louis University senior, records in his diary that due to heavy snow, the school authorities declare a winter sports day.

Today at SLU in 2005: Saint Louis University starts its official Facebook page. @theunews offers full coverage of "SLU's new fad." #SLU200 http://www.slu.edu/200years/index.php

Hoverboards and electronic skateboards — which have grown in popularity by the middle of the decade — are temporarily banned at SLU's campuses due to safety concerns.

Today at SLU in 1982: Longtime SLU professor John Kavanaugh, SJ, lectures at the College Church on "Following Christ in a Consumer Society." His best-selling book by the same title was published the year before. #SLU200 http://www.slu.edu/200years/index.php

St. Louis Republic lauds the previous day's dedication of the College Church, calling it a "day of unhoped-for splendor." Archbishop John Joseph Kain, along with four bishops, 60 Jesuit scholastics, 65 priests and 40 acolytes, blessed the new church.

St. Francis Xavier College Church is formally dedicated at Saint Louis University.

Francis Stuntebeck, S.J., the director of SLU's weather station, reports: "This morning at six o'clock, four rings were seen around the moon: the nearest white, the second blue, the third yellow, and the fourth light green. These lasted for some six to eight minutes and then gradually disappeared."

In their best game of the 1929 season, the Billiken men's basketball team beat the Washington Bears 29-18. After three minutes of scoreless play, "Moose" Meyers drops in a long shot, and the Billikens control the game from that point on.

Pope Gregory XVI grants a dispensation allowing the Society of Jesus to charge tuition to meet the costs of education and board. The Jesuits at SLU actively sought this dispensation. It is one of the most significant changes in the Jesuit way of operating schools since the founding of the order.

U.S. President Grover Cleveland orders the creation of the Corps of Cadets, a student military organization, at Saint Louis University.

The winter 1984 issue of Universitas publishes a story about Patrick Gaffney, SMM, and his innovative computer course titled "Who is Jesus?"

DuBourg Hall is dedicated.

Tom Kavanaugh (AS '01) wins his final round of the popular game show Jeopardy, making him an eight-time champion with winnings of more than $144,000.

In the same year as SLU's founding, Henry Clay, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, presents the first petition to Congress from Missouri requesting statehood.

Bishop Louis William DuBourg offers the Jesuits his college, which will become Saint Louis University.

Father Reinert begins his 25-year tenure as president of Saint Louis University.

Bishop Louis William DuBourg arrives in St. Louis. Later this year, he will establish Saint Louis Academy, which will become Saint Louis University.

The men's basketball team defeats Savannah State 67-59, earning their eighth consecutive win at home. The Billikens would go on to compete in the NCAA men's basketball championship.

SLU President Paul Reinert, S.J., participates in the Western Province Educational Meeting of the Vincentian Fathers to discuss ways to improve seminary education.

Pope Pius XII gives Saint Louis University permission to name its new library in his honor, writing to SLU President Paul Reinert, S.J.: "Willingly then do we accede to your filial request that this new library be designated the Pius XII Memorial Library."

The first weather bureau in St. Louis is set up at Saint Louis University.