Three Generations: A Family’s Journey Through SLU
When Richard Fister Sr. (LAW ’55) and Virginia Fister (A&S ’54) first crossed paths on the campus of Saint Louis University, they not only started a love story but also initiated a family legacy that has flourished for nearly 75 years.
Grounded in the University’s Jesuit education and mission, the Fister tradition of attending SLU has thrived for three generations.
“We’re a Billiken Family,” said Jeff Fister (A&S ’81), who, along with two of his brothers, followed in their parents’ footsteps by earning their degrees from SLU.
More than 20 years after Richard Fister graduated from the School of Law, he deepened the family’s connection to the University when he became an assistant to then-President Dan O’Connell, S.J., in 1977.
He later served as a professor in the School of Business until 1981. During that time, Jeff Fister (A&S ’81) and two of his brothers decided to continue their parents’ academic path.
“I think our college decisions were primarily due to our familiarity with SLU,” Jeff Fister said. “Because of our parents, it made going there attractive.”
Family Ties Shape SLU Journey
Reflecting on how his family’s ties to SLU shaped his journey, Jeff Fister said that attending the University and living on campus allowed him to immerse himself in a vibrant community and ignited his passion for urban life and local politics. He expressed gratitude for learning from two storied professors: the late John Kavanaugh, S.J., and Avis Meyer, Ph.D., who deepened his understanding of social justice and critical thinking.
Under Meyer’s guidance at the University News, Jeff Fister found a mentor and a path that led to his career as a writer, editor, public relations professional and publisher. He also credits his father's commitment to justice, fairness and community service as a driving force that inspired him and his siblings to pursue impactful work and volunteerism.
While tutoring children in underserved neighborhoods through one of SLU’s service programs, Jeff Fister met fellow student Laura Adams (A&S ’83). Their shared commitment to helping others forged an immediate bond, and like his parents before him, he found his partner at SLU.
A Family Legacy Continues
After exchanging vows at St. Francis Xavier College Church, Jeff and Laura Fister later witnessed their daughter’s marriage and their granddaughter’s baptism there, making the spiritual home on SLU’s campus another integral part of their family’s story.
As parents of eight children, the Fisters are delighted that two of their sons have continued the SLU tradition. James Fister (GRAD PH ’21) earned a master’s degree in urban planning from the University and works for the City of St. Louis. Over the years, he has enjoyed serving others through his involvement with Loyola Academy, the Little Bit Foundation and the Peace Corps in Senegal. He and his wife have two children.
Now, their youngest son, Luke Fister, is an undergraduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences.
“It’s fantastic,” Jeff Fister said. “We know he’s getting an excellent education, and having him close by is wonderful.”
Luke Fister said he chose the University because he “liked that SLU was academically challenging – a better school than others I was thinking about.” As for being the third generation of Fisters on campus, he said, “It’s kind of cool knowing that my grandpa taught here and met my grandma.”
In considering the lessons the three Fister generations learned from their SLU roots, Jeff Fister offers this advice to current students and fellow alumni: “Persistence is underrated. Try to understand the world from the perspective of others. Find work that is meaningful and rewarding. And volunteer.”
Do you know a SLU alum who deserves a spotlight? Let us know! Email alumni@slu.edu.