Message from the Dean: Spring 2020
Dear SOE Billiken Alums,
They say that you never really know someone until you see them in a time of crisis.
I certainly believe this old adage applies to Saint Louis University today. The global
coronavirus pandemic has revealed the true character of the Saint Louis University
community, and it is no exaggeration to say that I have been inspired by the response
of our community to this unprecedented crisis. Our response has been guided by our
mission – Higher Purpose Greater Good – and by our laser focus on the health of our
community and the academic progress of our students. Our leadership has worked tirelessly
and has never wavered in our commitment to our Jesuit mission; our faculty and staff
have been industrious and persistent; and our students have been flexible and generous.
For these reasons, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Saint Louis University
community. Of course, one primary reason that SLU is special is our commitment to
serving our community according to the spirituality of St. Ignatius. We can certainly
see this in the current crisis, where members of our SLU community are doing what
we can to support those who are suffering.
Similarly, just before the pandemic reached the US, I had the privilege of participating
in the Ignatian Colleagues Program. As part of this program, along with several colleagues
from other Jesuit Universities across the country, I spent a week in an Ignatian Immersion
trip at the border of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. I am grateful that my work
at SLU affords me the opportunity to spend time with those facing challenges far greater
than I have ever imagined and to reflect deeply on my obligation to work to address
injustices in our community and around the world. I am also grateful that my professional
home is the School of Education, where our shared mission is to engage in our community
to support the poor, the marginalized, and those seeking justice. Although I should
not have needed a reminder, this trip was a reminder to me that I am fortunate to
have meaningful work and it is my responsibility to employ my privilege to work on
behalf of our community with greater energy and vigor.
Thanks to all School of Education alumni who engage in this important work each and
every day!
While nearly all our current energy is being spent on strategies to serve our students
in the face of the coronavirus, we shouldn’t forget all the exciting ongoing activities
of the School of Education, some of which are highlighted in this edition of the newsletter.
First, we are excited to announce the creation of a new degree option—the Master of
Arts in Education Principles and Practices. The program is designed to provide individuals
with the tools necessary to improve in their everyday work with youth, communicate
research-based best practices to diverse audiences, and collaborate with local stakeholders
to work for change. Our redesigned program is more affordable than ever ($585 per
credit hour!), more relevant to current needs in the classroom, and more flexible
in terms of coursework and specialization options. The same areas of specialization
that can be pursued as part of the master’s degree are also offered as stand-alone
certificates, allowing teachers who already hold master’s degrees to take advantage
of additional focused professional learning opportunities here at SLU.
Next, we highlight Retha Meier, Ph.D., a professor in the Saint Louis University School
of Education. She has been teaching at Saint Louis University for over 25 years and
her research, which spans the fields of both education and biology, is more relevant
than ever. She enthusiastically continues to encourage her students to follow their
passion in science education.
Finally, we also highlight students who traveled to Nashville, TN to participate in
the Annual Conference of the National Association for the Education of Young Children
(NAEYC), along with School of Education early childhood and early childhood special
education faculty. The students had the opportunity to connect with both their peers
and some of the most prominent leaders in the field.
As I conclude this note to you, I am thinking about a day in late February when so
many members of our SLU community came together for the 100th birthday celebration
for SLU School of Education alumna Mary Bruemmer. Listening to all the wonderful testimonials of Mary’s long career at SLU reinforced
to me what a special place this is!
Please let us know if there are ways we can support you better or communicate with
you more effectively. Please stay safe … and we hope to see you on campus soon!
Best wishes,
Gary W. Ritter, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Education