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Saint Louis University Celebrates 2023 School of Medicine Reunion

10/24/2023

More than 225 people joined Saint Louis University for its 2023 School of Medicine Reunion on Oct. 13-15. The reunion celebrated the classes of 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018, as well as the classes of 1960 and 1976.  

Saint Louis University School of Medicine alums tour the school during Med Reunion. 

Saint Louis University School of Medicine alums tour the school during Med Reunion. Photo submitted.

“It was wonderful that so many alumni joined us at the Med Reunion,” said Christine Jacobs, M.D., FAAFP, vice president of medical affairs and dean of the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. “Our alumni have strong connections with their classmates and with the School of Medicine.”

The weekend kicked off Friday at Chase Park Plaza with a welcome and an all-class reunion dinner.

A continuing medical education program the next day, Current Topics in the School of Medicine, introduced the new School of Medicine Metabolic and Nutrition Institute. James F. King Chair in Gastroenterology Wing-Kin Syn M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and co-director of the Saint Louis University Liver Center, presented along with Ajay Kumar Jain, M.D., Saint Louis University professor of pediatrics and pharmacology and physiology.

Jacobs provided updates on the School of Medicine, and a current med student discussed their SLU experience at the Meet the Dean lunch on Saturday.

Participants toured SSM Saint Louis University Hospital and SLU’s Practical Anatomy and Surgical Education facilities in Young Hall. Events concluded with a cocktail reception Saturday night and an opportunity to attend Sunday Mass at St. Francis Xavier College Church.

Event organizers said guests from the reunion flew in from all over the country, with the two largest classes represented being the Class of 1973, celebrating its 50-year reunion, and the Class of 1993, celebrating its 30-year reunion.  

The Class of 1973 joined the Golden Billikens, marked with a 50th reunion dinner.

“The warmth and camaraderie on display was heartwarming,” said alumnus Dr. William Oetgen who was president of the Class of 1973 and volunteered on the reunion committee.

 “We were honored to have Dean Jacobs attend as our special guest, and we are grateful for the support of the SLU Office of Alumni Engagement and the Office of Medical Center Development, which allowed us to enjoy this wonderful evening together.”

This year’s class of Golden Billikens looked to the future as well as the past. Understanding the significant costs borne by today’s medical students, its members established the Medical School Class of 1973 Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2008.

Oetgen said the class intends to continue to support the fund into the future and to stay in touch with each other and SLU.

“In addition to strengthening and renewing old friendships, participating in reunions bolsters class spirit and goodwill and facilitates efforts to support current students,” he said.