1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast

Some aspects of Saint Louis University have become legend and lore. Others have stayed hidden, until now. Welcome to 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast, where more than 200 years of SLU history come to life through unforgettable memories, surprising moments, and voices that shaped the institution we know today.

Over eight episodes this season, co-hosts Meg Connolly (A&S '90, Grad' 92) and Tony Minor (A&S' 03) will guide listeners through SLU's past — uncovering stories that deserve to be told.

With guests including NASA's Gene Kranz, the St. Louis Jesuits' Fr. Roc O'Connor
and Billikens from across the decades, we'll explore:
  • The facts behind the infamous St. Louis exorcism that inspired a Hollywood film
  • Our rich Jesuit heritage 
  • The untold ways SLU has influenced the St. Louis community
  • How SLU's iconic Billiken mascot got its start
And much more

Whether you're a proud alum, a current Billiken, an interested St. Louisan, or simply love a great story, subscribe now to 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast and discover the background that made SLU what it is today.

Find us at slu.edu or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.


Creators and Guests

Host
Meg Connolly
Meg Connolly (A&S ‘90, GRAD ‘92) is a two-time Saint Louis University graduate who has been a member of the alumni and development teams for over 30 years. Her favorite Billiken memories include SLU’s 200th celebration under the Gateway Arch, men’s basketball and women’s soccer NCAA tournament pregames, and getting married in the St. Francis Xavier College Church. Connolly is fortunate to have engaged with so many wonderful graduates and friends of the University from across the country — alumni who literally change the world in ways only Billikens can. She is thrilled to share more SLU conversations and stories through the 1818 podcast.
Host
Tony Minor
Tony Minor (A&S ‘03) is a longtime leader in alumni and donor engagement at Saint Louis University, where he currently serves as an assistant vice president. During his 20-plus years in higher ed advancement, he’s led teams across alumni engagement, annual giving, stewardship, marketing and events — all with the goal of building stronger connections between SLU and its community of graduates and supporters. Minor got his start in the Office of the President and has grown his career entirely at SLU. He’s a proud Billiken, holding degrees in English and communications, and is passionate about ensuring SLU’s alumni feel connected.
Producer
Megan Favignano Mansouri
Megan Favignano-Mansouri is the digital content specialist for Saint Louis University's development communications team. Her passion is storytelling and uplifting the voices of the community. Megan is an award-winning storyteller with a decade of experience working in journalism, public relations, and marketing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with certificates in Environmental Journalism and Leadership from Webster University. In her free time, Megan enjoys watercolor, family game nights, walks with her two dogs and exploring St. Louis with her husband.

What is 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast?

Shaping the Future Since 1818

As the oldest institution of its kind west of the Mississippi River, Saint Louis University has stood at the forefront for more than two centuries. From revolutionizing football with the forward pass to performing the Midwest's first heart transplant, SLU is where history is made.

Some traditions endure: our proud Jesuit, Catholic foundation, a deep commitment to academic excellence and a calling to pursue social justice. Other stories have been lost to history — until now.

In the debut season of 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast, we dive into SLU's rich and often surprising legacy. Each episode features an unexpected conversation about SLU's background, a dynamic roundtable with alumni, thought leaders and changemakers shaping the University's next chapter, and a spotlight on distinctive alumni events and services.
Whether you're a Billiken from yesterday, today or tomorrow, join us as we showcase the people and moments that define us.

Once a Billiken, Always a Billiken.

Tony Minor: Some stories from St. Louis University's past have become legend and lore.

Meg Connolly: But much of the university's most intriguing history has remained untold until now.

Tony Minor: I'm Tony Minor.

Meg Connolly: And I'm Meg Connolly, and we're your hosts for 1818: A St. Louis University Alumni Podcast.
Tony Minor: This season, we're diving deep into the real story behind the infamous exorcism that inspired a Hollywood film,

Meg Connolly: to the early days of Billiken athletics.

Tony Minor: To the untold ways SLU has shaped the St. Louis community, and even how our iconic Billiken mascot got its start.

Meg Connolly: Whether you're a proud alum, a current Billiken, or just love a good story, this podcast is for you. Find us at slu.edu or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Tony Minor: Subscribe now to 1818: A St. Louis University Alumni Podcast.

Meg Connolly: And discover the stories that made St. Louis University what it is today.