1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast

Whether you are part of the first successful manned mission to the moon or showing systemic courage to challenge injustice, pioneers are formed when the stakes are at their highest. This episode of 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast features an in-depth look at SLU's many firsts — from its status as the oldest university west of the Mississippi to the institutional resilience and values-driven decision-making that have marked its more than 200-year history.

Our show starts with legendary NASA flight director and SLU alumnus Eugene "Gene" Kranz (PC '54), who details how his undergraduate experience as a Billiken shaped the mental fortitude required to navigate the Apollo 11 lunar landing under critical fuel margins. Then, Dr. Ellen Harshman, dean emeritus of the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, and University Archivist Katie Mascari join hosts Meg Connolly (A&S '90, GRAD A&S' 92) and Tony Minor (A&S' 03) to discuss how SLU has transformed academic knowledge into societal progress. From the groundbreaking Heithaus Homily to the University's refusal to participate in a major 1950s basketball tournament in segregated Louisiana and the Board of Trustees' defiant refusal to move the campus to the suburbs during a period of urban flight, learn about moments where SLU went against the tide to do what was right.

Then hear how modern SLU continues its pioneering legacy through leading-edge research and innovation, and how alumni can carry the Jesuit ideals of being men and women for others into everyday corporate and civic spaces.

The show concludes with information about how SLU honors its outstanding graduates and how you can nominate an alum for an upcoming award.

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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.
Guest
Ellen Harshman, Ph.D., J.D.
After positions in elementary and higher education in Ohio, Ellen Harshman joined Saint Louis University in 1972. A recognized leader in the university, she held a number of positions in the academic and student development divisions. She was appointed Dean of the John Cook School of Business in 2003 (now the Chaifetz School), following roles as Senior Vice Provost and Interim CIO. She served as dean for a decade. In January 2013, she was appointed to the Chief Academic Officer’s position at Saint Louis University and served in that capacity until her retirement from full-time roles at SLU in July 2015. She continued her service to the university from July 2015 to February 2019 leading the planning for Saint Louis University’s 2018 bicentennial celebration, after which she fully retired. An Ohio native, Dr. Harshman earned her undergraduate degree (summa cum laude) at Miami University, her master’s degree at Wright State University, and her doctorate and law (cum laude) degrees at Saint Louis University. She was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1992 and continues to keep her law license current. Over her career, Dr. Harshman has been the recipient of many awards recognizing her teaching and service as a faculty member and academic leader. As a member of the management faculty, she taught legal environment of business, business law, management, and business ethics. She is the author of numerous refereed articles and proceedings. Among the areas in which she has written and presented papers and programs are leadership development, legal and ethical issues in business and employment, and higher education leadership. Active in the St. Louis region, Dr. Harshman was recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal as one of the area’s “Most Influential Business Women.” In addition, she was selected by the Business Journal six times over a decade as one of St. Louis’ “Most Influential Leaders.” She is also a recipient of the CORO Leadership Award and was inducted into the YWCA Academy of Leaders and the Saint Louis University School of Law Order of the Fleur de Lis. Among recent and current community and professional activities are the following: Civic Pride Foundation; St. Louis Archdiocesan Council of the St. Vincent DePaul Society; Webster University Board of Trustees; St. Louis Forum; Greater St. Louis, Inc., Executives in Residence; Women Corporate Directors, St. Louis Chapter. Her work to advance business and management education in colleges and universities, domestic and international, has gained her professional recognition and taken her around the world as a mentor, consultant, and evaluator.
Guest
Gene Kranz
The leader of the "Tiger Team" of flight directors who brought the Apollo 13 spaceship safely back to Earth on April 17, 1970, Gene Kranz and his famous motto "Failure is not an option," were famously depicted in the 1995 hit film, Apollo 13. A 1954 graduate of Saint Louis University's Parks College, Kranz was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and flew high-performance jet fighter aircraft, including the F-80, F-86, and F-100. In 1958, he worked as a flight-test engineer for McDonnell Aircraft, developing the Quail Decoy Missile for B-52 and B-47 aircraft. Kranz joined the NASA Space Task Group at Langley, Virginia, in 1960, and was assigned the position of assistant flight director for Project Mercury. He assumed flight director duties for all Project Gemini missions and served as branch chief for Flight Control Operations. He was selected as division chief for Flight Control in 1968. He continued his duties as a flight director for the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing before taking over the leadership of the Apollo 13 "Tiger Team." He was discharged from the Air Force Reserve as a Captain in 1972. Kranz contributed his expertise to a number of other NASA missions during his career, including the Skylab Program. After the Skylab Program concluded, he was named deputy director of Flight Operations for NASA, with responsibility for space flight planning, training and mission operations, aircraft operations, and flight crew operations. In 1983, he was assigned the post of director of Mission Operations and given responsibility for all aspects of mission design, development, maintenance, and operations of related mission facilities, as well as the preparation of Space Shuttle flight software. Kranz retired from NASA in 1994 after 37 years of federal service and is currently a consultant and speaker. He is the recipient of many awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was designated as a Distinguished Member of the Senior Executive Service and is enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He received an honorary doctorate from SLU in 2025, and, in honor of Kranz's far-reaching impact, Saint Louis University's School of Science and Engineering introduced the Gene Kranz Professorship of Research/Teaching Excellence in 2024. After retirement, Kranz served as a flight engineer on a B-17 "Flying Fortress", constructed an aerobatic biplane, and in April 2000 published a memoir about his experiences in the space program, Failure is Not an Option: Mission Control from Mercury to Apollo 13 and Beyond. His book, a New York Times Bestseller, has been selected by the History Channel as the basis for a documentary on Mission Control. He and his wife have six children and reside in Texas. His current activities include motivational speaking to professional, military, and civic groups.
Guest
Katie Mascari
Katie Mascari is the University Archivist at Saint Louis University, where she stewards institutional history, manages a variety of archival collections, and supports research, teaching, and outreach related to the University’s history and primary source research. She loves all things Billiken-related and is passionate about making the archives a fun and accessible experience for the SLU community.
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.