Billiken Bulletin Newsletter
This is the most recent issue of the Billiken Bulletin, a monthly electronic newsletter that provides resources to help you as a Saint Louis University family member navigate campus and provide direction to your students when they are unsure about where or how to find the information on campus.
Happy September, Billiken Families!
The new academic year is officially underway at Saint Louis University, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome our students — new and returning — back to campus.
From Aug. 15–24, we hosted more than 50 events to help students and families feel at home in our SLU community. Thank you to everyone who participated. The energy and enthusiasm were incredible! And the good news? The fun and connection continue throughout the semester.
In this edition of the Billiken Bulletin, we’re highlighting how the Division of Mission and Identity serves as the University’s compass, guiding us in living out our Jesuit mission. You’ll also find details about Homecoming and Family Weekend, our family networks and important calendar dates to keep on your radar.
Make sure you are also a part of our social media pages:
The Saint Louis University Division of Mission and Identity is responsible for fostering a deeper understanding of the University’s mission as a Jesuit and Catholic institution among its faculty and staff.
A Jesuit education aims to form the whole person. As a Jesuit Catholic university, Saint Louis University offers students a distinctive educational experience. Built on a spiritual, intellectual and social tradition almost five centuries old, SLU provides opportunities and an environment that encourages the full flourishing of our students in every aspect of their humanity.
We invite you to learn more about our Ignatian Values through this video series to better understand why the university is committed to Cura Personalis (Latin meaning “care for the whole person”) and how we carry out the mission of the greater good.
As a new semester begins, we encourage you to discuss with your students about how they wish to share their academic progress. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA is designed to protect student privacy and foster independence as they transition into higher education.
Once a student enrolls at SLU, access to their education records transfers from the parents to the student. As a result, academic information such as grades, class schedules and other records cannot be disclosed to parents without the student’s consent.
Saint Louis University has two different methods through which students can grant access to third parties: Student Consent of Disclosure of FERPA Records and Banner Proxy.
To learn more about how to become a Banner Proxy, visit the registrar's website.
Banner Proxy
- Allows a student to designate another individual (a proxy) to access certain aspects of their student records within SLU’s student information system.
- The proxy has their own login credentials and permissions, allowing them to view information authorized by the student.
- The student can set permissions for the proxy, specifying what information or actions the proxy is allowed to access.
Student Consent of Disclosure of FERPA Records
- The Student Consent of Disclosure of FERPA Records is a document signed by the student that authorizes specific individuals or entities (such as parents, guardians or other designated individuals) to discuss their educational records with Saint Louis University employees.
- This option is more generalized and applies to all educational records covered by FERPA, while Banner Proxy is specific to the Banner system and allows the student more granular control over access and actions within that system.
To protect our students and their rights, third-party access must be granted by the student before we share information.
We are thrilled to welcome you to Homecoming and Family Weekend, taking place Sept. 26–28! With 30-plus exciting events planned, there's something for everyone — offering you a unique way to experience campus life alongside your Billiken.
Throughout the weekend, you'll have opportunities to:
- Attend sporting events
- Meet faculty, staff and campus leaders
- Connect with other Billiken Families
- Listen to great music
- Enjoy special programming designed to make this weekend unforgettable
Registration is now open, and the full schedule is available for viewing.
Exciting news for Billiken families! The Family Networks are here with hopes of making an impact in over a dozen states across the United States. These networks are all about connecting families, fostering fellowship and creating lasting memories with SLU!
From cheering on the Billikens at a basketball watch party to helping welcome new students at regional recruitment events, the Family Networks hope to offer a range of activities designed to bring families closer.
We need your help to make it happen! The success of these networks depends on your interest. If you’re interested in joining a Family Network in your area, simply fill out this form:
Be a part of something special and help build a supportive, engaged community for all Billiken families. To learn more about the networks, please visit the Billiken Parents and Family Association webpage.
Email parents@slu.edu with any questions.
Jackie Ridgley from Alton, Illinois, and Peggy Lewis from St. Louis are leading the charge for the Gateway Network for both Illinois and Missouri to ensure Billiken Families who live in both states have the opportunities to engage in fellowship with one another. Read the interviews below to learn more about the families and their Billikens.
Please feel free to reach out to Peggy Lewis at lewisfamily.6@sbcglobal.net or Jackie Ridgley at jc1207jr@gmail.com with any questions.
Share with us where you are from and tell us about yourself and your family.
Jackie: Hi! I'm Jackie Ridgley from Alton, Illinois. I have been married to my childhood sweetheart Michael for 23 years. We have three fantastic kiddos: Johnathon (19), Jackson (17) and Kennedy (14). We love spending time outside and being involved in scouting. Johnathon is our Billiken. He is starting his sophomore year majoring in political science, minoring in criminal justice and pre-law.
Peggy: My name is Mary (Peggy) Lewis. and I am from St. Louis and have lived here most of my life. I have been married to Ken for 35 years, and we have four children.
I graduated from SLU in 1993 with my master’s degree in nursing and then delivered twin girls a few months later! Both twins graduated from the school of nursing in 2016. Our son went to University of Illinois. Our youngest daughter, Maria, is a sophomore and is taking classes remotely this semester due to a fractured ankle and rib. Her friends at SLU have been wonderful about keeping her included in their lives and she is looking forward to returning to SLU
What has your experience and involvement been with Saint Louis University? What have been some of your most favorite memories from your Billiken’s time in college?
Jackie: I am the co-leader of the Gateway Region of our Billiken Family Network. Our experience with SLU has been amazing! One of my favorite memories will always be Johnathon’s freshmen move-in day. Michael and I were fully prepared to move every item Johnathon packed for his dorm. The process was so smooth that we didn’t have to move anything!!
Peggy: I have worked as an adjunct instructor in the School of Nursing since 1994 and retired in June 2025 from a full-time position in the oncology research department at SLU. This is my second year of volunteering for the BPFA and I love meeting the parents and students.
We have loved all the activities SLU offers and how beautiful the campus is all year. The most special memories include going to the ultimate frisbee games, the 200-year anniversary celebration of SLU under the Arch, and the Homecoming activities every year.
How has your family dynamic changed since your student went off to college? Please share any challenges your Billiken may have experienced while attending SLU. How did they resolve those and how did you support them?
Jackie: Our family dynamic hasn’t really changed too much since Johnathon started college. We live just 40 minutes away from campus, so he is able to come home pretty regularly. I love that about SLU’s campus.
Peggy: This is the first time we have ever had an “empty nest,” which has been wonderful, but we love being able to come and visit our daughter or bring her home whenever she wants.
Our three daughters all missed the family and our dog, Rosie, at different times. We solved those issues by visiting them or bringing them home for visits.
I am so impressed with the mission of SLU and how every class and program emphasizes working for the “Higher Purpose and Greater Good.”
Is there anything else you want to share or that you feel Billiken Families should know?
JACKIE: I have thoroughly enjoyed being the Gateway Family Network Leader working alongside Peggy. Anytime we can be a support to other Billiken Families, it makes it all worthwhile. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime.