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Â鶹´«Ã½'s Alumni Merit and Pioneer Awards showcase the finest achievements within the Billiken community. We are proud to acknowledge their exceptional contributions."

— Annelise Pivin, executive director of alumni engagement

Award Eligibility 

Full-time Â鶹´«Ã½ faculty and staff are not eligible to receive a college or school Alumni Merit Award or the Pioneer Award. However, full-time faculty and staff who are at the point of retirement or have already retired are eligible. Students currently enrolled at SLU during the award year are not eligible for either award. No alumni who are currently in public office are eligible for the awards.

Â鶹´«Ã½ Alumni Merit Awards

Â鶹´«Ã½'s president and administrative officers created our alumni merit awards to highlight, with distinction and impact, one of SLU's most exemplary outcomes  — our distinguished graduates. These prestigious recognitions are given annually in two categories: an Alumni Merit Award from a SLU college, school or degree-granting center, and the Pioneer Award, open to any graduate.

This year's recipients will be honored with their awards during SLU's Commencement Recognition Dinner on May 16, 2025, and verbally recognized during the University's commencement ceremony on May 17, 2025.

Â鶹´«Ã½ Alumni Merit Awards

Each of SLU's colleges, schools and degree-granting centers can grant an Alumni Merit Award annually. These distinguished graduates are honored for their outstanding achievements, dedication to their chosen profession and commitment to SLU's mission.

Alumni Merit Award Criteria

Any living SLU graduate who exemplifies SLU's mission in their daily life may be nominated for an Alumni Merit Award. These graduates should have demonstrated outstanding success in their:

  • Professional life
  • Intellectual pursuits
  • Community involvement

Nominees should also display continued interest in and evidence of support for Saint Louis University's enhancement.

Determining a Nominee’s Affiliation
  • Nominees will be considered to receive an award from the college, school or degree-granting center where the Â鶹´«Ã½ degree they received is currently housed. 
  • If an individual has multiple degrees from Â鶹´«Ã½, they will be placed in the pools for each college, school or degree-granting center from which they graduated.
  • If the nominator is not sure which college, school or degree-granting center is appropriate, the Office of Alumni Engagement will make a determination once the nomination is received to ensure that each candidate is in the correct pool before being reviewed.

Alumni Merit Award Selection Process

A committee of staff members and alumni volunteers will review nominations, with a final review from the dean of each college, school or degree-granting center. After the recipients have been selected, the Office of Alumni Engagement will compile information about the recipients for review by the Office of the President.

Alumni Merit Award Nominations

The 2025 nomination period is now open. Submissions must be received by midnight on Jan. 31, 2025. Nominees not selected from the last two cycles will be considered again this year. To check on the status of a previous nomination or make updates, contact alumnimerit@slu.edu. 

Past Alumni Merit Award Recipients

2024
A group of men and women wearing medals pose for a photo together.

Front row, from left: Susan E. Klepper (Honorary Degree Recipient), Fr. Michael Esswein, Trudy Busch Valentine, Laura S. Kaiser, Marilyn Horst, Dr. Toniya Singh and Barbara Jacobsmeyer.
Back row, from left: William M. Klepper (Honorary Degree Recipient), Joe Conran, Tim Drone, Flint Fowler, Gregory Frey, Steven Frey, Nate Merrick, Frank Magiera and Fr. P. Maria Joseph Christie (Honorary Degree Recipient).
Not pictured: Jim Kavanaugh, Frank Magiera, Michael Ernest and Jon Hamm (Honorary Degree Recipient).

College of Arts and Sciences
Tim Drone, M.A., MBA (A&S ’72, GRAD A&S ’75, GRAD CSB ’77)

School of Medicine
Toniya Singh, M.D. (MED, Residency ’00, Fellowship ’03)

School of Law
Joe Conran, J.D. (A&S ’67, LAW ’70)

College of Philosophy and Letters 
Michael Esswein, M.Div. (P&L ’93)

Center for Advanced Dental Education
Michael Ernest, D.D.S. (DENT ’69) 

Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business 
Jim Kavanaugh (CSB ’86) 

Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology/School of Science and Engineering
Frank Magiera, Ph.D. (PC ’62)

Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing 
Trudy Busch Valentine, M.A. (VSN ’80) 

School of Social Work 
Marilyn Horst, M.S.W. (GRAD SSW ’77, GRAD PH ’99)

Doisy College of Health Sciences 
Barbara Jacobsmeyer, M.A. (DCHS ’88) 

College for Public Health and Social Justice 
Laura S. Kaiser, MBA, M.H.A., F.A.C.H.E. (GRAD PH ’82, ’85) 

School for Professional Studies 
Nate Merrick, M.A. (GRAD PS ’20)

School of Education 
Flint Fowler, Ph.D. (GRAD ED ’97)

2023
A group of men and women pose for a photo together, some holding framed medals.

Front row, from left: LaTonia Collins Smith, Alan Vogt, Raymond Slavin, Marlene Davis (Honorary Degree Recipient), Marianne Muellerleile (Honorary Degree Recipient), Judith Carlson, Terrance Rust; Back row, from left: Angela Clay Thomas (representing William Clay, who was not able to attend), William Giese, Sally Pavlow Johnson, Jamie Bailey (representing Eric Bailey), Helene Ballmann Dudley, H. Eric Clark, Nick Collins, Dean Plocher; Not pictured: Mark Lewis.

College of Arts and Sciences
Helene Ballmann Dudley (A&S ’68)

School of Medicine
Raymond G. Slavin, M.D. (MED ’56)

School of Law
Dean Plocher, J.D. (LAW ’97)

College of Philosophy and Letters 
Mark A. Lewis, S.J. (GRAD P&L ’84, GRAD A&S ’84)

Center for Advanced Dental Education
Terrance A. Rust, D.D.S. (DENT ’67)

Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business 
Alan Vogt (CSB ’69)

Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology  
Sally Pavlow Johnson (PC ’96)

Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing 
Judith H. Carlson (VSN ’72, ’96)

School of Social Work 
LaTonia Collins Smith, Ed.D. (GRAD SW '98, GRAD PH ’99)

Doisy College of Health Sciences 
William Giese, PA-C (A&S ’69, DCHS ’73)

College for Public Health and Social Justice 
Nicholas Collins, M.P.H., B.S.N. (VSN ’11, GRAD PH ’14)

School for Professional Studies 
Eric M. Bailey (GRAD PS ’16)

School of Education
H. Eric Clark, Ed.D. (GRAD ED '99, '14) 

2022
A group of men and women pose for a photo.

Front row, from left: Stephen M. Strum, J.D., Mary Kay Knight Macheca, R.N., Suthanya Srisuro, Thomas Nenninger and Alice F. Roach. Back row, from left: Thomas P. Shaner, M.D., William L. Carrier, Cecilia A. Nadal, Dennis M. Jenkerson and Jerry Sax. Not pictured are Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D., Jennifer L. McDaniel, M.S., Phillip Edward Sowa and Thomas J. Reese. Photo by Steve Dolan. 


College of Arts and Sciences
Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. (A&S ’82)

School of Medicine
Thomas P. Shaner, M.D. (A&S ’68, MED ’72)

School of Law
Stephen M. Strum, J.D. (LAW ’88)

College of Philosophy and Letters
Thomas J. Reese, S.J. (P&L, GRAD A&S ’68)

Center for Advanced Dental Education
Suthanya Srisuro, D.D.S., M.S. (GRAD DENT ’75)

Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business
Jerry Sax (CSB ’83)

Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology
William L. Carrier (PC ’81)

Institute of Technology
Thomas B. Nenninger (IT ’61)

Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing
Mary Kay Knight Macheca, M.S.N., R.N. (VSN ’82, GRAD VSN ’86)

Doisy College of Health Sciences
Jennifer L. McDaniel M.S., R.D.N. (DCHS ’05)

School for Professional Studies
Dennis M. Jenkerson (PS ’02)

School of Education
Alice F. Roach, Ed.D. (ED ’04, GRAD ED ’06)

2019
A group of men and women pose for a photo.

Pictured: Back row, from left: Don Cook, Ed.D.; Brent Ibata, Ph.D.; William Klepper, Ph.D.; SLU President Dr. Fred Pestello; Michael McMillian; Robert Vitale; William Ka-Lun Choi, Ph.D. Front row, from left: Jerome Dwyer, M.D.; George Brill; Claire Wyneken; Pamela Cacchione, Ph.D.; Michael Forrest; Colleen Starkloff.

College of Arts and Sciences
William M. Klepper, Ph.D. (A&S ’66, GRAD A&S ’67, ’75)

School of Medicine
Jerome V. Dwyer, M.D. (A&S ’79, MED ’85)

Center for Advanced Dental Education
William Ka-Lun Choi (CADE ’93)

Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business
Robert V. Vitale (CSB ’88)

Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology
George Brill (PC ’85)

Institute of Technology
Michael C. Forrest (IT ’55)

Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing
Pamela Z. Cacchione, Ph.D. (GRAD VSN ’98)

Doisy College of Health Sciences
Colleen Kelly Starkloff (DCHS ’74)

College for Public Health and Social Justice
Brent Ibata, Ph.D., J.D. (PH ’00 and ’08, LAW ’07)

School for Professional Studies
Claire L. Wyneken (PS ’15)

School of Education
Don W. Cook Sr., Ph.D. (ED ’97)

2018

College of Arts and Sciences, 
Darryl Jones ('77)

School of Medicine
Bruce Wolfe ('67)

School of Law
Jason Sengheiser ('03)

Center for Advanced Dental Education 
Patrick Dreiling ('70)

Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business 
Valerie Davisson ('87)

Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology 
Jose Lopez ('69)

Institute of Technology
Rudolph Roeslein ('71)

School of Nursing
Sheila Haas ('68)

Doisy College of Health Sciences
Vasilikitsa Antonopoulos ('02)

College for Public Health and Social Justice
Miguel Paniagua ('92)

School for Professional Studies
Keith Willis, Sr. ('02)

School of Education 
Robert Flannery ('79)

2017
A group of men and women pose for a photo inside.

 

College of Arts and Sciences 
Thomas Downey ('86)

School of Medicine 
William Sly ('57)

Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business 
Thomas Hillmeyer ('64)

Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology 
Patrick Lee ('59)

Institute of Technology 
J. Barry McCormick ('62, '67)

School of Nursing
Linda Heitman ('87, '01)

Doisy College of Health Sciences 
Michael Riley ('75)

College for Public Health and Social Justice 
J. Breezer Rickey ('92)

School for Professional Studies 
Frank Friedlein Jr. ('76)

School of Education 
Margaret Vandeven ('14)

2016

College of Arts and Sciences 
John P. Coyne ('59)

School of Medicine 
Peter J. Dempsey ('66)

Center for Advanced Dental Education 
Aron E. Dellinger ('99)

Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business 
Mark R. Bell (’67)

Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology 
Lara A. Lennaman ('03)

Institute of Technology
Joseph F. Steurer (’59)

School of Nursing 
Anne G. Perry ('76)

Doisy College of Health Sciences
Susan A. Klepper ('66)

College for Public Health and Social Justice 
Larry C. Chang ('89)

School for Professional Studies 
William J. Dowling ('83)

School of Education 
Mary A. Bruemmer ('60)

Â鶹´«Ã½ Pioneer Award

Referencing the pioneering spirit that helped forge Â鶹´«Ã½'s foundation, the Pioneer Award is an annual recognition of a hardworking, innovative, driven graduate who is committed to Jesuit ideals and has distinguished themselves in their life’s pursuits. Most importantly, the Â鶹´«Ã½ Pioneer Award is given to a graduate whose actions, accomplishments and pioneering spirit have helped pave the way for others.

Pioneer Award Criteria

Any living or deceased graduate who exemplifies SLU's mission in their daily life is eligible for the Pioneer Award. Nominees should be:

  • Distinguished professionally
  • The first among their peers to achieve something, a trailblazer in their field, someone who paved the way for others
  • Committed to service, social justice and the Jesuit ideals

Pioneer Award Selection Process

Representatives of SLU's Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement will review nominations. The top candidate will be presented to and approved by the president of Â鶹´«Ã½.

Pioneer Award Nominations

The 2025 nomination period is now open. Submissions must be received by midnight on Jan. 31, 2025. Nominees not selected from the last two cycles will be considered again this year. To check on the status of a previous nomination or make updates, contact alumnimerit@slu.edu. 

Past Pioneer Award Recipients ​

2024

Gregory Frey
School of Education, Class of 2007

Steven Frey
School of Education, Class of 2009 

2023

William L. Clay, Sr.
College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 1953

2022

Cecilia A. Nadal, M.A.
College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 1972

2018

Dr. Lubna H. Somjee,
College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 1993

2017

Dr. Stanley L. Anderson
College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 1991
College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School, Class of 1996
School of Medicine, Class of 2001

Additional Pioneer Award Recipients
  • 2011: Patricia L. Monteleone, M.D.,
    School of Medicine, Class of 1961
  • 2007: Harry Revels III, M.D.
    School of Medicine, Class of 1956
  • 2002: Mary Nawrocki McGinnis, M.D.
    School of Medicine, Class of 1952

FAQ Before Starting a Nomination

Who can submit a nomination?

Anyone can recommend a SLU graduate for an Alumni Merit Award or Pioneer Award. 

What type of information will I need to provide about the nominee?

Please be prepared to provide information on the nominee’s achievements and qualifications in the following categories:

Alumni Merit Award Nomination

  • Professional accomplishments
  • Intellectual pursuits
  • Awards, honors and recognitions
  • Community service
  • Commitment to the Jesuit mission
  • Continued support of Â鶹´«Ã½

Pioneer Award Nomination

  • Professional accomplishments
  • Intellectual pursuits
  • Awards, honors and recognition
  • First among peers/paving the way for others
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Community service
  • Commitment to the Jesuit ideals of social justice
  • Continued Support of Â鶹´«Ã½

In addition to text-based questions about the nominee’s achievements and qualifications, the form will also ask you to upload a CV or resume and any available letters of recommendation. Please have these ready when you begin the nomination as there is no way to exit and return to the form after you have already started. 

How do I write a strong nomination?

Please fill out each section of the nomination form as thoroughly as possible. The strength of your nomination depends on the information and supporting materials you provide to best represent the accomplishments of your nominee. Referencing a separate cover letter or CV is not an acceptable answer for a section. If you do not complete a section, it will impact the nominee’s score.

Keep in mind that reviewers may not be familiar with industry-specific language or awards, so the more information you can provide about why an accomplishment or accolade is significant, the stronger the nomination will be.

What if I'm unsure of what to include in the nomination?

If you are not sure what to include in a nomination, review your nominee’s LinkedIn profile, request their resume or CV, or talk to family, friends or the nominee themselves to learn additional details.