September 2024 Board of Trustees Meeting Recap
Following a robust series of committee meetings, the Â鶹´«Ã½ Board of Trustees held its first meeting of the academic year on Friday, Sept. 27. It was the first to be led by new Board Chair Eric Engler, executive vice president and chief of staff at Ascension.
The Board elected two new trustees, both of whom are SLU graduates. Marilyn Bush (CSB ’84) is the president of Bank of America St. Louis, and Amy Rodrigues (CSB ’01) is the vice president of finance shared services and finance transformation for The Boeing Company.
The Board also welcomed back two returning members, retired Wells Fargo Bank executive Paul D. Kalsbeek, and Robert O'Loughlin, chairman and CEO of Lodging Hospitality Management.
As they do each fall, the trustees also approved the executive officers of the University who will serve SLU this academic year, including the provost, vice presidents and University treasurer, along with the secretary and assistant secretary to the Board.
In addition, the Board approved a new Master of Medical Science in Anesthesiology (MMSc) at the School of Medicine to help meet the growing demand for anesthesia providers throughout the United States.
The Board received an overview of SLU’s ongoing efforts to reconcile with its historical involvement in the institution of slavery from VP for Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement Rochelle Smith, VP for Mission and Identity Fr. David Suwalsky, S.J., Assistant to the President Nicci Roach, and Assistant Vice President Allison Brewer. The trustees engaged in thoughtful discussion and requested regular updates on SLU’s work to foster truth, healing and reconciliation in partnership with the descendant community.
The trustees also received an update on the strategic steps we are taking to balance this year’s budget and to align our resources with our distinctive strengths and strategic priorities. The future of this University will be built upon our mission and our formidable strengths. These strengths include our trustees, who hold a special responsibility as stewards of our University.
At SLU, we are blessed to have a Board of Trustees that is dedicated, engaged and deeply committed to the University’s mission and values. Our trustees’ continued support and guidance remain essential as we work to reshape our institution to address current and future challenges.
Sincerely,
Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
President