In this episode of 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast, hosts Meg Connolly (A&S ‘90, GRAD A&S ‘92) and Tony Minor (A&S ‘03) explore how campus involvement shapes student life and lays the groundwork for lifelong connection. Connolly opens the episode alongside Amy Fehlig Kendall (CSB ‘91, GRAD CSB ‘98) to discuss the history and impact of Oriflamme, SLU’s longest-standing group of student leaders that welcome new students to campus and help them transition to college life. Fehlig Kendall reflects on how Oriflamme and the warmth of the Billiken community built her confidence, created lifelong friendships, and eventually came full circle when her own sons attended SLU.

In the second half, Minor and Connolly lead a dynamic roundtable with alumni guests Jeff Jarrett (CSB '03) and Aric Hamilton (A&S ’23, GRAD ED ’25). They explore why saying "yes" to sometimes unexpected campus opportunities during a student’s undergraduate years can lead to a lifelong calling. Jarrett shares how working at SLU’s on-campus radio station, KSLU, influenced his career in music management and event production, while Hamilton reflects on how serving as SLU’s Student Government Association president helped him discover a passion for higher education administration and student advocacy.

Finally, as always, Minor shares a valuable alumni perk — signature celebrations held throughout the year just for graduates, their families, and guests, offering exclusive experiences not available anywhere else.

Want to learn more? Delve into SLU’s Oriflamme, from where the group takes its name to what it represents on campus today, and learn more about the group’s longtime advisor, Mary Bruemmer. Get a glimpse at what student organizations exist on campus today, as well as what alumni clubs offer in St. Louis and beyond. Plus, don’t forget to see which signature alumni events are coming up next.