| Summary: | Spring/Summer 2003 issue of Universitas: the magazine of Saint Louis University T H E M AG A Z I N E O F S A I N T L O U I S U N I V E R S I T Y S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 0 3 SLU & Midtown By Lawrence Biondi, S.J. Saint Louis University President It’s official: After extensive research and planning, Saint Louis University is moving forward on plans for two excit-ing projects — an arena and a research building. You can read more about the details elsewhere in this issue, but I wanted to share my perspective on these monumental undertakings and what they mean for SLU. Let’s start with the arena. This project has generated much discussion over the years, especially among our Billiken faith-ful. Although SLU has been eager to put the pieces in place for a top-notch athletic facility for some time now, funding proved to be a major obstacle. We also maintained that a new arena should serve much more than our Billiken men’s basketball program. Yes, we envision a 13,000-seat basket-ball venue with a cozy atmosphere, a true college feel and a potentially exhilarating home-court advantage. But with a new arena, we are adding yet another compo-nent to the overall Saint Louis University experience. This project will provide a facility that is easily accessible to our stu-dents for commencement ceremonies and other special engagements, thereby becoming a multipurpose events center. (For more details, see page 13.) We plan to construct our new facility near the Grand Center arts and entertain-ment district. As we strive to strengthen our community, a new arena will be yet another beacon for Midtown. We remain committed to creating a true “college town” atmosphere with shops, restaurants and entertainment, ultimately making Midtown a place where people go to live, to socialize and to learn. Of course, there are direct benefits for our athletic pro-grams. A new arena will allow us to avoid scheduling conflicts at Savvis Center, the current home of our men’s basketball team, and will help us in recruiting student-athletes. Finally, we believe a new arena will better cater to our fans — even those not living on campus. We came to this con-clusion thanks to a marketing study, which also indicated that once built, an arena could provide the University with new sources of revenue from premium seating, advertising and sponsorship. This revenue would allow us to operate the building without drawing on SLU tuition dollars or dipping into our endowment. This “budget neutral” concept for the arena project also is providing a model for our other major endeavor, a research building. Candidly, as excited as I am about the arena, my first and foremost priority is the research building. The need for a dedicated research facility has become a necessity as external funding for SLU research has expanded significantly and successfully during the past decade. The ini-tiative for a new research building at our Health Sciences Center is part of an overall $80 million investment in new and renovated research space that will represent the largest single building project since the University’s founding in 1818. (For more details, see page 2.) The new research building will provide state-of-the-art facilities for health sciences research that directly touches lives while providing additional services to the community. The facility will allow for the consolidation of laboratories scat-tered in different locations at the Health Sciences Center. This unification will strengthen the thematic areas of research through collaborative interactions. In addi-tion, the new research building will aid in the retention of experienced biomedical investigators, assist department chairpersons in recruiting outstanding faculty researchers and enhance the development of new research and degree programs. The building also will expand the University’s research efforts and strengthen our ability to compete for important exter-nal funding. This, in turn, would increase the prestige of Saint Louis University as a major research center and aid in the recruitment of students. Pursuit of truth and scholarly inquiry into new and better understandings of our world have been part of the Ignatian tradi-tion for hundreds of years. Research is an integral part of our mission, a strong com-ponent of our faculty endeavors and an unparalleled educational tool for our students. As we move forward on this important initiative, I look forward to the future benefits we will reap from this important investment in research. I would like to extend my gratitude to all of those people involved in both projects and invite everyone in our Saint Louis University community to spread the word about these two important developments. It is an exciting time to be part of our Saint Louis University family as our destiny of becom-ing the finest Catholic university in the nation continues to take shape. UNIVERSITAS Volume 29, No. 2 Editor Laura Geiser (A&S ’90, Grad ’92) Assistant Editor Chris Waldvogel Intern Billy Brennan Contributors Marie Dilg (Soc Ser ’94) Katie Hanson (A&S ’02) Matt Shaw Bob Woodruff Photo Credits David Altman, 6 Bill Barrett, 7 Steve Dolan, 25 Kevin Lowder, 4, 14-17, 20-21 Kristen Peterson, 3 John Vieth, 9, 11, 12 James Visser, cover, 9, 10 Design AKA Design Inc. Art Direction: Richie Murphy Design: Stacy Lanier UNIVERSITAS is published quarterly by Saint Louis University. Opinions expressed in UNIVERSITAS are those of the individual authors and not neces-sarily those of the University adminis-tration. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are welcome but will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Letters to the editor must be signed, and letters not intended for publica-tion should indicate that fact. The editor reserves the right to edit all items. Please address all mail to UNIVERSITAS, DuBourg Hall 39, 221 N. Grand, St. Louis, MO 63103. We accept e-mail at utas@slu.edu and fax submissions at (314) 977-2249. Address fax submissions to Editor, UNIVERSITAS. Postmaster: Send address changes to UNIVERSITAS, Saint Louis University, 221 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103. World Wide Web address: www.slu.edu/pr/universitas.html UNIVERSITAS is printed by Universal Printing Co. and mailed by Accurate Business Mailers Inc. Worldwide circulation: 109,325 © 2003, Saint Louis University. All rights reserved. On the Cover: The Continental Life Building. Its renovation is a sign of the resurgence of SLU’s neighborhood. For more on Midtown St. Louis, see page 8. IIN MEMORIIAM AALLUUMMNNII nnootteess 2 23 32 28 30 SPRING/summer 2003 8 A Grand Plan Saint Louis University’s neighborhood is undergoing a Renaissance. 14 Jesuit Treasures Take a peek at the newest exhibit at the Saint Louis University Museum of Art. 18 Are You What You Eat? SLU nutritionists share their tips for healthy living. C O N T E N T S 2 Research building slated for Health Sciences Center Saint Louis University’s board of trustees has authorized the SLU adminis-tration to proceed with the design and site selection for a new research cen-ter at the Health Sciences Center, part of an $80 million invest-ment in new and reno-vated research space. This is the largest single build-ing project since the University’s found-ing in 1818. Last spring, University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., identified the new research center as his top pri-ority. The building has been in the planning stages for sev-eral years. Dr. Joseph Weixlmann, who as provost is the University’s chief academic officer, said SLU has several areas of emphasis on its research agenda, including biodefense, infectious dis-eases, virology, cardiovascu-lar, cancer and liver disease. “This initiative is critical to our success in attracting top-notch researchers and to compete for external fund-ing,” Weixlmann said. “The new structure will contain basic and clinical science research in focused areas.” The University has identi-fied several possible sites for the building. Details will be announced in the coming months. Bonds will be issued to finance construction of the center. In addition, raising money for the building is part of the University’s $300 mil-lion “Campaign for Saint Weixlmann named provost Saint Louis University has a new provost, but the per-son assuming the post is not new to the job. Dr. Joseph Weixlmann — who served as interim provost since replac-ing Dr. Sandra Johnson in May 2002 — has been named Louis University: Where Knowledge Touches Lives.” “An opportunity exists for a donor to make a major gift and name the building,” said Don Whelan, vice president for development and University relations. “We are actively pursuing this.” or edited five books and pub-lished 50 articles and book chapters, mostly on American and African-American literary topics. He earned a master’s degree and doctorate from Kansas State University. A committee has been formed to begin the search process for a new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Weixlmann’s previous posi-tion. Mike May, S.J., (A&S ’81) has served as interim dean of the college since last June. The chairman of the department of mathematics and mathematical computer science, May is expected to continue in his role as interim dean through the upcoming academic year. provost. The appointment follows a nationwide search. Weixlmann was appointed dean of SLU’s College of Arts and Sciences in March 2001. Prior to that appointment, he was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana State University. As provost, Weixlmann is the University’s chief acade-mic officer and also oversees information technology and student development. “Very few universities evidence the depth of commitment to learning, research and service outreach that can be seen today at Saint Louis University,” Weixlmann said. “I am extremely pleased to assume a key leadership role in moving forward the exceptional team of faculty, students, administrators, staff, alumni and friends working collaboratively to make SLU America’s finest Catholic uni-versity, and indeed, America’s finest university, period.” Weixlmann’s familiarity with Jesuit education began at an early age. He attended a Jesuit high school and col-lege, Canisius High School and Canisius College, both in Buffalo, N.Y. He has written Weixlmann CENTER OF ATTENTION: Progress continues on the renovation and expansion of Busch Student Center, which is scheduled to open in early August. The architectural rendering pic-tured above shows what the finished building will look like from Grand Boulevard. The project includes 51,000 square feet of new construction and 100,500 square feet of renovation. NEWS BRIEFS By The Numbers 214 SLU students who studied abroad during the 2002-03 acad-emic year in countries such as Spain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, El Salvador, Australia, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Poland and England. 7,874 Parking spaces at SLU, 2,727 of which are at the Health Sciences Center. 29,952 Pieces of candy stuffed into 7,484 Easter eggs hidden at SLU for the annual alumni Easter Egg Hunt. In all, 926 children attended the April 19 event. 30,671 Meals prepared by SLU’s Campus Kitchen from October 2001 through April 2003. SLU volunteers cook and deliver meals to those in need in the St. Louis area. In all, 22,096 pounds of food have been res-cued/ received from campus din-ing, and 9,730 hours of community service have been completed by those involved. Dr. Paul G. Schmitz (Grad ’66), professor of internal medi-cine- nephrology, received the 2002 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, which recognizes outstanding faculty members from Missouri colleges and universities and is presented annually to one faculty member from each of the state’s two- and four-year institutions. … Dr. Raymond G. Slavin (Med ’56), director of the division of allergy and immunology at the School of Medicine, received the Fellows Award from the Academy of Science of St. Louis. The award recognizes an active scientist who excels in communicating to col-leagues, future scientists and the general public. A leading spokesman and researcher, Slavin is an expert on allergies and asth-ma. … Dr. Eleonore A. Stump, the Robert J. Henle, S.J., Chair of Philosophy, presented the Gifford Lectures at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland in March. Established as early as 1888, the lectures are among the world’s foremost intellectual events. Past Gifford lecturers include Nobel Prize winners Niels Bohr, John C. Eccles and Albert Schweitzer. … In March, the SLU Women’s Commission celebrated its 30th anniversary with a reception and a presentation that outlined the pre-sent climate for women at SLU. The report was based on a survey of 1,301 women, and results will guide the commission’s activities and programs. New deans named for AHP, Parks The Doisy School of Allied Health Professions and Parks College of Engineering and Aviation soon will be under new leadership. Dr. Charlotte Royeen has accepted appointment as dean for the Doisy School of Allied Health Professions and officially will begin her duties July 1. Royeen will come to SLU from Creighton University, where she has served as associ-ate dean for research in the School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences and was a founding member of Creighton’s Research Council. She holds a doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Washington University’s School of Medicine. Dr. Bjong Wolf Yeigh will be the dean of Parks College. Yeigh’s appointment also is effective July 1. He joins SLU from Yale University, where he is assistant provost of sci-ence and technology, a post he has held since 1999. Yeigh Sword goes to Joyner-Kersee Saint Louis University has bestowed its highest honor for individual achievement –– the Sword of Ignatius Loyola –– on Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee. The award was presented to her at the University’s DuBourg Society Recognition Dinner Dec. 8. Joyner-Kersee is often regarded as the best all-around female athlete in the world and the all-time greatest heptath-lete. A native of East St. Louis, Ill., Joyner-Kersee has won several Olympic medals and is noted for her contributions to the community. The Sword of Ignatius Loyola is named for the founder of the Society of Jesus, Inigo Lopez de Loyola. Symbolic of the Ignatian vision of service, the sword is award-ed to those who have given themselves to humankind for the greater glory of God. Arena project OK’d by trustees The Saint Louis University board of trustees has approved the construction of a new SLU arena contingent upon raising an estimated $45 million in private donations. The arena would be built in Midtown St. Louis, where SLU’s campus is located. Michael F. Shanahan Sr. (B&A ’61), chairman and CEO of Engineered Support Systems Inc. and SLU trustee emeritus, is leading the fund-raising effort for the project. For more details, see page 13. Service hours at an all-time high Members of the Saint Louis University com-munity have answered the call to be “women and men for others” as 11,591 people contributed 617,911 hours of service during 2002. The numbers — which were taken from a recently released University report — are up drastically from 2001, when 8,778 participants contributed 489,505 hours of service. The reported number of students participating in community service and volunteerism went up from 4,217 in 2001 to 5,079 in 2002 — an increase of 20 percent. Faculty and staff who responded to the survey also increased 11 percent (from 659 in 2001 to 731 in 2002). From left: Joe Adorjan, chairman of SLU’s board of trustees; Joyner-Kersee; and University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford in 1987 and a doctor-ate in civil engineering and operations research from Princeton in 1995. Dr. Charles Kirkpatrick will step down as dean this July after nine years of service. He will continue his SLU career as a full-time facul-ty member in the department of chemistry. 4 Grad School ranks first in doctorates Saint Louis University’s Graduate School ranks first in number of doctoral degrees granted from Catholic universities for the 2001 academic year, accord-ing to data compiled by the Graduate School and the National Research Council. During that period, the Graduate School granted 105 Ph.D.s and 41 Ed.D.s for a total of 146 doctorates. The Graduate School has ranked among the top five Catholic universities in doctoral degrees granted since 1987, the first year SLU officials began compiling that data. Only Notre Dame joins SLU in that distinction. SLU gets largest research award Protecting babies and a woman’s reproductive health are among the major goals of the largest research award in Saint Louis University’s 185-year history, a $36.8 million NIH contract to combat herpes. SLU will lead a four-year herpes vaccine study involving 7,550 women across the United States for the National Institutes of Health. When herpes is passed from a mother to a child during birth, the disease is life threat-ening for the child and leads to birth defects. “A successful vaccine to fight this disease would represent a major public health triumph,” said Dr. Robert Belshe, the national study chair and Adorjan Professor of Internal Medicine and director of the Center for Vaccine Development at the School of Medicine. “This is the largest clinical trial we’ve organized and has the potential for making a sig-nificant contribution to SLU lab makes cancer discovery Alab headed by a Saint Louis University researcher has made a major breakthrough that could lead to a better mol-ecular understanding of cancer. Results published in the jour-nal Molecular Cell by Dr. Ali Shilatifard and his colleagues show for the first time how a protein known to be involved in the development of cancer functions in normal cells. “This opens the door for further Information initiative launched Aproject under way at Saint Louis University will rev-olutionize, enhance and expand the delivery of infor-mation to students, faculty, staff and alumni. Called “Gateway: the information ini-tiative of Saint Louis University,” the project will plug SLU computer users into significant facts, figures and data. Making use of recently purchased computer hardware and software, Gateway will integrate information from both the administrative and academic aspects of the University and reformulate the way information is cataloged and stored. Student records, financial aid, alumni databases, University financial data and human resources information all will move over to the new system. The shift will take approximately 36 months for the entire University. GLAD GRADS: Approximately 1,800 students graduat-ed from Saint Louis University during annual commence-ment exercises May 17 at Savvis Center. The graduating class is larger than those in recent years. Last year, 1,508 students graduated from SLU. Pictured above with this year’s commencement speaker Bill McClellan (left), a St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist, are (from left) honorary degree recipients Frank Reale, S.J., (A&S ’74) provincial of the Jesuits of the Missouri Province; Martin L. Mathews, co-founder of St. Louis’ Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club; and Emily Rauh Pulitzer, founder and president of the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts. study of this protein in the reg-ulation of gene expression,” said Shilatifard, an associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology. “Once we understand the normal, we will have a better understanding of where something is going wrong.” This, in turn, could lead to ways to block the path-way and ultimately could stop cancer development, he said. Also participating in this research was the lab of Dr. Mark Johnston at Washington University School of Medicine. women’s health,” he said. The study will be conducted at 16 U.S. locations, with Saint Louis University as the nation-al coordinating site. SLU’s Vaccine Center will enroll approximately 500 people. Check out smoke-free dining online Smoking in restaurants is still legal in St. Louis, but that doesn’t mean it’s pleasant. The School of Public Health recently assembled a list of 100 percent smoke-free restaurants in the St. Louis metro area. More than 200 local establish-ments appear on the list, including Bevo Mill, Café Napoli, Lemon Grass and all locations of the St. Louis Bread Co. For a look at the list, visit www.breatheeasymo.org. 25 Nurses prepared for terrorism Nurses who want to learn how to handle the after-math of a terrorist attack began their studies Feb. 3, when the School of Nursing launched a one-of-a-kind certificate program. “Our dis-aster preparedness certificate program is based upon what we learned when we visited Israel to find out how nurses there deal with terrorism,” said Dr. Dotti James (Nurs ’71, Grad Nurs ’74, ’94, ’97), associate professor of nursing. Four SLU educators — two from the School of Nursing and two from the Center for the Study of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infections in the School of Public Health — traveled to the Hadassah Medical Organization in October to see what Israeli health care professionals do after a terror attack. Students working toward SLU’s cer-tificate will participate in 10 sessions. The curriculum is available through distance learning on the Internet and is offered at Saint Louis University. AHP introduces two new degrees Two new degree programs are under way at SLU’s Doisy School of Allied Health Professions. The University has created the first and only five-year degree in the country that blends a bachelor of science in health information management with a master of health administration. The Doisy School and the School of Public Health are offering the joint degree. The program began last fall and is attracting students who are eager to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years instead of the usual six. In addition, for the first time, the Doisy School’s physical therapy department is offering a professional doc-toral- level education in physi-cal therapy. It is a transition program open to anyone who has graduated from SLU or another university with a degree in physical therapy. Presented in a part-time, dis-tance- learning format, stu-dents can complete the program in one to three years. Future plans eventually call for the implementation of an entry-level doctor of phys-ical therapy degree. The summer 1978 issue of UNIVERSITAS featured an article on the ongoing SLU presidential search, which at the time, had been narrowed to five Jesuit priests. The search committee was looking for-ward to two-day visits with each candidate. (Thomas R. Fitzgerald, S.J., got the job.) Also on the front page, a story told of the revival of SLU hockey. The team, which had been scrubbed from Billiken sports, returned for a “minimum of one year” thanks to the “financial back-ing of area businessman and hockey enthusiasts.” (Although the sport was taken off the varsity roster in 1979, it is a thriving club sport today.) The issue highlighted Saint Louis University’s psychology department, which was fulfilling the timely demand to move psychology out of the laboratory and into real-life settings. Quotable UTAS: “Do the free-doms I want leave room for others to be free? The knowledge and skills taught by our University were not just for yourselves. If so, you were poorly taught or slow to learn. If you have been gifted — and every graduate here owes much to many and to God — if gifted, then laws, justice, our com-mon humanity and what your University stands for, call you to reach out to others to help them to be free.” – University President Edward J. Drummond, S.J., in his commencement address to the class of 1978. Sign of the times: It was reported that the registrar’s office would cel-ebrate the summer session with the installation of a computer. The new system would reduce paperwork considerably, making it possible to process registration changes promptly instead of the typical two-days of paperwork. The main work, however, still would be completed on paper before being fed to the computer center for storage. Smith selected for Ring Award Dr. Duane Smith, director of the honors program and assistant professor of English, received the 2003 Nancy McNeir Ring Award. Presented annually since 1966, the award recognizes an outstanding faculty mem-ber as chosen by members of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honor society. The award is the only student-sponsored teaching award that encom-passes all schools of the University. It was established to honor Nancy McNeir Ring, the University’s first dean of women who was known for her devotion to the welfare of students. SLU faculty in Israel learning gas mask procedures. From left: Terri Rebmann, Joanne Langan and Dotti James. Smith 6 5 named ‘Women of the Year’ On April 23, the Saint Louis University Women’s Commission honored five members of the SLU commu-nity as Women of the Year. Those recognized were: Kathy Humphrey, vice president for student development; Dr. Margaret Herning (AHP ’62, Grad ’78, ’94), associate profes-sor of physical therapy; Mary Regan (Grad B&A ’85), man-agerial/ professional director for facilities services; Iris Hampton, administrative assis-tant for the department of public policy studies; and Vanessa Williams, a senior majoring in aerospace engi-neering. ing five of the program’s 10 national championships. … Deborah A. Yow (former athletic director), who joined SLU in June 1990, became just the fourth female athletic director of an NCAA Division I program. During her four years at the University, Yow created the Billiken Club, guided the program through a conference change, helped revitalize the men’s basketball program and spearheaded an increase in student-athlete graduation rates to 92 percent. She is the athletic director at the University of Maryland. Bob Burnes Award: The 1994-95 men’s basketball team, which compiled a 23-8 record, earned the Billikens a second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. The team was among the nation’s Billiken Hall of Fame inducts 8 Eight individuals and one team were inducted into the Billiken Hall of Fame in January. The honorees follow by category: Billiken Great (Contemporary): Mike Barger (baseball 1993), the program’s first All-America selection since 1965, holds a pair of school records with 81 hits and 37 stolen bases in 1993. … Pat Conreaux (baseball 1991-94) who played more games than anyone who put on a SLU baseball uni-form, holds school records for career hits, runs scored and total bases. … Jeff Harris (men’s basketball 1994-97), twice named MVP by his teammates, was a third-team All- Conference and honorable mention A l l - M i d w e s t Region selection his senior and junior years, respectively. … Carlos Martinez (men’s basketball 1969-72), a Missouri Valley Conference All-Star selection and team MVP, played professionally in Puerto Rico for seven years. … Beth Winter (field hockey 1982-85), a four-year starter, earned All-Conference honors her junior and senior years. Her 20 assists in 1985 is still the school record, as is her career total of 45 assists. Distinguished Alum (Contemporary): Chuck Zorumski (men’s soccer 1972-73) was the starting goal-keeper on the Billikens’ last two NCAA championship teams. A member of the U.S. Olympic Team from 1973-75, he also was a part of the U.S. National Team. Later, Zorumski came back to SLU as a volunteer assistant soccer coach from 1983-87 and 1990-96. He is the chairman of Washington University’s department of psychiatry. Bauman Sportsmanship Award: Val Pelizzaro (men’s soccer assistant coach) was a part-time assistant for 30 years who rarely missed a training session despite holding down a full-time job as a U.S. postal carrier. Responsible for the team’s physical preparation, he helped guide the Billikens to 27 NCAA Tournaments, includ-top 10 in scoring defense, scor-ing margin and 3-point field goals made per game. During the program’s first season at Kiel Center, the team drew 17,714 fans per game to rank seventh in the nation in atten-dance. Playing on the team for Coach Charlie Spoonhour were Sekeue Barentine, Donnie Campbell, Erwin Claggett, Derek Falb, Corey Grays, Greg Hardin, Jeff Harris, Scott Highmark, Eric Jones, Ryan Luechtefeld, Carlos McCauley, David Robinson, Carl Turner and H Waldman. The 1994-95 men’s basketball team. From left: Barger, Winter, Martinez, Pelizzaro, Zorumski, Yow, Harris and Conreaux. NEW LOOK: The SLU athletic department, in conjunc-tion with the Official College Sports Network, has unveiled a complete redesign of the official athletic Web site, www.slubillikens.com. Along with the new look, slubillikens.com offers expanded efforts to provide alumni, fans and media with complete information on Billiken sports. The site features live game broadcasts, up-to-date scores and statistics, audio and video clips, schedules, tick-et information, official merchandise and promotions for all Billiken fans. Research notes Researchers unveil nasal flu vaccine There could be a new, painless way of getting a flu shot next flu season, thanks in part to research conducted at Saint Louis University. “Delivering a flu vac-cine via a nasal mist makes good clinical sense because influenza is an airborne virus that starts in the nose,” said Dr. Robert Belshe, director of the Center for Vaccine Development at the School of Medicine and the lead investigator for the pivotal “FluMist” clinical trial. FluMist is a new type of vac-cine administered by nasal spray. An FDA advisory committee rec-ommended full FDA approval for FluMist to prevent influenza in healthy children, adolescents and adults ages 5 through 49. If approved, FluMist would be the first and only intranasal influenza vaccine in the United States. Scorpions may help fight brain cancer Brain surgeons at Saint Louis University have begun treating patients who have glioma — one of the most deadly forms of brain cancer — using a synthetic version of a substance derived from scorpi-on poison. SLU is participating in a multicenter study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the drug in a single dose, as well as overall tumor response rate in an initial study group of 18 patients. Glioma is a highly invasive cancer that affects the brain and spinal cord. Tumors cannot be fully eradicated with surgery or other therapies. However, it is hoped the drug, which uses sequences from chlorotoxin, a substance normally found in scorpions, will be able to destroy the tumor cells. Lab aids in tracking the West Nile Virus Saint Louis University is part of a new project to combat the West Nile Virus. SLU’s Norman J. Stupp Geographic Information Systems Lab is helping the St. Louis Department of Health in its fight against the public health threat, which can be spread by mosquitoes. Last summer, there were 168 human cases of West Nile Virus in the metropolitan area and seven deaths in Missouri. The health department is using the GIS lab to help create computer maps to track hundreds of mosqui-to breeding locations. By tracking locations of infected mosquitoes, dead birds and human cases of West Nile, health officials can tar-get resources and curb the virus. Women’s studies is newest major Saint Louis University has added a women’s studies major to its academic offer-ings. Previously, students minored and earned certifi-cates in the field through the women’s studies program. Nearly 3,400 students took classes in the field during the last five years. Part of the College of Arts and Sciences, women’s studies began in 1982 with a certificate pro-gram. More than 50 faculty members are affiliated with the major and teach courses and conduct research on gen-der issues. SLU students earn noted scholarships Junior Deanna Durrett has received a Truman Scholarship, one of the nation’s most prestigious merit-based awards. Recipients must be U.S. citizens, have outstanding leadership potential and com-munication skills, be in the top quarter of their class, and be committed to careers in gov-ernment or the not-for-profit sector. A native of Louisville, Ky., who is majoring in politi-cal science, Durrett is one of up to 80 recipients chosen this year from among more than 250 candidates. Mary Ann Bleem, a junior double-majoring in chemistry and biology, earned a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, the nation’s premier undergraduate award for mathematics, natural sciences and engineering. The 300 Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of acade-mic merit from a field of 1,093 mathematics, science and engi-neering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. TOP PICK: Saint Louis University senior goalkeeper Meghann Burke was drafted in the second round by the WUSA’s Carolina Courage and already is starting in goal for the team. Earlier this year, Burke was SLU women’s soccer’s first All-America selection as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America named her to its second team. She ended her career as the Billiken record-holder in every goalkeeping category. Her 38 career shutouts are a C-USA record. Playing every minute in goal for the Billikens the past four years, Burke amassed 48 victories, 347 saves and a 0.92 goals against average. 8 ust north of Saint Louis University’s Midtown campus stretches Grand Center, a Renaissance in progress. The arts and entertainment district that houses the Fox Theatre and the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra was an illus-trious destination during the 1930s and after World War II. Carrying the nick-names “bright white way,” and “Broadway of the Midwest,” Grand Center once brimmed with regal splen-dor and was home to numerous theaters, nightclubs, restaurants, shops, private clubs and hotels. But the music eventually died down. The crowds scurried to the suburbs, set-ting the stage for an era of decline. Like other areas of the city, Grand Center stood at the brink of urban decay. Once-great halls gave way to abandoned buildings. Once bustling streets stood empty. Yet Grand Center was filled with plentiful reminders of past greatness and lingering questions about the future. Today, however, winds of change have swept many of those qualms and ghosts away. Commercial and residential developments pop up at a remarkable rate. The completed Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts building and a home for KETC-TV Channel 9, along with new construction of Cardinal Ritter College Prep and the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis — designed by prominent architect Brad Cloepfil and slated to open in September — are only a few of the pro-jects offering tangible proof of Grand Center’s resurgence. Although many individuals and orga-nizations might claim credit for this advancement, Grand Center Inc. has been the primary force behind putting the “grand” back into its namesake. Comprised of leaders in business, gov-ernment and the community, the group has been spearheading the physical rede-velopment of the area and further estab-lishing Grand Center as the major creative and cultural district of St. Louis. After long negotiations at both the city and state levels, Grand Center is moving forward as a single tax increment financing (TIF) redevel- SLU entertains community support through the art of good neighboring. B y C h r i s W a l d v o g e l J 9 opment zone. A TIF designation cap-tures into a special fund the increases in property and other taxes for 23 years within the TIF district. Vince Schoemehl (Grad ’86), presi-dent and CEO of Grand Center Inc., said that money from the fund would be used for projects within the district that will add to Grand Center’s overall vibrancy. About 26 projects are slated during the next two decades, including possible construction of an African- American History Museum; revitaliza-tion of the Woolworth Building, located at the corner of Grand and Olive boule-vards; and overall district beautification with revitalized streetscapes, historic lighting and other welcoming markers. Saint Louis University also figures prominently in the future of Grand Center. The University has decided to build an arena there (see the related arti-cle on page 13). Some of the revenue generated by the 300-acre TIF district could go toward the arena project. “A new SLU arena represents a signif-icant addition for Grand Center,” Schoemehl said. “SLU’s commitment to Clockwise from above: Grand Boulevard today; Grand looking north circa 1956; Grand looking south during its heyday; the Continental Life Building today. 10 this project could help inject some more life back into Midtown. But Saint Louis University has been one of the true anchors in our efforts to improve the area for quite some time.” Other landmark developments in Grand Center also owe some of their success to SLU’s support. The Continental Life Building, one of St. Louis’ most dis-tinctive architec-tural gems, has made a long-awaited comeback — thanks, in part, to a loan from SLU. “As a Jesuit, Catholic universi-ty, Saint Louis University cannot and will not turn a blind eye from the interests of the greater communi-ty,” said Joe Adorjan (B&A ’63, Grad ’67), chairman for SLU’s board of trustees and the Grand Center board of directors. “SLU is proud to be a driving force behind our city’s growth and revitalization.” Making their way through the Continental Building during a tour sponsored by the office of alumni rela-tions, more than 120 SLU alumni cast a wide array of facial expressions as they roamed the refurbished halls. Some on the tour flashed heartfelt smiles and exchanged hurried conversations. Others walked slowly, mouths agape and eyes wide. After all, it wasn’t that long ago when some of them climbed to the top of the derelict Continental to hoist bed sheets out of the windows and indulge in ambitious, albeit dangerous, mischief. Many alumni who recalled only an abandoned shell at 3615 Olive St. during their tenure as students couldn’t believe their eyes. “When I was in school, the Continental Building was partly occu-pied, but it was on the decline,” said Mary Vieth (A&S ’67). “After I took the tour, I was thrilled because I have strong hopes for the city’s revitalization. I’m proud as an alum that SLU has done an outstanding job in leading Grand Center into the future.” Although the Continental has awak-ened from its long slumber and now stirs with life, it still stands, like much of Grand Center, as a work in progress. The building is adding a restaurant, which will be completed in the fall. But with approximately 70 percent of the apartments leased, the towering land-mark that once symbolized the declining vibrancy of St. Louis now stands out as one of Grand Center’s most massive and promising indicators of rebirth. “This six-year project has been a labor of love,” said Steven Trampe, president of Owen Development, who took on the ambitious project of restoring the Continental. “The Continental Building is the Empire State Building of St. Louis. For years, we were embarrassed that it sat boarded up. Can you imagine the Empire State Building boarded up in New York?” Even with an $11.5 mil-lion loan from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and approximately $8.5 million in historic tax credits, Trampe was short of the necessary funds to restore one of the most famous and architecturally significant structures in St. Louis. “After I ran the numbers and discovered I only need-ed $6 million — give or take — I knew that the first person I needed to see was Father Biondi,” Trampe said. “I couldn’t be happier both with the University’s support from the beginning and throughout the project.” The University com-mitted $1.5 million toward the Continental Life Building from a revolving loan fund of $10 million within the University’s endow-ment. SLU established the fund to spur both residential and com-mercial real estate development projects, such as Trampe’s, near the University. Since the establishment of the fund in May 2001, SLU has made approx-imately $2 million in loans and another $5 million in investments. The fund provided $85,000 to Vito’s Restaurant for renovation of its new property east of Grand on Lindell. Another $300,000 went to Grand Center for the acquisition of property on Olive Boulevard that will be devel-oped as new housing. Other Grand Center loans are pending. “We hope that our community fund will help to energize the Grand Center area and bring more focus on Midtown development,” said University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. “We’d like to see the area around SLU and the cultural district develop into a true urban neigh-borhood with a ‘college town’ atmos-phere. We want to attract more shops, restaurants and entertainment.” SLU had that exact goal in mind when purchasing and razing dilapidated SLU alumni tour the renovated Continental Life Building earlier this spring. 11 Chouteau Dr. MLK Cass Pendleton Natural Bridge Bell Delmar Olive Laclede W. Pine Lindell California Compton Virginia Spring Caroline Rutger Park Eads Lafayette Prairie Garrison Coleman Spring Vandeventer Hebert Jefferson Dr. MLK Westminster Cook 1 2 3 4 5 Washington N I-44 Hwy 40 Boyle Sarah Olive SLU Campus Saint Francis Xavier Church Eligible Areas 1 2 School of Medicine 3 Fox Theatre 4 The Sheldon Concert Hall 5 Powell Hall Compton Grand Grand buildings on the corner of Grand and Lindell boulevards. The University hopes to help bring commercial development to that vital corner. “It is our hope to attract restaurants and stores to enhance Midtown for our students, employees and the community,” said Kathleen Brady (Pub Ser ’76), SLU vice president for facilities management and civic affairs. During recent years, Saint Louis University has launched several projects to encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the Grand Center area. The University opened the 55,000-square-foot Saint Louis University Museum of Art (SLUMA) at 3663 Lindell Blvd. in O’Donnell Hall. Providing a variety of intimate galleries and a setting befitting the University’s extensive art collection, SLUMA has welcomed more than 6,000 visitors since its opening in June 2002. Besides its commercial interests in the Grand Center area, SLU also has been a major player in efforts to attract residents to live in the neighborhoods surround-ing SLU. A new community-based ini-tiative, called Hometown SLU, hopes to spur development in Midtown St. Louis while assisting SLU employees looking to purchase a home. Through the pro-gram, full-time, eligible employees may receive loans of up to $5,000. The loan is forgiven after five years if the employ-ee still works at SLU and the home remains the primary residence. “Hometown SLU is another way Saint Louis University can help to improve our community and our city,” Biondi said. “We want to do our part to help Midtown flourish. But we need more people to live in Midtown for that to happen. At the same time, this initia-tive will help many of our employees realize the dream of home ownership.” Hometown SLU also provides pre-ferred mortgage rates, reduced closing costs, home ownership edu-cation and other support ser-vices — wherever an employee chooses to pur-chase a home. Only the for-givable loan aspect of the program is reserved for those purchasing homes in select neighborhoods. Forgivable loans are grant-ed in two areas. (See map above.) The first is bordered primarily by Vandeventer Avenue to the west, Lindell Boulevard to the South, Jefferson Avenue to the east and Natural Bridge Drive to the north. The second area is bordered by Compton Avenue to the west, Lafayette Avenue to the south, California Avenue to the east and Chouteau Avenue to the north. The University will handle the forgivable loan portion of the program, while Cendant The map above shows the areas eligible for home purchase through the University's Hometown SLU program. Right: The Fox Theatre 12 Mortgage, U.S. Bank and Commerce Bank will pro-vide lower mortgage rates, closing costs and refinancing. Fannie Mae provided SLU with free technical support for the design of the program through Fannie Mae’s Employer Assisted Housing (EAH) Initiative, which has provided employers through-out the country with a tool to attract and retain employ-ees. An additional part of the Hometown SLU initiative is an online mortgage resource, powered by Fannie Mae technology, which offers tools and information on mortgage financing as well as a streamlined mortgage financing process for employees. The Hometown SLU program was developed under the direction of SLU Vice President for Human Resources Kathy Hagedorn (A&S ’73, Grad ’75). She first considered the idea almost eight years ago and has worked diligently for two years to turn it into a reality. “Having worked in the city for almost 22 years, I have a keen interest in its development,” Hagedorn said. “This program will not only facilitate the revi-talization of urban neighborhoods in the city, but also develop greater employee loyalty to the University and commit-ment to the city of St. Louis among fac-ulty and staff. That’s a win-win situation for everyone.” So far, at least 11 people have submit-ted employee eligibility forms, which are used to gauge qualifications for the loan and go toward securing final paper-work. “Saint Louis University is demonstrat-ing once again its strong commitment to the city of St. Louis,” said St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay (Law ’80). “Promoting home ownership in the city of St. Louis by its employees will benefit everyone. Responsible homeowners are fundamental to the revitalization of our city. I am confident that once exposed to city living, the new SLU homeown-ers will be pleased with all that the city has to offer.” Slay is not the only SLU alumnus interested in the transformation of Midtown. Dean Kases Jr. (A&S ’99), now an MBA student at SLU, and his brother-in-law, Phil Schreiber, have opened Midtown Wireless at 522 N. Grand Blvd., adjacent to the expanded Best Steak House. “We wanted a business that would benefit both current and expected future residents and also the everyday commer-cial traffic of the area,” said Kases, whose business interests started at a young age. His father and two partners opened Best Steak House on Grand in 1964, and Kases started working there when he was 16. While on the job, he became quite familiar with his neighbor, and in 1994, entered Saint Louis University as a freshman. He now owns and runs Best Steak House with Schreiber. As for the future, Kases and Schreiber hope to add another venue in the neighborhood eventually. “We have considered everything from a café, to a martini bar, to a private health club,” Kases said. “Most impor-tantly, we want our next endeavor to co-exist with and benefit SLU and Grand Center. Hopefully, we can bene-fit from them in return.” Another alumnus, John Griffin (A&S ’87), has opened a wood-paneled, fire-place- lit bookshop in the newly reno-vated Coronado Place, located at 3701 Lindell. Griffin, a native of Ireland, came to St. Louis in 1983 to attend Saint Louis University, where he studied English and philosophy. The store features some of Griffin’s 20,000 used, rare and out-of-print books with selections of modern litera-ture and fiction, literary crit-icism, poetry, philosophy and drama. The Coronado was once the home of fancy wedding parties and white-glove events. Today, Amrit and Amy Gill are transforming the old hotel into a student-oriented building with 165 apartments and retail space. The student apartments are planned for floors two through 14, with three top-floor penthouse lofts aimed at students, faculty and pro-fessionals at Saint Louis University. Besides J.A. Griffin Bookseller, the Coronado will feature a first-floor restaurant and patio café, a high-end convenience store, a fitness center, ban-quet facilities and other retail facilities. “Obviously, a thriving Grand Center could be very beneficial for Saint Louis University,” Adorjan said. “But our University also is excited about the big picture. It’s been especially rewarding to see such diverse groups and individuals working in synergy, bringing about meaningful change and progress for St. Louis.” Assisting Grand Center is not a new enterprise for SLU. In the early ’90s, the University committed a $2 million line of credit for the struggling arts and entertainment district. And truth be told, Biondi has always held high expec-tations for Grand Center. The clubs and cultural attractions near the University’s campus provide SLU with another drawing card for attracting top-notch faculty and highly qualified students. But Biondi, also a member of Grand Center Inc.’s board, defers to tradition when asked about SLU’s motivation for assist-ing the arts and entertainment district with regaining the magnificence of its prestigious past. “Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, said that Jesuit universities must be in constant communication and dialogue with the cities in which those institutions are located,” Biondi said. “Certainly, Saint Louis University is no exception. Our commitment to the city always has been strong. Our tradition The Grandel Theatre Tours of the Continental Life Building will be offered during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 11. 13 Saint Louis University’s latest proposal for Grand Center has Billiken fans, city officials and Grand Center rep-resentatives excited about the future. The board of trustees has approved the construction of a new SLU arena con-tingent upon raising an estimated $45 million in private donations. “The new arena is a major step forward for SLU and Midtown St. Louis,” said Joe Adorjan (B&A ’63, Grad ’67), chairman of the University’s board of trustees and of the Grand Center board of directors. “The arena will serve as a catalyst in the continuing revitalization of the St. Louis metropolitan area and help drive SLU closer to our goal of being recognized as the finest Catholic university in the nation.” SLU long has been leading a Renaissance of Midtown St. Louis. With the addition of the arena, SLU’s investment in Midtown St. Louis during the last 15 years totals more than $400 million. The new arena is projected to cost about $70 million. It will be located within the area bounded by Olive Boulevard, North Theresa Avenue, Washington Boulevard and North Leonard Avenue. St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay (Law ’80) is enthusiastic about the project. “This project will provide a real boost to the city,” Slay said. “The dramatic resurgence of Midtown is due in large part to SLU’s steadfast loyalty to St. Louis. We thank the SLU trustees and Father Biondi for their vision and tangible commitments to our city.” The new 13,000-seat arena will func-tion as a true multipurpose campus events center, hosting many SLU events, including men’s and women’s basketball, commencement, conferences and con-ventions. The arena also will provide a mid-sized venue for concerts, family shows, sporting competitions and other community events in the St. Louis area. “Student life at SLU will be enriched with the new multipurpose events cen-ter,” Biondi said. “We envision many exciting educational, cultural, entertain-ment and athletic events in the arena that will greatly enhance the overall stu-dent experience at SLU.” Approval to build the arena was granted under the condition that it be “budget neutral.” This means that the cost of constructing and operat-ing the new building must be sup-ported by revenue generated from the building itself, not from the University’s tuition budget. Fund raising will fill the gap. Michael F. Shanahan Sr. (B&A ’61), chairman and CEO of Engineered Support Systems Inc. and SLU trustee emeritus, is leading the fund-raising effort for the project. He is confident that SLU alumni and friends, as well as business and civic leaders, will step forward to support the arena. Shanahan and his wife, Mary Ann, personally have pledged $1 million to the project, as have SLU trustee Thomas H. Brouster Sr. and his wife, Ruth. A University group will con-tinue working on various aspects of the arena plan during the fund-raising cam-paign so that SLU is positioned to move quickly once the fund-raising goal is achieved. Design and construction time is estimated at 26 months. — Bob Woodruff demands that SLU be actively involved in the betterment of our community.” Biondi still vividly remembers his first days as president of Saint Louis University in 1987. In those days, SLU needed some physical improvements, much like Grand Center. Shortly after his arrival — which occurred, appropri-ately, on the feast of St. Lawrence — Biondi took advantage of the summer months to drive around the SLU cam-pus, hoping to get a better handle on the University’s layout. He came away feeling a bit confused. “I honestly didn’t know where our campus began or ended,” he said. “There were no signs, no designations, nothing.” But Biondi approached several bene-factors to address the problem at SLU. He came away with some seed money from donors to improve the campus, and over the years, has made the University safe, secure and attractive. And what worked for SLU can work for Grand Center, Biondi said. “It’s a very competitive business to draw students, especially undergradu-ates,” he said. “Parents want to send their sons or daughters to a place that is attractive and has a lot going for it. Part of the allure of a campus is the area that surrounds it. I have been given the opportunity by the board of trustees to develop our campus. Look at the result. But I also believe there is a lot of oppor-tunity to develop the Grand Center area. I’m confident that with help from Saint Louis University and other com-munity partners, St. Louis’ defining cul-tural center once again will return to its former glory.” Kathryn Hundman contributed to this story. On Campus at Last “We envision many exciting educational, cultural, enter-tainment and athletic events in the arena that will greatly enhance the overall student experience at SLU.” 14 the Rock Museum Building on the former St. Stanislaus Seminary in Hazelwood, Mo., closed its doors, the Jesuits of the Missouri Province faced a unique prob-lem: Where would they preserve thou-sands of century-old Jesuit and western artifacts that had been housed in the museum? After much consideration, the Jesuits decided that Saint Louis University was the best fit for the col-lection. On May 2, the artifacts, known as the “Collection of the Western Jesuit Missions,” were unveiled for a compre-hensive exhibit at the Saint Louis University Museum of Art. “Saint Louis University is the perfect location to safeguard these Jesuit trea-sures, not only because of the shared history and status as the first university founded west of the Mississippi, but also because SLU has the best resources to preserve this important collection,” said Frank Reale, S.J., provincial of the Jesuits of the Missouri Province. SLUMA is a renovated, four-story mansion with the necessary facilities to protect the items and make them acces-sible to a larger community. “We are honored that Saint Louis University has been selected to preserve these significant historical relics,” said University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. “They will continue to be a resource about our Jesuit history and the pioneers and immigrants who have trav-eled through our area as the ‘Gateway to the West.’ ” In addition to an assortment of tools and objects used by the pioneer Jesuits of St. Stanislaus, the Jesuit collection includes four centuries of chalices from Belgium, France, Italy, the United States and Canada; a rare collection of Greek and Latin books dating from 1521, many brought to this country by Pierre-Jean DeSmet, S.J.; and Baroque and Rococo paintings once owned by Belgian nobility. To experience the “Collection of the Western Jesuit Missions” first-hand, visit SLUMA, 3663 Lindell Blvd., which is open 1-4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, and noon-4 p.m. on Friday. The exhibit is free and open to the pub-lic. For more information, call (314) 977-3399 or visit http://sluma.slu.edu/. A new exhibit at the Saint Louis University Museum of Art focuses on priceless artifacts. 15 The French and Germans used monstrances during the 14th century to accommodate the growing devotion to the presence of Christ in the consecrated host. The Provenance Monstrance was made in Germany in the early 1900s. Since then, many have contributed to its elegance. Emeralds, diamonds and pearls were gathered over the years from donors to elegantly decorate the monstrance. The inside of the monstrance is lined with heavy solid silver plates, which are made from melted sil-verware. The Jesuit collection includes this celestial globe, which is the partner to another artifact, the terrestrial globe. The globes reflect the geo-graphical knowledge of European mapmakers in the late 1600s — that heaven and Earth and the supernatural and the natural are divided. The globes are the only pair of their kind in the Western Hemisphere. The origin of Jesuit Pierre- Jean DeSmet’s European-style coat is a mystery although it is believed to be a gift from an American Indian tribe. It is thought that the painted vines, backed by green and red trade cloth, are an adaptation from a stole he wore while celebrating Mass. The cutout leaves and berries suggest eastern Plateau, Metis or Plains Cree manu-facture. Opposite page: The DeSmet crucifix shows an ivory figure of Jesus mounted on a round-ed, wooden cross. Pierre-Jean DeSmet, S.J., kept this crucifix in his bedroom. 16 A portrait of Pierre-Jean DeSmet, S.J., one of the most famous Jesuit missionaries in the 19th century. He was born in Belgium and moved to the United States in 1829. Throughout this life he was an advocate for the Native American people and served as a bridge between them and the federal government. Many of the relics in the Jesuit collection are from his travels The refectory table dates to the 1840s and was handcrafted by the brothers of the St. west and to Europe. Stanislaus community. The pewter candlesticks came from a Jesuit mission near Trinidad, Colo. A gothic wall bracket to the left depicts a Madonna with angels at her side. This is the oldest piece in the entire Jesuit collection. The napkin box in the background was used to hold a cloth napkin for each member of the community. Through the door to the right is a replica of a typical seminary bedroom. The handcrafted pine altar and pews were constructed by Jesuit brothers for the novi-tiate chapel between 1830 and 1840. In 1925, the altar was moved to the infirmary and repainted a clean hospital white. It has been restored to look as it did in the period after the Civil War, when gold leaf was used to highlight the plaster ornamentation of the altar. The altar rail, where communicants would receive the Eucharist, is made of wal-nut and pine. A painting titled “The Immaculate Heart of Mary” hangs to the right. It is thought to date to the late 19th century. 17 The desk and the long black cassock belonged to Pierre-Jean DeSmet, S.J. The chair was not DeSmet’s but was brought to SLU as part of the Jesuit collection. This wood, metal and ivory organ was built by Johan Wilhelm (William) Metz in 1846. Metz built widely in the Midwest during the mid-1800s, but this instrument is the only example of his work known to survive. The organ was built for St. Joseph’s Church but was moved to the Jesuits’ basement chapel when the church expanded during the late 19th century. The display of a typical classroom at St. Stanislaus features four hand-crafted, pine desks and a home-made oak podium with revolving bookcase. In the front of the room, a map depicts the Mississippi River and the regions around St. Louis and the Kentucky border. The picture on the left wall is an engraving of the Arch of Constantine and the Coliseum. Information compiled by Katie Hanson. nce upon a time, dieting was easy — in theory, anyway. We used to know what we had to do to lose weight: Exercise more. Eat less. Cut out fatty foods. These days we’re not so sure. Is it really fat that’s making us fat, or are car-bohydrates to blame? Or is it the type of fat? Does weight loss begin and end with counting calories, or is what we eat as important as how much? For every magazine article touting one theory of diet and weight loss, another is published that seems to con-tradict it. And as the library of diet books and diet research expands, so do American waistlines. To help separate truth from fiction, UNIVERSITAS asked three dietary profes-sionals — two on the faculty of the nutrition and dietetics department at SLU’s Doisy School of Allied Health Professions and one a graduate of the school’s internship program — what advice they give people who are trying to lose weight and cultivate eating habits that will keep them healthy for life. We also asked our experts how well they follow their own advice. Their answers suggest that despite the constant stream of new research and information, it is possible to develop healthy eating habits now that will be healthy for life — no matter what the newest study says. Joy Short (Grad AHP ’94, ’97) Assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics and director of SLU’s undergraduate pro-grams in nutrition and dietetics. “Among my personal pet peeves are diets that recommend drastically cutting out carbs,” Short said. “Because you’re not just cutting out carbohydrates, 18 you’re cutting out beneficial nutrients.” In fact, Short has a problem with diets that cut out any entire food group. That’s in part because scientists don’t understand all the benefits of different kinds of foods, and eating across the food spectrum is the best way to ensure you get all of what you need to stay healthy, she said. “New research is coming out all the time — weekly, daily,” Short said. “Until recent-ly, we didn’t know about phytochemicals, for instance, which are compounds in plant foods that may help prevent disease. You can’t find a substitute for those. “Some of my thinking has changed over the years with the research,” she said. “What’s timeless is that it’s impor-tant to eat all kinds of foods and not overdo it in any one area.” Short said eating across the spectrum means not denying yourself foods you love, even if that means German choco- B y ma t t s h aw late cake or chili dogs loaded with cheese. Three dietitians share secrets for healthy eating and tell how they (usually) practice what they preach. O 19 overs from the night before or a turkey sandwich with soup and yogurt on the side. Short said her natural tendency is to load up on carbohydrates, so she has to work to make sure she eats a variety of food. “I keep a mental checklist during the day. I make a con-scious effort to get in calcium sources and to get in meat or meat substitutes,” she said. “I like to do tofu, but my husband doesn’t like it, so I’ll take it for lunch throughout the week.” Dinner also can be difficult because she and her husband have different tastes. “That’s something I’m aware of when I counsel my patients,” she said. “It’s not just what they’re willing to change, it’s what their family is willing to change.” A dinner that satisfies Short and her husband might be an omelet with sever-al egg whites and one yolk, loaded with vegetables and salsa and sprinkled with cheese. “I love cereal for dessert,” she said. “I’ll have a bowl of Raisin Bran or Grape Nuts mixed with two or three other types of cereal after dinner.” Overall she figures she eats about 1,800 calories a day. “On weekends I probably eat a little more,” she said. To stay fit, she lifts weights twice a week and tries to get in four hours per week on the cardio machines at the gym. She also rides horses and walks the family dog. “It’s not easy to get the exercise in all the time,” she conceded. “If I fall behind, I try to catch up on the week-ends or cut down a little on what I eat.” Bill Hart Associate professor of nutrition and dietetics In an age of diet “revolutions” and lose-weight- quick schemes, Bill Hart has a prescription for healthy eating that may strike some as old-fashioned: Follow the food pyramid. The USDA’s guide to nutrition recently has come under attack in some quarters, with critics going so far as to blame it for America’s weight problem. They say that by encouraging people to eat carbohydrate-rich foods and fear fat, the pyramid has helped create a “health conscious” population that gorges on pasta, breads and sugary, low-fat snacks and then won-ders why it’s getting fat. Blame the gorging, not the py
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