Exploring SLU-Madrid's Transformational Student Experience
In this episode of “1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast,” co-hosts Tony Minor (A&S ‘03) and Meg Connolly (A&S ‘90, GRAD A&S ‘92) hear about the student experiences of SLU-Madrid past, present and future.
About Episode Five
Whether they were in the inaugural class or 2026 graduates, alumni who visit Saint Louis University-Madrid all share a similar sentiment upon their return: studying there changed their lives.
Tim Morrow (A&S '71) and Barbara Morrow (A&S '71) share nostalgic memories of arriving in Spain in 1969 as part of the first class to study at SLU-Madrid. They discuss how their tight-knit group of a few dozen students navigated cultural immersion and late-night tapas outings under the legendary leadership of Raymond L. Sullivant, S.J.
“I'm so proud to be connected to the campus in Madrid,” Barbara Morrow said. “I'm proud to see how it has grown, and certainly want to be an advocate for people to take that opportunity, if it falls in their lap, to study in Madrid through Saint Louis University.”
The Morrows, now married, met as students at SLU. They remain close with several other students who studied at SLU-Madrid with them.
Inside the Roundtable Discussion
After learning about SLU-Madrid’s early years, we hear from campus leaders today. William Johnson, J.D., SLU-Madrid rector, and Victoria Villarreal (A&S '86, GRAD CSB '88), vice rector and associate vice president, chief financial officer, join hosts Connolly and Minor to explore milestone moments that have shaped SLU-Madrid. The group discusses what the student experience is like today and their hopes for the campus's future.
“Whether it was the original story of the Father Sullivant study abroad experience and the modest campus in Madrid in the late '60s and '70s, or the robust liberal arts college campus offering 23 majors in the 2000s — the experience that each of our students has is one that changes them,” Johnson said. “And that is an experience that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
Alumni Perks
At the conclusion of the episode, Minor shares an opportunity for graduates to reminisce on the St. Louis campus: campus visits tailored just for alumni. SLU's Office of Alumni Engagement now offers complimentary alumni tours of either side of SLU's St. Louis campus — available by appointment 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.