Billiken Bulletin Newsletter

Fostering Student Development at SLU-Madrid

In this month’s Billiken Bulletin, we are excited to spotlight the dynamic and enriching opportunities for student development at SLU-Madrid! Through a blend of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and community engagement, students at SLU-Madrid thrive in an environment that encourages personal growth and global awareness. From leadership programs and service initiatives to vibrant campus activities, our students are gaining valuable skills and experiences that prepare them to become compassionate and informed global citizens. Join us in celebrating their remarkable journey and achievements.

A Glimpse into Life at SLU-Madrid

By Ashley Jost, director of the Office of Student Life at SLU-Madrid 

SLU-Madrid sits tucked away in the university area of Madrid’s city center, and it is the academic home to almost 1,400 students from more than 70 countries. Each semester, about half of the student body changes as they study abroad from U.S. campuses like SLU, Loyola Chicago, Marquette, Northeastern University, the University of Michigan and Vanderbilt University, to name a few. The other half of the students are the beating heart of what makes the campus so special: permanent students who are completing their four-year degree or master’s degree completely in Madrid.

I’ve had the benefit of working at SLU in St. Louis before finding myself in Spain with the privilege of serving as director of our Office of Student Life. While a division of more than 250 people serves 15,000 students in St. Louis, we have a team of seven serving our almost 1,400 students here in Madrid. Small but mighty! 

What I love about our campus here in Madrid is the size. We are able to support students in such an impactful way because of our size. Whether it’s placing students in more than 200 host families across Madrid, helping them continue to practice a sport that brings them joy, volunteering to give back to members of the Madrid community in need, or starting a student club to bring together peers around shared identities or interests, our students never cease to amaze us.

Because about half of our students are permanent, we are not just another study abroad site. Our visiting students oftentimes find themselves immersed in campus activity because there’s plenty to draw them in! They join literary tours of historic Spanish neighborhoods with our Young Authors Club, and harvest fresh vegetables with the Community Garden Club. They also make sandwiches and bring them to members of the community who are unhoused with the BocaTalk Club. And of course, many enjoy bi-weekly Bible Study groups and weekly Mass with our campus’s Jesuit, Jim O’Leary, S.J. 

SLU-Madrid is a gem that is no longer hidden, and we are so excited to share the impact that an international education can bring to a student’s life. You can read more here about what Campus Life at SLU-Madrid looks like, including what we do in Student Life, about our Counseling Center, and more. You can also contact us at studentlife-madrid@slu.edu.

We all know finals week can be a mix of late-night study sessions, caffeine overload, and (hopefully) some well-earned moments of confidence. As a parent or family member, you may not be there to quiz them on their notes or proofread their papers, but your support still makes a huge difference.

Here are some simple ways to help from afar:

• Encourage Time Management: A gentle reminder to plan study sessions and take breaks can help them stay on track. Resources: Center for Accessibility & Disability Resources,  Tutoring at SLU
• Send a Finals Care Package: A small box with snacks, stress-relief goodies, and a note of encouragement can lift their spirits. Find gift ideas. 
• Point Them to Campus Resources: Like many universities, SLU offers free tutoring, writing help, and mental health support during finals. Encourage them to take advantage! 
• Check In—But No Pressure: A simple “Thinking of you!” text can be the boost they need without adding to their stress.

And don’t forget the basics — remind them to eat well, get some sleep, and move their body. A tired brain isn’t a productive one!

If your student is about to graduate, congratulations. This is a significant milestone, and we know you’re proud. To help you prepare for a smooth and meaningful celebration, here’s a quick checklist:

Commencement Date & Details – Review the full schedule, ceremony times, and key information on the Commencement page.

Tickets & Seating – Be sure to secure tickets early and confirm the guest policy via the Tickets & Guest Info section.

Hotels & Travel – If you're visiting from out of town, browse local accommodations and book as soon as possible –availability goes quickly.

Livestreaming Options – For those unable to attend in person, the main ceremony will be livestreamed. Details will be posted on the official SLU Facebook page.

Celebration Ideas – Whether it’s a small family gathering, a handwritten letter, or a custom memory book, there are many ways to make the day extra special. Explore more Graduation Ideas.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the Saint Louis University Commencement website.

Great Places to Eat Near SLU

If you're looking to dine out while celebrating, here are some popular favorites close to campus:

• Pappy’s Smokehouse
• City Foundry Food Hall
• The Fountain on Locust
• The Scottish Arms
• Urban Chestnut Midtown
• Anthonino’s on the Hill
• Zia’s on the Hill

Join the Alumni Association

Stay connected with the University and tap into a global network of Billikens by joining the Alumni Association.

Ordering Caps and Gowns

Make sure your student has everything they need for the big day. Regalia can be ordered through the Billiken Bookstore.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you and your family.

Once finals are over, your student may be looking ahead to summer. Whether they already have a plan or are still exploring options, here are a few meaningful ways to make the most of the break:

• Some summer internships and research opportunities are still accepting applications. Students are encouraged to explore options through Career Services.
• Many students remain on campus to work in roles such as research assistants, resident advisors, or administrative support. Open positions are available through Handshake.
• Students can use the summer term to get ahead or retake a course. Be sure to review course offerings and important deadlines through the academic calendar.
• Summer is a great time to get involved with local nonprofits or community organizations. These experiences can also strengthen a student's resume and build leadership skills.

If your student is still deciding what’s next, now is an ideal time to connect with Career Services for support with resumes, job searching, or interview preparation.

Celebrating Parent and Family Engagement Leaders

This April, we are thrilled to highlight the incredible dedication and passion of our Parent and Family Engagement leaders! These inspiring individuals go above and beyond to build strong connections between schools, families, and the community. Their efforts create a welcoming and supportive environment where every voice is heard and every family feels valued. Join us in celebrating their outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of our students and families. Thank you for leading with heart and making a difference every day! If you are interested in joining a Family Network in your area,  please fill out the following form. Click here to learn more.

Meet Mary Shafell, Southern Family Network Leader 

Mary enjoys being a leader and is excited about making connections with other Billiken Families from her region. The southern network covers the following areas:Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas. 

Share with us where you are from and about yourself and your family. How many kids do you have in your family? Briefly tell us about your Billiken.

Our family is from Fort Worth, Texas.  My husband Justin and I have two kids, Isabelle and Andrew. Isabelle is a freshman at SLU, and our son is a freshman in high school.  Isabelle is in the Honors College, majoring in psychology. Her career goal is to become a clinical psychologist specializing in child development.

What has your experience and involvement been with Saint Louis University? What have been some of your most memorable memories while your Billiken has been in college?

We first heard about SLU at a college recruiting event in Fort Worth. We visited SLU in 2022 and loved the campus. We felt it would be a great environment for our daughter.  She’d have a lot of opportunities there. She applied and was accepted! SLU hosted a dinner for accepted students in Dallas in late spring, and we really appreciated the personal contact we had with the President and other admissions staff and alumni. We came up to orientation, and it was a lot of information to absorb, but we felt very much at home on the campus. The staff, students, and Billiken families were very friendly and welcoming.

The week we brought her to school was hectic, but on move-in day, everything ran very smoothly at the dorm. There was a lot of excitement and optimism on campus, and it started to feel like home very quickly. It was tough to leave, but we knew the transition would be manageable for her because of the supportive staff.

Since then, we have been able to attend the Billiken Homecoming and Family Weekend, which was really fun! We loved getting to explore more of the campus, especially the Doisy College of Health and Sciences. We also hit the Top Golf near campus and had a lot of fun. Every time we’re in town, we eat at least one meal at the Foundry as well.

Our family is enjoying our visits to St. Louis and exploring everything the city offers.  We’ve been to the zoo, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, the Art Museum, the History Museum, and the Anheuser Busch Brewery. We loved exploring the Central West End and The Hill neighborhoods. There is so much to do in St. Louis.

 

How has your family dynamic changed since your student went off to college? Please share any challenges your Billiken may have experienced while attending SLU. How did they resolve those and how did you support them?

We miss our daughter so much, but we’re also really proud of her independence. She wanted the experience of “going away to college,” and that means mom and dad are not close by to help her with life’s inconveniences. She’s had to learn a lot of adulting skills and take care of herself. When she started in August, she didn’t know anyone and had to do everything on her own, and that was tough. We talked on the phone a lot and gave her encouragement and support, but not being able to swoop in and make everything better challenged all of us. There are lots of things in life you just have to learn by experiencing them, and she’s grown up so much just in the past few months.

The transition from high school classes to college classes was also challenging. Our daughter went to a great high school, but college classes are structured differently, and students are expected to come prepared to have discussions. They are challenged to think about questions and subjects in a new way, and that can take some getting used to. Just as she adapted with new independent living skills, she has also adapted to college academic life.  

Another big challenge was communicating with professors. For a shy kid, emailing your professors and going to office hours can be really intimidating, but the faculty has been very understanding and supportive. The curriculum is challenging her in the best way possible to be an independent and critical thinker.

 

Is there anything else you would want to share or that you feel is important for Billiken Families to know?

Our family has had a very positive experience at St. Louis University. Our daughter has gained independence, grown academically and personally, and found a supportive group of friends. We appreciate the strong sense of community at SLU and encourage other families to consider it for their students. Getting involved—whether through campus events, parent programs, or simply staying connected—enhances the experience for both students and families. SLU offers a welcoming and enriching environment that fosters growth, connection, and opportunity.

Join the Southern Network Facebook page.

Meet Wendy Jensen, Great Plains Family Network Leader

We also would like to introduce to you Wendy Jensen,our Great Plains Family Network Leader. Wendy has a passion for her family and the Billiken Families. She is enjoying her time being a part of the Network and is eager to connect with family members in her region. Her region covers Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Minnesota. She too has established a Facebook page that Great Plains families can join. 

Share with us where you are from and about yourself and your family. How many kids do you have in your family? Briefly tell us about your Billiken

My husband Aaron and I live in Ankeny, Iowa (about 10 miles north of Des Moines) with our senior cat Patches. We have three kids at three different colleges. Claire is our Billiken and is a freshman at Saint Louis University. She is studying biology with an interest in genetics. She also loves art and is planning to continue taking Spanish. We have lifelong friends who live in Kirkwood, Missouri, and their daughter is a junior at SLU. 

What has your experience and involvement been with Saint Louis University? What have been some of your most memorable memories while your Billiken has been in college?

My daughter is a freshman at SLU, so this is our first year. We had a great time at SLU 101 and are looking forward to attending Trivia Night in person. I follow the Office of Parent Engagement Facebook page and joined the Parent & Family Association Facebook group. I co-lead the Great Plains Region. If you live in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Minnesota, check out our Facebook group! These are all great resources to stay connected with what's happening on campus. Aaron and I are headed to SLU at the end of March for Trivia Night. Looks to be a fun night for a great cause!

How has your family dynamic changed since your student went  off to college? Please share any challenges your Billiken may have experienced while attending SLU. How did they resolve those and how did you support them?

With all of our kids in college, we’re adjusting to being empty nesters. The girls adjusted to their brother being in college a couple of years ago, but this summer was more challenging with all three of them going their separate ways. Claire’s enjoying her time at SLU, but there have been some adjustments. She had a car at home, but we didn’t send it to her at college. Public transportation isn't really a thing in our area,  so she's been adjusting to taking public transportation. She's pretty resourceful, and SLU has resources that can help. We've also had experience with trains during vacations to bigger cities. She’s also struggled finding a job close to campus and misses her family and our cat. The kids play online games together to stay in touch and connect. I send Claire pictures and videos of Patches, and our family has group chats on various social media platforms. All three kids were home for Thanksgiving and winter break. We encouraged Claire to get involved on campus. She joined several clubs to meet friends and has participated in some volunteer events through them. Another mom from Iowa and I connected through one of the other SLU Facebook resources after she posted about her daughter being homesick. After getting permission from Claire, I gave her Claire's contact info so her daughter could reach out if she wanted. Claire also transferred health care to a provider in St. Louis and had to navigate finding someone in-network, scheduling appointments, etc. By showing Claire the resources (how to find a doctor, how to tell if they're in-network, how to get estimates, etc.), we've helped Claire adjust to being away from home and build life skills 

Is there anything else you would want to share or that you feel is important for Billiken Families to know?

College is an adjustment for the student as well as the family. We talked to each of our kids to understand what kind of communication they wanted and the frequency. Zach wanted weekly phone calls and a SnapChat streak where I sent pictures of his favorite pet. Hailey wanted weekly calls. Claire prefers text messages. We have family group chats where we send TikTok videos and Instagram reels. It’s tough, but giving your kids space and choice in how to stay connected helps strengthen the relationship. I was really nervous about being an empty nester. Someone told me after I moved them all to college to take a trip with just Aaron and me – to do something fun and create a positive association with that time. So, we did. We took a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, and spent a week at the beach. It was fantastic –peaceful, restful and fun. It gave me a week without being at the house missing the kids and made the transition easier. I encourage parents to find something they enjoy doing. 

Summer break brings big changes, whether your student is moving back home or staying on campus. This transition is an important one, and there are meaningful ways to stay connected and supportive, no matter where they are.

If They're Moving Back Home

Set expectations early by discussing household responsibilities, schedules, and boundaries to prevent misunderstandings. At the same time, remember that your student has spent the year building independence — striking a balance between guidance and autonomy is key.

If They're Staying on Campus

Stay connected through planned visits or regular virtual check-ins. If they're in a new city for an internship or job, encourage them to explore the area, connect with peers, and take advantage of networking opportunities.

A Final Note

If your student seems brief or distracted in their responses, try not to take it personally. They’re adjusting to a new routine, but knowing you’re there for them continues to provide valuable support.

As the academic year comes to a close, it’s a meaningful time for students to reflect on their personal and academic growth. Encourage your student to pause and consider the progress they’ve made, the challenges they’ve overcome, and what they hope to achieve next.

Here are a few helpful reflection questions to spark conversation:

• What was your biggest academic or personal achievement this year?
• What challenges did you overcome?
• What’s something you learned about yourself?

Looking Ahead

Whether your student is preparing to take on a new academic challenge, step into a leadership role, or plan for their future career, this is a great moment to set intentional goals for the year ahead.

We are incredibly proud of all that our students have accomplished—and we know you are too. Thank you for being such a vital part of their journey.