Student Organizations and the SLU Experience
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.
Creators and Guests
Host
Meg Connolly
Meg Connolly (A&S ‘90, GRAD ‘92) is a two-time Saint Louis University graduate who has been a member of the alumni and development teams for over 30 years. Her favorite Billiken memories include SLU’s 200th celebration under the Gateway Arch, men’s basketball and women’s soccer NCAA tournament pregames, and getting married in the St. Francis Xavier College Church. Connolly is fortunate to have engaged with so many wonderful graduates and friends of the University from across the country — alumni who literally change the world in ways only Billikens can. She is thrilled to share more SLU conversations and stories through the 1818 podcast.
Host
Tony Minor
Tony Minor (A&S ‘03) is a longtime leader in alumni and donor engagement at Saint Louis University, where he currently serves as an assistant vice president. During his 20-plus years in higher ed advancement, he’s led teams across alumni engagement, annual giving, stewardship, marketing and events — all with the goal of building stronger connections between SLU and its community of graduates and supporters. Minor got his start in the Office of the President and has grown his career entirely at SLU. He’s a proud Billiken, holding degrees in English and communications, and is passionate about ensuring SLU’s alumni feel connected.
Guest
Amy Fehlig Kendall
Amy Fehlig Kendall joined Marsh McLennan Agency in April 2022 as Executive Vice President of Business Insurance for the Upper Midwest Region. Ms. Kendall collaborates with regional and local leadership across nine states to develop and implement MMA Upper Midwest’s short and long-term strategy for Business Insurance. Responsible for Business Insurance revenue growth for the region, she works closely with company leaders to support development of Business Insurance through organic growth and acquisition. She consults with clients and carriers to develop initial and on-going business relationships. Prior to joining MMA, Ms. Kendall was Regional Branch Manager for Chubb Corporation in Cincinnati, Ohio. She began her insurance career at Chubb Corporation in 1991 and held positions from underwriting to field leadership. Ms. Kendall graduated from Saint Louis University with a BS degree in Marketing and an Executive Masters in International Business degree.
Guest
Aric W. Hamilton
Aric Hamilton serves as the Director of Student Services and Alumni Relations at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) College of Optometry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History, American Studies, and Education, and a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Saint Louis University. A dynamic, student-centered practitioner, Aric brings a holistic and equity-minded approach to student affairs, rooted in the belief that every student deserves a sense of belonging, purpose, and possibility. Grounded in principles of inclusive excellence, he plays a critical role in cultivating affirming environments and developmental experiences for applicants, students, and alumni at UMSL College of Optometry—bridging access, support, and lifelong engagement. Aric’s professional foundation includes prior service in student affairs and academic affairs roles at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and School of Law. As an undergraduate student, he was deeply involved in campus leadership and advocacy, ultimately making institutional history as the first Black male elected student government president at Saint Louis University. His contributions were honored with induction into the Saint Louis University Student Hall of Fame and the 2025 Emerging Leader Award from the Saint Louis University Black Alumni Association. Aric’s work is animated by a deep commitment to social justice, student development, and relational leadership. He remains passionate about empowering students to thrive academically, develop their identities, and become agents of change in their communities and professions.
Guest
Jeff Jarrett
Jeff Jarrett is a Senior Vice President and Partner at Contemporary Productions, a prominent entertainment booking and event production company.
Producer
Megan Favignano Mansouri
Megan Favignano-Mansouri is the digital content specialist for Saint Louis University's development communications team. Her passion is storytelling and uplifting the voices of the community. Megan is an award-winning storyteller with a decade of experience working in journalism, public relations, and marketing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with certificates in Environmental Journalism and Leadership from Webster University. In her free time, Megan enjoys watercolor, family game nights, walks with her two dogs and exploring St. Louis with her husband.
