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SLUH to Dedicate Plaza, Receive Mayor’s Award

Mayor Francis G. Slay will present SLUH with the Spirit of St. Louis Award on Friday, September 29th during a ceremony dedicating the new plaza in recognition of its VISION 2000 initiative, the largest investment ever made for an existing secondary school in the City of St. Louis.

"St. Louis University High School has solidified our commitment to the City of St. Louis by investing in our neighborhood and partnering with notable institutions in the area," says SLUH President David J. Laughlin. "In addition to developing our leaders of tomorrow, we are dedicated to enhancing the growth and vitality of our community."

Mayor Slay has continued the tradition of honoring the Spirit of St. Louis Awards to businesses that make major expansions or improvements in the city, innovative new businesses that open in the City of St. Louis, as well as major city projects.

"St. Louis University High is synonymous with tradition and educational excellence in the St. Louis area," says Mayor Slay. "The City of St. Louis is proud to have an institute of such merit and caliber, and we are particularly proud that SLUH has made a commitment to stay in the City and improve its campus as well as the broader community."

Through VISION 2000, SLUH is sharing resources and building relationships with significant public institutions in the area. SLUH has invested in Forest Park and enhanced the quality of life for the community through the development of first-class recreational and competitive athletic fields in partnership with Forest Park Forever, the St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis Community College. The school has improved traffic flow and aesthetics in the neighborhood through a shared entry and parking venture in collaboration with the St. Louis Science Center. VISION 2000 is also benefiting the area’s youth by providing resources to renovate and maintain the recreation field for Compton Drew Middle School.

"The St. Louis Science Center is proud to partner with St. Louis University High in creating an environment that is attractive and welcoming for both students and visitors," says Doug King, President of the St. Louis Science Center. "The Science Center is committed to developing and improving the community, and SLUH is a great neighbor and partner for us."

Some of St. Louis’ most respected companies are investing in VISION 2000 because of its impact to the city. Companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Energizer, Smurfit-Stone and U.S. Bank, among others, have contributed significantly to VISION 2000. They believe SLUH is a cornerstone to the vitality of the City of St. Louis by consistently turning out significant leaders and by partnering with the community.

Some of the physical improvement projects of VISION 2000 include a new on-campus baseball stadium, a regulation track – which incorporates a soccer field – a plaza area and student parking lot. Additional elements of VISION include a student life center, a recreational gymnasium and green space.

The SLUH community has overwhelmingly supported VISION 2000 by exceeding the campaign goal of $32 million. Nearly half of the campaign proceeds, $15 million, will benefit the school’s endowment and be used primarily for scholarship and financial aid purposes. Academic and technological enhancements have already taken place. SLUH has added 26 new teachers, decreased average class size from 30 to 21 and augmented its core curriculum so that students may now choose from 90 elective courses.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29, the school will dedicate its new plaza at the entrance to the redeveloped campus area. School and civic leaders, including the Mayor, will be on hand for the celebration, which will conclude before 7:00 p.m. The SLUH soccer team hosts Parkway South at 4:00 p.m. and the football team plays Francis Howell Central on campus at 7:00 p.m.

"Ultimately, VISION 2000 is about continuing the legacy and tradition of St. Louis U. High," says Laughlin. "The City of St. Louis has enriched our tradition and heritage, and so VISION 2000 not only solidifies our commitment to the city, it seeks to proactively partner with other institutions in a way that creates vitality and helps those in need."

Published: September 25, 2006 | Categories: Alumni, Homepage, News Section, Parents, Students
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