Show-Me State Times

Fontbonne University's Center for Bosnian Studies is set to relocate to Saint Louis University (SLU). This initiative, unique in North America, focuses on preserving the history and culture of Bosnian genocide survivors and their families, particularly those residing in metropolitan St. Louis. The city hosts the largest Bosnian community outside Bosnia-Herzegovina, with approximately 60,000 members.

SLU will house the Center's oral histories, collections, and digital archives permanently. This move comes as Fontbonne University plans to cease operations after the summer term. Fontbonne President Nancy Blattner expressed gratitude towards SLU for agreeing to host this significant collection, ensuring that Fontbonne's commitment to preserving Bosnian heritage continues.

The Center was originally established in 2006 as the Bosnia Memory Project and was renamed in 2020. In 2022, a new campus space was dedicated at Fontbonne on the 30th anniversary of Bosnia and Herzegovina's independence from Yugoslavia.

Jennifer Nutefall, dean of Libraries and Museums at SLU, stated that SLU is honored to continue the Center’s work in cultural preservation and education. She emphasized that this transition would ensure that the voices of Bosnian genocide survivors remain preserved and heard for future generations.

Benjamin Moore and Adna Karamehic-Oates expressed their gratitude for Fontbonne's support over the years. They view this transition as an opportunity to grow the collections and advance the Center’s mission further.

Karamehic-Oates along with Rebecca van Kniest will assume similar roles at SLU following the transition. Midwest BankCentre has played a crucial role in supporting the Center’s growth through partnerships and grants from organizations like the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Fontbonne University plans to host an event this spring to mark this transition. The first event at SLU will be held in fall for presenting this year’s Civic Courage Award.

Saint Louis University Archives includes hundreds of collections covering various topics reflecting educational, historical, religious, and cultural heritage relevant to both SLU and St. Louis area. Founded in 1818, SLU is one of America's oldest Catholic research institutions known for its rigorous education rooted in Jesuit values.