Show-Me State Times

Student leaders from Jesuit colleges and universities across the country gathered at Saint Louis University (SLU) for the 2025 National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference (NJSLC), held July 22-25. This marked the first time SLU hosted the annual event, which began in 1997 to bring together students involved in student government and now includes leaders in community service, orientation, and clubs.

Grace LoPiccolo, incoming Student Government Association president at SLU, reflected on her experience attending previous conferences. “We came back last year and were really thinking about what we wanted to see this year,” she said. “There was an opportunity to host. We sat down together to discern through the planning and whether we would have the bandwidth to pull this off. Once we decided we wanted to try, the University gave us a ton of support.”

LoPiccolo described NJSLC as a chance for student leaders to bond with their teams before the academic year begins and learn from peers at other institutions. “This is my third conference,” she said. “The first year I went, I was able to present on what SLU was doing around student advocacy. I was going into my sophomore year. Being part of the conference really instilled confidence in me. I saw that I could be my age and still be a leader.”

She also emphasized the importance of networking during NJSLC: “Being in a group with students who care so deeply is so important,” LoPiccolo said. “We all do a lot of work. It is great to have a chance to brag on our schools and talk to people in similar situations.”

After attending previous conferences at John Carroll University and College of the Holy Cross, LoPiccolo aimed for breakout sessions at SLU’s event to focus on Jesuit values: “We always have great sessions,” she said. “I really wanted our breakout sessions this year to be guided by Jesuit principles and for us to be intentional about what everyone would be able to take back to their campuses.”

Richa Kulkarni, SGA vice president of finance at SLU, spoke about how NJSLC helps distinguish general leadership from leadership rooted in Jesuit tradition: “Jesuit leadership to me means purpose and working together,” she said. “We need to keep in mind always that we should be doing the best we can for the least among us.”

The week started with an opening Mass on Tuesday afternoon, followed by educational workshops, keynote addresses, and additional Masses held at St. Francis Xavier College Church and Cathedral Basilica.

Legend McGrath, student body president at Le Moyne College, noted how connecting with fellow student leaders enriched his experience: “It’s the connection that I get from being with other student leaders that makes this time so valuable,” he said. “It is helpful to hear of other struggles and successes.”

Julianne Browne, incoming student government president at Marquette University, expressed enthusiasm about learning from peers as she entered her new role: “I’m brand new to this,” she said. “I have a great team and I’m excited to learn from everyone here.”