Tuesday of this week saw a different arrangement in the Si Commons, as many Jesuit Colleges from around the country gathered there on the annual Jesuit Excellence Tour.

Colleges on campus during Activity Period were Fordham, Santa Clara, Regis University, Loyola Chicago, Loyola Marymount, Rockhurst University, Saint Louis University, Xavier, and Marquette University. Each college got a designated table in the West Commons, with one college representative from each school to promote their Jesuit education. 

“One of the things I think that really is beneficial going to a Jesuit University is filling the pillars and the values that come with having a designated passion,” said Marquette University Admissions Counselor Anna Wilks-Metrou, who represented the university at the event. “And knowing that the education itself, the academics, the outside of the classroom experiences are also kind of incorporating those Jesuit values.”

Many schools have incorporated good values into their college life through academics, clubs, and the overall community. Jesuit schools differ in that the Jesuit value of being open to growth promotes the shaping of the full person through various experiences, rather than just becoming a proficient student with a good resume. 

“At Marquette University we value the full person, it is something that we really emphasize,” said Wilks-Metrou. “Good applicants are people who have a shared appreciation for our values, not just what their grades looked like during high school. This is something that is very important in the application process, so we know who will bloom in our community.”

The community at Jesuit colleges is precisely a big reason as to why many students are attracted to pursue a Jesuit education. More specifically, many students here at SLUH have really appreciated the experience of attending a school driven by Jesuit values, which has led to their own personal growth and academic success. As a result many students here in the SLUH community are thinking about attending Jesuit colleges. 

“Jesuit schools no matter the numbers, whether it's the size of Saint Louis University or Regis University; they're all very close, it's a tightly knit tightly compact community. It’s all centered around God,” said senior John Younger. “One thing I particularly liked about the visit was that the admissions counselors told me that even though it's formed around, and you can find God wherever you are on campus, it's not necessary to be a Catholic Christian. Jesuit institutions are accepting of all faiths and beliefs that are unharmful.” 

Students at SLUH do have an advantage of attending a Jesuit school. The Jesuit Excellence Tour is a tour that is open to everyone, but has an incentive geared towards recruiting students who have had experience with Jesuit education and who would like to continue in that formation. 

“We stopped by a wide variety of schools, because we know that our universities are diverse places for students to come. We want students to come from all over, from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. It’s something we pride ourselves with,” said Wilks-Metrou. “We do also acknowledge that those who meet our expectations often have experience with what is being expected. Naturally, students who went to Jesuit High schools would be a priority on the admissions radar. We want to make sure that these students have a good opportunity to continue their Jesuit formation if they choose to do so.”

Part of the way Jesuit colleges and universities form holistic individuals is by encouraging their students not just to accept differences, but to go out and seek experiences different from what they have been accustomed to. Participating in the many exchange programs offered through Jesuit colleges is something many students seek out. 

“I'm thinking about applying to Fordham, Marquette, and SLUH, which all had tables during the Jesuit Excellence tour in Activity Period. One aspect that has really attracted me to these universities is that they have a lot of opportunities abroad, which I feel are facilitated in a way that is productive—again due to Jesuit values,” said John Younger. “The Jesuit Excellence tour really gave a greater appreciation for the experience I have had with Jesuit education. This biggest thing in this educational experience for me is community. A community that is within and beyond the classroom, who supports my personal growth and accepts me for who I am. So I am looking forward to applying to Jesuit colleges in the near future.”