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COVID-19 Update April 16: Stay-at-Home Orders Extended

Dear members of our Saint Louis University community,

It is good to see and talk with you on the various Zoom meetings in which I have been engaged. It helps sustain me in this time of isolation.

At points during the day, flashes of us together on campus arise in my mind’s eye. I envision us talking and laughing together as we run into each other here in St. Louis and in Madrid.

All of that to say, I miss you. Each and every one of you.

I also imagine –– if you are like me –– that today’s announcement about the extension of the stay-at-home orders in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County is causing some anxiety. Both government agencies have announced their orders are extended until further notice, with an expected status update in May.

As I have said before, I share in your anxiety about what this means for us personally, as well as for our institution and the businesses that make up our community. This is a smart decision, as we must continue to save lives by “flattening the curve.” That said, I realize that many who held out hope for the opportunity to see each other soon are disappointed.

We will get through this together as OneSLU. I am confident in that.

As we close, I want to share a project that SLU Campus Ministry launched –– “We Re-Member SLU” –– to call our community to “re-member,” or to hold together that which has been dispersed, and to recall that which we both grieve and celebrate.

We invite you to re-member with us, and share what/how you are grieving, what/who you miss, what fills you with hope, what you are celebrating and how you are finding meaning during this time away from SLU. These reflections can be written, video, poetry, art, photos, prayers –– whatever is calling your heart to reflect upon. You can submit your re-memberings by emailing campusministry@slu.edu.

May God bless you and Saint Louis University.

Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
President

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