“Let us pause the work, play the music, and appreciate life. Claim the spotlight and point it to your wellness. You are your first priority.” – Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, University President
In Saint Louis University (SLU), the final week of April was not marked by deadlines or meetings, but by a rare and purposeful stillness, finding rest in art.
On 30 April 2025, the University declared a Day of Pause, a dedicated moment for students, faculty, and staff to step away from their daily routines and embrace rest, reflection, and renewal. At the heart of this initiative stood SPOTLIGHT II – a series of notable musical numbers from broadway favorites presented by SLU Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA).
From the vibrant opening acts on 29 April for Group 1 from the Basic Education School (BeDS) and Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC) to the showcases on April 30, Spotlight II delivered back-to-back performances filled with heartfelt creativity. Each musical number offered a glimpse into the university’s spirit. Whether seated in the crowd or standing behind the curtain, every participant contributed to the collective voice of SLU—one that spoke not of pressure, but of peace.
The stage opened with the theme “Here Na Me, Where Na You?”, a question that echoed throughout the performance. It was more than a phrase—it was a gentle challenge to be fully present. It was an invitation much like the characters and the songs presented – all embarking on different journeys.
The pieces performed during this event balanced energy and introspection, leaving the audience both uplifted and grounded.
The 1:00 p.m. performance on 30 April gathered the non-teaching staff, SHMC Group 2, BeDS Laboratory Elementary School, and Senior High School in a space alive with quiet excitement.
As attendees entered the theater with tickets in hand, there was a subtle shift in the atmosphere—a calm that replaced the usual pace of campus life.
The Day of Pause, through the Spotlight II series, reminded everyone that in the midst of routine, there must also be room for renewal. Through music, movement, and moments of silence, the SLU community discovered once more the strength found in stillness. Through art, the Louisian community gathered in wellness and harmony. (Article by Faithe Janerie Dugay, UIO Intern | Photos by Aivian Culanag, UIO Intern)
