In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and in alignment with the CICM advocacies, the Saint Louis University (SLU) Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) launched Grace and Grit Talks, a learning series designed to provide Louisian students with meaningful discussions on issues that promote well-being, personal growth, and the cultivation of a just, compassionate, and respectful campus community.
While envisioned as an online-based learning series, the inaugural session was intentionally conducted face-to-face during the Freshmen Orientation for the Academic Year 2025-2026 to welcome first-year students as they begin their journey at SLU.
To help students navigate the transition to university life, Mx. Riyan Portuguez, a registered psychologist, facilitated a mental health session from 11 to 13 August 2025 at the Prince Bernhard Gym, SLU Main Campus that addressed common adjustment concerns such as loneliness, homesickness, and adapting to a new academic environment. The discussion equipped freshmen with practical coping strategies aimed at fostering resilience, emotional well-being, and a healthy adjustment to their new home at SLU.
Recognizing the importance of creating a safe and inclusive campus, the second Grace and Grit Talk invited Mr. Junix Jerald Delos Santos to talk about gender-based microaggressions via a recorded session on 05 May 2026. The talk raised awareness of the subtle yet harmful forms of discrimination that can occur in everyday interactions and explored their impact on mental health and campus climate. Disseminated to all students through their official emails, they were encouraged to become active allies in promoting respect, inclusivity, psychological safety, and shared responsibility in addressing subtle forms of sexism within the university community.
Completing the series was a session on the dignity of human life inspired by Magnifica Humanitas, the latest encyclical of Pope Leo XIV. Ramonchito Lucas, PhD, Chair of the Religion Department, together with Romano M. Bulatao, PhD, OSAS Assistant Director, guided students in reflecting on the importance of upholding human dignity in an age increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence in the form of a podcast that was shared through the official emails of students. The online session held on 07 July 2026 underscored the enduring value of human relationships, ethical responsibility, and compassion in responding to contemporary challenges.
Through the Grace and Grit Talks aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well Being), 4 (Quality Education), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities), OSAS reaffirms its commitment to the holistic formation of Louisian students by creating opportunities for short but meaningful learning sessions that nurture emotional well-being, strengthen character, and inspire students to become compassionate, resilient, and socially responsible members of the Louisian community. Such initiatives also affirm the CICM Advocacies of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of creation. (Article and Photos by OSAS)
