Billiken Bulletin May Newsletter
As we approach the close of another academic year, there's a special kind of energy in the air —one filled with celebration, reflection and anticipation. Commencement is just around the corner, and with it comes the joy of honoring our graduates as they take the next bold step in their journeys. Whether you're donning a cap and gown or simply wrapping up another successful semester, this is a moment to pause and take pride in all that’s been accomplished.
To all our students: you've worked hard, grown tremendously, and navigated challenges with resilience.
To our families: thank you for the unwavering support and encouragement you provide behind the scenes. As we close out the semester, we want to wish you a restful and joyful summer ahead. You’ve earned it.
To our graduates: We are proud of who you are and all that you will become.
Thanks to all of you for being part of this community. May this summer bring you rest, renewal and continued inspiration.
Have a wonderful and safe summer.
The Office of Parent and Family Engagement would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all of our parent and family volunteers who have given their time, energy, and care to support our students and campus community throughout the year. Your partnership and presence make a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for all you do.
A special thank you goes to our dedicated family network leaders from all eight regions —your leadership, hospitality and tireless efforts to build connection and community have made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. You embody the spirit of service and the Jesuit value of being “men and women for and with others.”
Thank you for walking alongside us this year. We couldn’t do it without you.
We are excited to introduce Briana Banks, our dedicated northeast family network leader, who has been an incredible asset to our Billiken community. Briana is the proud parent of a freshman Billiken who will be a rising sophomore this fall, and is also one of our Dr. King Scholars — a true testament to the hard work and dedication she instills in her family.
As the northeast family network leader, Briana’s region covers a vast and vibrant area, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington D.C. Whether you are looking to connect with other Billiken families in your region or simply seeking support and advice, Briana is here to foster that sense of community and camaraderie.
For all our Billiken families living in this region who wish to stay in fellowship and network, we invite you to join the northeast Facebook page, where you can share experiences, ask questions, and stay connected throughout the year.
We are so grateful for Briana’s leadership and commitment to bringing families together. Thank you, Briana, for all that you do for our Billiken community! Learn more about Briana Banks, her Billiken and the rest of her family below.
1. Share with us where you are from, and about yourself and your family. How many kids do you have in your family? Briefly tell us about your Billiken.
Our family is from Mount Holly, N.J. My husband Chris and I have three children: Isaiah, Jacob (ninth grade) and Aubrey (eighth grade). Our oldest child, Isaiah, is a freshman at SLU, majoring in computer engineering and is an MLK Scholar. His career goal is to work in an aerospace-related field.
2. What has your experience and involvement been with Saint Louis University? What have been some of your most memorable memories while your Billiken has been in college?
Isaiah was introduced to SLU through his college counselor in high school, which is also a Jesuit institution. Knowing his interest in engineering and aerospace, she suggested SLU as a possible college as it continues his Jesuit education and also allows him to explore his interests. We visited the campus for the first time as part of the MLK Scholar interview process, and he found his home away from home! We loved the welcoming feel of the staff and students, as well as the innovative and updated campus and spaces. He was thrilled to find out he was awarded the MLK scholarship and can also continue his involvement in social justice issues.
As a mother, it was definitely hard to “leave” my first child halfway across the country. However, knowing he felt comfortable on campus and felt at home with the support of local friends and such supportive staff made me feel a bit more at ease.
Our family had the opportunity to visit him several times this year, including for Family Weekend and Trivia Night. We also decided to spend Easter in St Louis, as he joined the newly formed SLU gospel choir Divine Voices of Praise, and they sang at the Easter service at a local church. We spent the weekend exploring St Louis as a family, visiting the art museum, science center and bowling, along with enjoying restaurants at The Loop and The Hill and ice cream in the Central West End.
3. How has your family dynamic changed since your student went off to college?
Please share any challenges your Billiken may have experienced while attending SLU. How did they resolve those,and how did you support them?
Our family dynamic has definitely shifted this year. For starters, I had to get used to cooking for four instead of five (or six because he loves to eat), and saying “party of four” when going out for dinner just doesn’t sound right to me. We also missed him celebrating another Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl and miss him around the house, hearing his music blast as he studies or yelling at his friends while gaming as his stress relief. However, we are so proud of the independence he’s gained this year. His goal was to truly have a ‘go away to college’ experience, and he loves it. It’s not to say that it’s easy on him, but he’s learned to navigate on his own and seek out resources as needed. He also joined a few clubs and was able to attend the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) conference this year, too.
His engineering workload was expected to be challenging and rigorous, and it definitely lived up to that expectation. While his high school was also quite rigorous, he quickly learned the difference in college. He learned to advocate for himself to support staff and also utilize tutoring services, to supplement professors’ office hours. We continue to support him from afar, assuring him we are here for him and reminding him to enjoy his college experience.
4. Is there anything else you would want to share or that you feel is important for Billiken Families to know?
We encourage all families to remain active in their Billiken’s college experience. Joining the BPFA network is a great way to stay connected.
At Saint Louis University, we are committed to ensuring that your SLU experience is as enriching and supportive as possible. To help us serve you better, we invite you to fill out a quick survey that will directly inform our Office of Parent and Family Engagement. Your feedback is vital to improving our programs and services, ensuring that we continue to partner with you effectively throughout your Billiken’s journey. Together, we can make the SLU experience even more rewarding.
Complete the survey and share your insights today!
Thank you for being a valued part of the Billiken family. We look forward to hearing from you!
Commencement is just around the corner — less than three weeks away! We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone with our graduating Billikens and to welcome you, their families, to campus for the festivities.
Here are a few important reminders as you prepare:
- Be sure to visit the official commencement website for the most up-to-date information.
- Encourage your graduate to stay in close contact with their college to ensure they’re on track with all requirements and details.
- Good news: Tickets are not required for any graduation events! All ceremonies are open to as many guests as your student would like to invite, and there’s no need for guests to register in advance.
We can’t wait to celebrate this special moment with you!
Billiken Families, mark your calendars. The next Homecoming and Family Weekend is Sept. 26-28, 2025. More details and the full schedule will be coming soon and will be available on the Homecoming and Family Weekend website.