Saint Louis University (SLU) has produced a remarkable array of notable alumni from Saint Louis University who have left indelible marks across entertainment, sports, politics, and beyond. Imagine rubbing shoulders with future stars during your college years—that's the SLU magic at work. Take Robert Guillaume, the charismatic actor and a confirmed SLU graduate, who charmed audiences as Benson DuBois on the hit sitcom Benson, winning two Emmy Awards (1979, 1985) for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. His journey from SLU's stages to Broadway's Tony Award-winning role in Guys and Dolls (1977) showcases how the university's strong performing arts programs nurture talent that shines globally.
In sports, famous graduates of Saint Louis University like hockey icon Brett Hull electrify the narrative. Hull, who attended SLU before dominating the NHL with three Stanley Cup wins and a record-tying 86 goals in 1990-91, embodies Billiken grit. Baseball legends Willie McGee (two-time NL batting champ) and Ted Sizemore (World Series champ) also honed their skills here, proving SLU's athletic legacy (check the sports figures list for more). These achievements highlight SLU's role in building champions who thrive under pressure.
Politics boasts influential leaders Saint Louis University alumni like former U.S. Senator Thomas Eagleton (Class of 1947), who served Missouri with distinction, and John Danforth (SLU Law), U.S. Senator and UN Ambassador. For job seekers eyeing higher-ed careers, SLU grads like these inspire paths in public service. Parents and students considering SLU can explore alumni networks via the official SLU Alumni Association. Check Rate My Professor reviews for SLU faculty to see the teaching excellence firsthand. Meanwhile, browse academic jobs in St. Louis or higher ed jobs to follow in these trailblazers' footsteps. SLU's alumni stories remind us that from St. Louis classrooms emerge world-changers—entertaining, inspiring, and utterly unstoppable.
Saint Louis University (SLU) boasts a rich legacy of notable alumni from Saint Louis University who have made significant impacts across various fields, inspiring current students and job seekers alike. These achievements highlight the value of SLU's Jesuit education in fostering leadership, resilience, and innovation. Below, we rate key categories on a 10-point star scale based on the prominence, number, and influence of verified famous graduates of Saint Louis University, drawing from university records and trusted sources like the SLU alumni directory.
These ratings reflect SLU's strengths in public service and athletics, motivating students to aim high. Parents and faculty can encourage involvement in career services. Job seekers, rate professors at RateMyProfessor for SLU insights and explore Academic Jobs in St. Louis. Connect with alumni via SLU Alumni Association for mentorship. Follow their examples: build networks early, pursue internships, and embrace SLU's values for lasting success. For career advice, see higher-ed career advice.
Saint Louis University alumni have made their mark in entertainment, particularly as actors and broadcasters, with achievements in television, film, and radio that highlight the university's role in nurturing creative talents in the United States.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Ian Griffith | Actor | Law | 1983 | Actor recognized for roles in films like The Karate Kid Part III as Terry Silver and in TV series such as One Tree Hill. |
| Phil Hendrie | Radio Personality | unknown | Radio host and voice actor famous for his satirical radio program The Phil Hendrie Show, impersonating numerous fictional characters. | |
| Robert Guillaume | Actor | Business Administration | 1959 | Emmy-winning actor best known for portraying Benson DuBois on the TV series Benson and Isaac Jaffe on Sports Night. |
Saint Louis University alumni athletes have made their mark in professional baseball, basketball, Olympic rowing, and wrestling. These sports figures demonstrate the university's tradition of producing competitive talent that impacts major leagues and international competitions.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clary Anderson | College football coach | 1935 | Served as head football coach at Montana State University and assistant coach at multiple universities. | |
| Ray Aguilera | Olympic wrestler | unknown | Competed for Puerto Rico in freestyle wrestling at the Olympics. | |
| Tommie Sunkel | Major League Baseball outfielder | unknown | Played outfield for the St. Louis Browns in 1944 and 1945. | |
| Ernie Kolch | Olympic rower | unknown | Earned a gold medal in rowing at the 1948 Summer Olympics as part of the U.S. team. | |
| Jim Dwyer | Olympic rower | unknown | Won a gold medal in the double sculls rowing event at the 1948 Summer Olympics. | |
| Willie Reed | Professional basketball player | unknown | Played in the NBA for teams including the Miami Heat, known for his rebounding prowess. | |
| Joe Garagiola | Major League Baseball catcher | unknown | Played nine MLB seasons for four teams and later became a Hall of Fame broadcaster for NBC Sports. | |
| Bill Virdon | Major League Baseball outfielder and manager | unknown | Played 12 MLB seasons, won a Gold Glove Award in 1962, and managed the Pittsburgh Pirates to the 1971 World Series title. | |
| Lindy McDaniel | Major League Baseball pitcher | 1956 | Played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball for eight teams, renowned for his knuckle curveball and 1,396 strikeouts. |
Saint Louis University alumni have made notable contributions to U.S. politics, holding positions such as governors, U.S. Attorney General, and directors of federal agencies; no prominent international or royalty/nobility figures identified. These leaders have shaped national policy, law enforcement, and state governance through their service.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Ashcroft | 79th United States Attorney General | Economics and Law | B.A. 1967, J.D. 1976 | Served as U.S. Attorney General from 2001 to 2005 under President George W. Bush and previously as Governor of Missouri and U.S. Senator. |
| William H. Webster | Director of Central Intelligence and Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation | Law | LL.B. 1949 | First individual to lead both the FBI (1978-1987) and CIA (1987-1991), overseeing key intelligence operations during the Cold War era. |
| Mel Carnahan | Governor of Missouri | Law | J.D. 1964 | Served as Missouri's 51st Governor from 1993 to 2000 and was posthumously elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000 after a plane crash. |
| Rod Blagojevich | 40th Governor of Illinois | Law | J.D. 1983 | Served as Governor from 2003 until impeached and removed in 2009 amid corruption charges related to attempting to sell a Senate seat. |
| Jerry Costello | U.S. Congressman | Aeronautical Engineering | B.S. 1972 | Represented Illinois's 12th congressional district from 1989 to 2013, focusing on transportation, defense, and labor issues. |
| William L. Clay Sr. | U.S. Congressman | History | B.S. 1954 | Served Missouri's 1st congressional district from 1969 to 2001, advocating for civil rights and labor rights as a key figure in the Congressional Black Caucus. |
| Phil M. Donnelly | 28th and 30th Governor of Missouri | Law | J.D. 1936 | Elected Governor in 1945 and 1953, known for progressive reforms including mental health improvements and highway development. |
