In this afternoon session, Patrick Cousins will lead an interactive conversation about the mission of Saint Louis University, and the launch of a new program called Shared Mission.  Participants will consider what mission looks like in any particular department or discipline, what part each of us can play in the 500-year-long history of the mission, and how the Jesuit identity “shows up” in the mission here at SLU. The session will be a combination of presentation (video and speaker), personal reflection, and small group discussion. For those interested, ongoing opportunities to continue learning about the mission over the course of the academic year will be explained.

Patrick is the Director of Pastoral Formation. He recently joined the Division of Mission and Identity after 15 years in Campus Ministry at SLU. Patrick has hosted dozens of presentations on Ignatian spirituality, the Mission of the University, and a variety of current issues in Jesuit higher education.

SLU History & Fun Facts: Katie Mascari 

In this session,  Katie Mascari will present a 'Pub Trivia' style quiz with fun stories, photos, and facts from throughout SLU's 200+ year history. Come learn more about our shared history and compete to win a prize!

Katie serves as Associate Archivist for the University Libraries and Museums. In her role, Katie preserves and promotes the University's history.

Want to study up before attending?  Visit the SLU History Timeline at: www.slu.edu/timeline

Implementing discipline over our emotional life is difficult and requires lifelong practice. Being able to choose to act or respond in a particular manner is preferable to re-acting on a consistent basis, yet it is difficult. Enhancing emotional intelligence improves our ability to master our emotional functioning. High emotional intelligence can improve our communications with all others, enhance our perception of satisfaction with ourselves and our lives and increase our productiveness overall. 

As a ComPsych® senior training consultant, Eric brings over 30 years of behavioral health and group facilitation experience to the Learning and Organizational Excellence department. He is an impactful trainer who is described by clients as engaging, passionate, knowledgeable and funny. Eric is a sought-after subject matter expert in areas including stress, conflict, trauma, communication, workplace violence, addiction and wellness.

Eric obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian Studies at the University of Illinois. He earned a master’s in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Professional Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

The idea of mindfulness or being mindful is complete engagement in the present moment. It is a state where you are not thinking, reflecting, judging or deciding, but are instead simply experiencing the things currently in your available experience. In many ways people are largely unaware of our present moment, and often operate on “auto-pilot” to some degree. The auto-pilot mode is our default mode of operation. Even when we find ourselves in a pleasurable quiet moment we automatically begin to daydream about others, plan/worry about the future or ruminate about the past. We miss living in the present moment because we fail to pay attention to it. 

Mindfulness is about waking up to the present moment and paying attention to our experience. Learning mindfulness is not difficult; however, it is difficult to remember to do it. This session discusses mindfulness and how to incorporate its practice into your life.

Kenny is Vice President of Learning and Organizational Excellence for ComPsych®, where he works with customers on talent development strategies and delivers executive coaching, keynote presentations and workshops on leadership, resilience, mental health in the workplace, stress management and personal development.

Kenny has a degree from Cornell University and is a member of the International Society for Performance Improvement, the Association for Talent Development, and the Chief Learning Officer Exchange. Clients describe Kenny’s coaching and presentation style as “inspiring,” “motivational” and “dynamic.” He is an experienced facilitator who has led hundreds of programs for organizations large and small.