Saint Louis University School of Social Work Student Emma Kidwell
Caring for the whole person, promoting social justice and building community are the Jesuit values that guide Saint Louis University School of Social Work student Emma Kidwell as she works to make meaningful change in the world.
Doing good for and with others embodies Kidwell’s experience as a Billiken. Whether assisting students at the Saint Louis University Center for Social Action, serving as chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for her sorority’s chapter, helping young children at Delta Gamma’s Service for Sight Center, guiding first-year students as a SLU 101 leader or completing her social work practicum with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri in the Youth and Family Advocacy Program, Kidwell models SLU’s mission.
Helping Students Thrive
“I think the way that Saint Louis University wants to see students thrive and have a great experience, not only in St. Louis but just academically here on campus, is something that is unique,” Kidwell said. “SLU really embraces the unknown for students and tells us we can do it. Whatever we want to do, the University is going to help make it possible.”
That includes supporting students financially.
As a first-generation college student and the oldest of three children, Kidwell’s most significant concerns about attending SLU focused on affordability without incurring substantial debt, balancing work and her classes, and saving enough money to attend graduate school. Thanks to SLU’s donors, she has received the financial support she needs to prioritize her studies and fulfill her aspirations through the Vice Presidential Scholarship and additional scholarships.
Part of the SLU Community
“Donors are part of what makes SLU what it is,” Kidwell said. “They connect to the community, they come back to campus, and they want to meet students and engage with them. At the end of the day, they’re not just giving money for a student to go to school. SLU’s donors want to know the student, and they want to see what that student will accomplish in life and how they can help them.”
Kidwell plans to graduate in May 2025. Passionate about family and juvenile law, she has set her sights on earning a Juris Doctor/Master of Social Work dual degree at SLU and embarking on a career advocating for and empowering marginalized populations.
“Saint Louis University really makes me excited, and I believe the school wants me to consider that the world’s already on fire and ask myself how can I keep igniting that spark.”
You can be the reason Saint Louis University students like Emma Kidwell are able to access a transformative education. Make your gift today.