#1 – Soulard Sports & Bar , #2 – Julia’s, #3 – Soulard Cajun Corner, #4 – DB’S Sports Bar, #5 – Mission Taco Joint, #6 – Protagonist, #7 – EPIC Pizza & Sub’s, #8 – Carson’s, #9 – Llywelyn’s, #10 –  Mauki’s Bakery, #11 – Sweet Devine, #12 – The Wood Shack, #13 – The Great Grizzly Bear, #14 – 1860’s Hardshell Cafe, #15 – Molly’s in Soulard, #16 – Duke’s, #17 – McGurk’s, #18 – Bastille, #19 – Island STL, #20 – Hammerstone, #21 – South Broadway Athletic Club, #22 – D’s Place, #23 – Jack Nolen’s, #24 – The Cat’s Meow, #25 – Big Daddy’s

Editor-in-Chief

Conor Dorn, originally from River Forest, Illinois, is majoring in History. He joined The University News as an incoming freshman. Throughout his four years with the UNews, he has met a great group of people and has learned a lot from interacting with various people when working on articles. Dorn first started as a staff writer for the News Section and has since written 30 articles. He currently has an editorial position and serves as Editor in Chief. His favorite UNews memory was dressing up for Halloween, even though he didn’t wear a costume. Everyone was kind enough to give him bits and pieces of their costume so he could have one and be a part of the group. In his free time, he loves reading, running, going to metal concerts, and trying out new recipes in his kitchen. When he was younger, his dream job was to become a rock star just like Ozzy Osbourne, who he was deeply obsessed with. Before he graduates, he wants to eat at Fresh Gatherings on South Campus. His mantra for senior year is, “just try to be present and cherish the little moments with your friends.” 

Managing Editor

Grace Dunlavy, originally from Carmel, Indiana, is majoring in Integrated Strategic Communication. As a sophomore, she was looking for an organization to give her the opportunity to explore her passions in a unique and meaningful way, and The University News gave her that opportunity. Since sophomore year she has made well over 60 graphics to go along with each article. Dunlavy currently has an editorial position and serves as Managing Editor which oversees and coordinates the implementation process of the publications of online and print issues. The UNews has allowed her to explore her creativity and love for graphic design. Being a part of the organization has opened her heart even more and she has loved every second of it. Her favorite UNews memory is going to production night—she always has fun and loves to hang out with everyone while creating our print issues and making them come together. In her free time, she loves exploring new coffee shops in St. Louis while reading and sipping iced coffee. When she was younger her dream job was to be a professional ballerina. Since then she has found a love for art, media and brand marketing and as of today, she hopes to pursue a career as a publicist. Before she graduates she wants to jump in the Business School fountain to cross it off her SLU bucket list. Dunlavy’s mantra for senior year is “whatever happens is meant to be.” In addition, a song that best describes her senior year would be “Sheesh!” by Surfaces and Tai Verdes.

News Editor

Zoë Butler, originally from Kansas City, Missouri, is majoring in English and minoring in biology. As a junior, she first joined The University News as a staff writer and has written nine articles for the Arts & Life, News and Opinion sections. Articles she has written include, “Saving the Earth is Possible,” “Be Wary of Election Nights” and “Meet Dean Donna, SLU’s Dean of Students”. Butler is currently serving as one of the News editors for her final year at SLU. From being a staff writer to an editor she has learned a wide range of techniques from interviewing to collaborating with other editors. The UNews has a great culture and she loves being able to talk openly about different story ideas to help each other out. When she is not writing she loves riding her bike, traveling, finding new shows and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. When she was younger her dream job was to be an astronaut. As of today, her dream job is to make documentaries with her friend, Julia. Butler loves being able to combine the things she loves such as interviewing, history and storytelling. Even though her dream job has changed since she was younger, both involve learning new things and a certain level of exploration. Before she graduates she wants to get on the big screen at Chaifetz Arena in hopes of crossing it off her SLU bucket list. Butler’s mantra for senior year is “friends over everything.”

Arts & Life Editor

Matthew Chambers, originally from Omaha, Nebraska is majoring in English. At the beginning of his junior year, he joined The University News as a staff writer for the Arts & Life section. For his last and final year on The University News team, he is currently serving as Arts & Life Co-Editor on the editorial board. Being a part of the UNews has been a great experience for Chambers and he has loved being surrounded by a great group of people. One of his favorite UNews memories is having wonderful conversations and spending time with other editors. In his free time, he loves reading, watching films, listening to music and spending time with friends. When he was younger his dream job was to become a doctor just like his grandparents, aunts and uncles. As of today, he has steered away from that dream and now hopes to find a career working behind the scenes in the music industry. Chambers’ senior year mantra is, “It’s senior year, I should say yes to as much as I can!” In addition, a song that best describes his senior year would be “To see the Next Part of the Dream” by Parannoul. Before he graduates, the one thing he wants to crossoff his SLU bucket list is hanging out with his friends on the roofs of the academic buildings.

Photo Editor

Andrea Porter, originally from Eureka, Missouri, is majoring in Integrated Strategic Communication as well as minoring in Visual Communication and Marketing. Going into junior year, she wanted a place to allow her to do what she loves: photography. There was an opening on the editorial board for Photo Editor and she took the opportunity to apply.Ever since she has loved her time with The University News. As Photo Editor, she oversees the photography that appears in the newspaper and online. Being able to be in-person for our meetings and have face-to-face conversations has been her favorite UNews memory thus far. Whenever she is not taking pictures, she loves to travel, go to concerts, watch “Jersey Shore” and spend time with friends and family. When she was younger her dream job was to be an elementary school teacher. As of today, her dream job is to be an event planner and to explore her creative vision and see how an idea can be turned into reality. As we are almost halfway through the first semester, her senior year mantra is “just say yes!” In addition, a song that best describes her senior year is “I Lived” by OneRepublic. Before she graduates, she hopes to cross off “running through the Clocktower fountains” from her SLU bucket list.

Copy Editor

Lexi Kayser, originally from Lake St. Louis, Missouri is majoring in English and Communication. As an incoming freshman, she wanted a place to share her thoughts and a way to stay up-to-date on local and global news, which is why she chose to join The University News. Kayser started as an opinion writer her freshman year and has since written 15 articles to date. Going into her senior year, she has now taken an editorial position as Copy Editor. One of her favorite UNews memory is walking around campus seeing other students, staff, and faculty looking at the print issues and thinking to herself “Oh s**t, I helped make that!” In addition to writing, in her free time, she loves reading, running, and making her friends go on elaborate “adventures.”. When she was younger her dream job was to be a writer—which hasn’t changed as of today. She has spent the last four years chasing her childhood dreams. Before graduation, Kayser wants to cross off “swimming in the fountains” on her SLU bucket list. In addition, her mantra for her senior year, as sung by Troy Bolton is, “I’m not gonna stop, that’s who I am, I give it all I got that is my plan.” Along with Troy Bolton’s song lyric being her senior year mantra, his song “Bet On It” would be the best song to describe her senior year.

Social Media Editor

Kateryna Gehlhaar, originally from San Diego, California is majoring in Nursing. Though this is her first year on The University News team, she currently has an editorial position and serves as Social Media Editor.  Although this is very different from her future plans to become a nurse, she finds that writing, social media and marketing bring her joy. She loves being a part of media organizations and it has become a hobby of hers. Even though she has only been a part of the UNews for a little over a month, her favorite UNews memory is meeting the editors, staff and incoming freshmen while also making new friends. Whenever Gehlhaar isn’t posting, writing or taking pictures for social media she loves to read, watch “Friends” and go to Cyclebar. When she was younger her dream job was to become a professional ballerina; this has changed dramatically as she now wants to become a NICU nurse. Before she graduates, her number one SLU bucket list item is to run through the Clocktower fountains. A song that best describes Gehlhaar’s senior year is “Nineteen” by DYLAN. In addition, her mantra for senior year is “finish stronger than you started.”

Just over a year ago, many students were on their spring breaks having the time of their lives. Students became hopeful that school was halfway through and summer was near. But when the pandemic hit and that hopefulness turned into fear, confusion and worry. Due to the pandemic, students were not permitted to come back to campus until the upcoming school year. 

Unfortunately, SLU students didn’t get the “ perfect spring” that people were used to in the past. Instead we were hunkered down in our homes eagerly awaiting the CDC to announce to the public that it was safe to be around more people than just our immediate families. Socializing with friends, having picnics, going on vacations and making memories with friends were not on the list of things we could do with our lives. 

There is no better feeling than walking down West Pine in the Spring and seeing the pink, red and yellow flowers blooming all around. Anybody can grab a blanket, lay on the quad, sit near the duck pond, do homework near the clocktower and even sit near Cupples House. People come out from their rooms to socialize, and you can see the frowns begin to turn into smiles and laughter. The breeze blowing in our faces, smelling the fresh air, rolling up our sleeves to get a little tan, soaking up the vitamin D, hearing the water running down the rocks near Chaifetz School of Business; there’s no better feeling. Nothing can beat spring time on SLU’s campus. 

As 2020 came to a close we had time to reflect on one of the most unpredictable and isolating years of all time. We learned and grew in many different ways that we didn’t expect. Going into the 2021 Spring semester things are looking more optimistic than they did last year. We’re finally at the point where we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Watching the COVID-19 vaccine roll out to the masses is one of the most important factors in getting our world back to the way it was before the pandemic. Students are being offered the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Hopefully this proactive step will help get campus back to a sense of normalcy. Due to the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccinations, and spring coming upon us, we are beginning to see students out on West Pine socializing again, while maintaining a six-feet social distance. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way in which people socialize with one another, but being able to indulge in the little things that remind us of spring time at SLU, has brought us back to that perfect spring feeling.

On Mar. 13, 2020, students learned that Saint Louis University would be closed for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester. Two months into the pandemic, SLU was eager and arranged for students to safely return for the fall 2020 semester. Since the beginning of the fall semester, students were given the option to pick the class format they wanted to be taught in, either in-person flex, in-person only, A-B days or fully-online. The fall 2020 semester went into full force, and administrators were again beginning to make plans for spring 2021. Now almost a month into the spring semester, let’s take a glimpse into what life is like for a SLU student during a pandemic.

For many students deciding to come back to campus, choosing in-person flex, in-person only, A-B days or to be fully online is a difficult decision. Students who have chosen to come back to campus and learn in class have a bit of the same routine; waking up, eating breakfast, getting ready for their day and going off to class. Rubina Thomas, a sophomore studying investigative and medical sciences, lives in an off-campus apartment and has chosen hybrid learning. Hybrid learning is where classes will be taught online and in-person. Thomas says that coming back to school during a pandemic was much needed. She states, “I do not think I would be able to focus as well at home. However, of course, it is frustrating because you do feel tempted to do stuff with your friends and know you can’t.” Let’s take a look into Thomas’s typical morning routine: “I wake up at 9:15. After doing my morning routine and getting ready, I go into my kitchen and get some breakfast. I go to my 10 a.m., which is music theory in Xavier Hall. Afterward, I go to the library and do some work for my other classes, sometimes if I was unable to make breakfast at my apartment, then I may get some Einstein’s or Starbies. Then I attend my orgo lecture class at 1:10 online at the library. Do some more work at the library until 4ish. Afterward, I go back to my apartment, eat, watch tv. I may go to the gym, hang out with some friends, study some more. Every other week, I have a club meeting at 6 p.m. And then, usually, I go to bed around midnight.” While dining options are available on campus, she prefers to eat in her apartment. After her day, Thomas likes to study in her apartment. When it is warm out, her go-to study spot is behind the Cupples House. During the winter, if she can’t focus in her apartment, she prefers to study in the library. Thomas feels good about her classes. She states, “It could be worse.” Along with her studies, she is a member of SLU Omkara, Greek Life, Unmasked, Indian Student Association, AED and Camp Kesem. All meetings are held virtually, except for her dance practices, which are held in person for two hours, three days a week at Simon Recreation Center. Thomas states that while living off-campus it is hard to motivate herself to get out of the apartment. However, she loves independence and is grateful to have a kitchen. She cannot imagine having to eat at Grand Dining hall every day. 

Many students want to be back on campus but prefer to learn remotely to limit exposure. Student Angelina White, a junior studying studio art, states that coming back to campus during a pandemic is not quite what people had hoped for, but she is glad to be here. White lives on campus but prefers to do remote learning to limit her exposure. On a typical Monday, Whites’ day consists of waking up around 8 a.m., an hour before her class starts, and continues her learning until her last class, which ends at 11:50 a.m. With being close to lunchtime, she prefers to make herself a meal and eat in her apartment. While being a remote student, White likes to study in her apartment. She states, “I like to move around when I study, so I enjoy being able to spend a few hours in the living room or switching off to spend some time in my bedroom. Or if the weather is pleasant, I like to sit on the balcony.” She is doing well with her online classes and hopes that the filler classes will still be available online for years to come. Even though White is a remote student, she continues to be involved in clubs and organizations. She is a part of the Track and Field team, Rainbow Alliance and OneWorld magazine. These meetings are virtual, but she is still able to see all the members in one setting! White states that living on campus in her apartment is decent, and she typically thrives at the university, but is now wanting to survive. 

Aseya Siddiqua, a freshman studying Neuroscience on the Pre-Med track, lives at home and has chosen to take her class online. Siddiqua states, “I honestly am having a very hard time trying to adjust though it is my second semester. The workload and system are much, much different than high school.” She gave me a glimpse into her average Monday schedule: “Since my first class on Monday is at noon, I wake up around 10 a.m. to get ready. I am a remote learner, which means I do not have to account for the time to walk to my classes. It is all at my desk. I have Biology from noon to 12:50 p.m. And then right after, at 1:10 p.m, I have Urban Crisis, which ends at 2 p.m. I have recently gotten into Blueprint for Student Success and that starts at 3 p.m. After that ends at 4 p.m., I take a break, evening prayer at 6 p.m., and get back to studying around 7 p.m. I will first finish off any homework or assignment I might have due. And then work on my asynchronous Calculus class. I watch the lecture, take notes and look at the homework for a bit. After that, I prepare for my chemistry class that I have the next day and end the day with a bit of review for Biology.” Siddiqua prefers to study in her room because she feels comfortable there. With being fully-online and at home, she says that some of her classes are hard. Even though she is a second-semester freshman student, she has gotten involved in numerous clubs and organizations! She is a part of BALANCE, Her Campus and OneWorld. These meetings are all online and have been since coming back to campus. Siddiqua states, now it feels normal in regards to meeting virtually for her clubs/organizations. She also says, “doing it remotely I am completely isolated from my peers, sometimes it feels like I am all alone in this. However, it is not all bad. I have gotten help from different people, made some new friends, and learned a lot. So, I am just trying to balance it out and see where it takes me.” Siddiqua states that even though there are some downsides with doing school remotely, it is nice living and learning remotely because she has the freedom of her own space. She does not have to worry about socialization in the hallways or other areas on campus.

We have provided a guide throughout the day, focusing on activities and restaurants to go to with your friends. We begin with our top three favorite brunch places within 15 minutes of SLU. Next we dive into our top three on-the-go restaurants with Valentine’s Day specials. Not interested in finding somewhere to eat? No problem. We also suggest activities you can do with you and your friends. All activities can be done inside your home as well as in person. 

Breakfast & Lunch

Hanging out with the girls and wondering what to do? Listed below are restaurants great for breakfast and lunch. Under each restaurant, we provided the closest location near SLU and it’s address. Each restaurant has take-out, curbside pick-up and delivery if you wish to eat at home. If you wish to dine-in, all restaurants require masks upon arrival. 

SqWires Restaurant

Address: 1415 S. 18th St, St. Louis, MO 63104

Dine-in, Take-out and no-contact delivery

Bottomless Mimosas and Brunch

Are you 21+ and love bottomless mimosas and brunch? Enjoy $18 bottomless mimosas with your choice of four different flavors, berry, peach, orange and pineapple. You may also enjoy a filling brunch that includes eggs benedict, pancakes, french toast and more. Visit SqWires Restaurant for their full menu.

Rooster

Address: 3150 South Grand Blvd, St. Louis MO 63118

Dine-in, Curbside Pick-up, no-contact delivery

Breakfast and lunch

Rooster offers a variety of options for breakfast and lunch. You can order french toast, pancakes, crepes, biscuits and gravy, sandwiches and more! 21+ can order a variety of cocktails from the menu, including mimosas, bloody marys, beer and boozy shakes! Enjoy this relaxed, cozy cafe with your friends for a nice breakfast!

City Coffeehouse and Creperie 

Address: 36 N Brentwood Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105

Dine-in, Curbside Pick-up, No-contact delivery

Breakfast and Lunch

City Coffeehouse and Creperie offer authentic French crepes located in Clayton. Customers can dine-in and experience the cozy cafe with indoor and outdoor dining. A variety of different crepes are available from savory to sweet that are filling for breakfast, lunch and desserts. Not only do they offer crepes, but you can also enjoy sandwiches, coffee and pastries!

Dinner Specials On A Budget

Being a college student on a budget can be stressful, especially on Valentine’s Day. Under each restaurant, we provided the closest location near SLU and it’s address. Each restaurant has take-out, curbside pick-up and delivery if you wish to eat at home. If you wish to dine-in, all restaurants require masks upon arrival. 

Chick-Fil-A

Closest location: 8590 Eager Rd, Brentwood, MO 63144 

Drive Thru and Delivery

Valentines Day Boxes:

Love Chick-Fil-A? They got you covered. Enjoy Valentine’s Day Box filled with your favorites; 30-count nuggets, 10 count Chickn Minis, 6 count chocolate chip cookies or 12 chocolate brownie halves. These boxes will be available at all participating locations and available for delivery, while supplies last. Hanging out with friends this weekend? This may be the perfect idea for you and your friends to share!

California Pizza Kitchen

Closest location:1493 St Louis Galleria St, Richmond Heights, MO 63117

Dine-In, Curbside Pick-up and No-contact delivery

Valentine’s Heart Shaped Pizza

Enjoy a three-course meal for $35. You can choose an appetizer, spinach artichoke dip, Mexican sweet corn, white corn guacamole and chips. Choose two entrees, salad, pizza, and pasta! You will have 3-4 options per entree. Lastly, you can choose your dessert from red velvet cake, key lime pie and butter cake. Choose dine in or order to go, February 10th-14th. Perfect to pick-up and share with your friends!

Papa Johns

Closest Location: 3822 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108

Take-out and no-contact delivery

Heart Shaped Pizza

Live near or on campus and don’t want to drive anywhere? On Valentine’s Day, Papa Johns has a special, enjoy a heart-shaped pizza. Order a one-topping pizza for $11, and Papa Johns will turn it heart-shaped just for you! Perfect for a night in!

Activities

Not sure what to do this weekend? Here is a list of movies on Netflix and Hulu for you to watch to get into the Valentine’s day groove. Movies not your thing? Don’t worry, we recommended some activities for you and your friends to do that will make for a perfect Galentine’s Day weekend!

Movie Night 

Here are some movie recommendations to watch with your girl friends

Netflix

• To All The Boys I’ve Ever Loved Before
• The Kissing Booth
• The Notebook
• After
• After We Collided
• A Walk To Remember
• Remember Me

Hulu

• 50 First Dates
• The Wedding Planner
• You’ve Got Mail
• I Still Believe
• I Feel Pretty
• Romeo & Juliet

Painting With A Twist 

Closest location: 28 The Blvd Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63117

Love being crafty and sipping on wine? Painting with a twist in Brentwood is the place for you. No need to be 21 or older. You can still paint. Painting with a twist has several events tailored for date nights and girl’s night over this Valentine’s weekend. Classes are offered in-person and virtually see the event calendar for more details; seats are limited. 

DIY Paint Night

Don’t want to spend that much? Go to Walmart, Target or Michaels to get canvases, brushes, paint, etc. to have your very own painting night in your dorm or apartment. 

Sweetology 

Location: 1232 Town and Country Crossing Dr, Town and Country, MO 63017

Love sweets and baking? How about taking a baking class or a take-home baking kit? Sweetology is the place to go, located near Town and Country. Kits are sent directly to you! You can bake cakes, cookies and cupcakes that are Valentine’s Day themed. Classes can be hosted virtually or can be done on your own. Email info@sweetology.com for more information. 

Homemade Baking

Don’t want to go to a baking class or too much money? Try out cupcakes, cakes, cake pops, chocolate-covered strawberries and crepes! Here’s a list of 73 Valentine’s Desserts!

DIY Craft Night 

Need to make a gift for your Galentine, Valentine or Pal-entine? Arts Editor Sydney Compton has a step-by-step Valentine candy jar craft – check out her article for further a tutorial.

Nov. 3, 2020 is a day many won’t forget. No matter their party, voters headed to the polls to exercise their right to vote in this year’s presidential election. Many were able to vote through absentee ballots, mail-in ballots or early in-person voting. 

If you registered to vote using your SLU residence hall address, you were able to vote in-person at Simon Recreation Center. Students lined up to vote from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and walked down West Pine with their “I Voted” stickers on their clothes afterwards. The UNews was able to capture photos of SLU students wearing their stickers and get to know a little about them and their voting experiences. Many students have voted before, but this was their first time voting in the presidential election. Let’s hear why some of our classmates decided to vote this year.