Bob Guignon '39 entered St. Louis University High as a freshman in the fall of 1935, more than 80 years ago. He recalls his time at SLUH as being very busy, but very happy. "I played football, kept up with my studies, ran an ‘egg route' delivering eggs each morning, and I worked at the Parkmoor Diner. I have never been busier in my life than I was at SLUH, but those were happy times."
Guignon served in the army in World War II. During his service, he corresponded with one of his teachers from SLUH, Fr. John J. Divine, S.J. After the war, Guignon become one of the original founders of the SLUH Alumni Association (now called the Alumni Board.)
"Fr. Divine kept in touch with all of us in the service," Guignon says. "He wrote letters with news of home, and where some of our high school buddies were serving." After the war, Fr. Divine asked Guignon and three others to help start the Alumni Association of SLUH. "Fr. Divine offered annual memberships for five dollars, or a lifetime membership for fifty dollars," recalls Guignon. "That was a lot of money in those days, but I decided to become a lifetime member."
His association with SLUH has, indeed, been lifelong. He has made gifts to SLUH for as many years as the school has kept records. He organized class lunches twice a year, gathering his classmates for fellowship and storytelling. Those lunches continue today, despite the dwindling numbers over the years. He organized the first-ever 70-year Reunion at SLUH in 2009. Eight members of his class gathered for lunch at SLUH (see photo). All were 87 or 88 years old at the time.
Guignon, ever grateful to his alma mater, has made provisions for a gift to SLUH in his estate. "As I created my estate plan, I wanted to provide for those whom I care about, including my children, of course, but it seemed only fitting that SLUH was on the list as well."
"SLUH has been on my list of favorite charities for as long as I can remember," says Guignon, who turned 94 last year. "I feel a great sense of appreciation for my education, and a camaraderie with my classmates that I have enjoyed for 80 years. That is worth supporting."