Meet the Class of 2024: Gabrielle Chiodo
05/16/2024
Gabrielle Chiodo, a senior at the College of Arts and Sciences, will graduate this May with bachelor’s degrees in political science and communication, with minors in women and gender studies and political journalism. As editor-in-chief of The University News, she’s had the unique opportunity to take what she learned in the classroom and use it in service of her Saint Louis University peers.
As she prepares for graduation, Chiodo talks about what inspired her studies and what she plans to do next.
Why did you decide to pursue so many different majors and minors?
I have so many different things that I’m passionate about. It was about creating an educational profile for myself that felt authentic and dynamic. That couldn’t have happened without faculty being upfront with me about what I need to do and where I would need to tinker with things.
Were there any faculty or mentors whom you worked closely with?
Yes, so many. I’ve always believed that if you find someone interesting, you should get in front of them and talk with them. I’ve worked a lot with Dr. Melissa Ochoa, Dr. Morgan Hazelton and Dr. Steve Rogers. In my role with The University News, Dr. Kelsey Mesmer has been really awesome in helping us.
What was it like to be a student in the SLU community while also covering it as a student journalist?
We’re taught that journalism is meant to be one of the checks and balances for big institutions. That could come off as anti-institution, but for me, it's about loving my institution and pointing out here's where we're failing and here's where we need to do better.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
The University News has definitely been one of my biggest accomplishments. We’ve grown our membership and readership, and people see us as a credible news source for the community and the University.
I’m also really proud of the work I’ve done in my hometown as a legal clerk helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by guiding them through the legal process. That was the big pull for me to apply to the Truman Scholarship Foundation.
Is that what you’ll be doing this summer?
Yes! Our cohort will go to Washington D.C., for our public service internships. I’ll be working for the Center for Law and Social Policy. It started as a legal aid clinic providing aid to people who were economically disadvantaged, and it transformed into a policy advocacy group.
What are your goals after that?
I'm taking a gap year next year to take the LSAT and figure out where I’m going. I would love to get a degree in family and criminal law to help with gender-based violence and domestic violence cases. That's something I've had professional exposure to, and it's such a complicated problem that requires a unique understanding of the ways our world operates.
Latest Newslink
- Saint Louis University Launches Tuition Promise Covering Full Undergraduate Tuition for Eligible StudentsStarting in fall 2026, eligible first-time freshmen will be able to attend the University without paying undergraduate tuition through a new initiative aimed at expanding college access and affordability. The SLU Tuition Promise is for students from families with a combined Adjusted Gross Income of $60,000 or less and limited assets.
- SLU Chess Qualifies for Collegiate Chess ChampionshipSaint Louis University chess teams are heading to the Collegiate Chess Championship. The Billikens recently competed in the 2026 Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Championship in Oak Brook, IL. SLU’s A Team finished fourth and secured a spot Collegiate Chess Championship finals, known as the President's Cup or colloquially as the “Final Four.” Additionally, the SLU B-Team was the top women’s squad at the tournament and will advance to the inaugural Women's President’s Cup.
- Building Connection and Collaboration: SLU President, Local Leaders Headline Leadership Speaker SeriesSaint Louis University’s Emerson Leadership Institute and Edward Jones Speaker Series will feature SLU President Edward Feser, Ph.D., as part of a joint speaker series on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Feser will speak on the theme, “Great Cities, Great Universities: Leading With Hope to Strengthen Our Shared Community,” sharing his vision for how SLU can lead boldly, collaborate meaningfully, and serve as an anchor of opportunity in St. Louis.
- SLU Hosting Journalists for 'Candid Conversations in Turbulent Times'The Saint Louis University American Studies Department will host award-winning ABC News anchor Linsey Davis and SLU alum John Krull (American Studies, '84) for the program "Candid Conversations in Turbulent Times." The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in the Anheuser Busch Auditorium in Cook Hall.
- Kathryn Mitchell Pierce, Ph.D.: 1955-2025Kathryn Mitchell Pierce, Ph.D., associate professor of educational studies, died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. She was 70 years old. Pierce joined Saint Louis University in 2015 as an assistant professor in the School of Education. Initially a literacy specialist in the undergraduate program, she eventually taught and mentored across all levels at the School of Education. She became an associate professor in 2022.
- Saint Louis University Student Speaks About Leadership and Disability at Ignatian Family Teach-In for JusticeSaint Louis University senior Grace LoPiccolo shared her personal leadership journey at the 2025 Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice. The event, held annually in Washington, D.C., is the nation’s largest Catholic social justice advocacy day.
