Honoring St. Ignatius

July 31, 2025

Dear members of the SLU community,

Today is the feast day of St. Ignatius Loyola, a day that commemorates the founder of the Society of Jesus.

I first came to know the story of St. Ignatius when I was an undergraduate at the University of San Francisco. His life continues to inspire all who carry on the tradition of Jesuit education.

At the beginning of this month, in the first week of my presidency, I attended the global assembly of the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU). With more than 300 delegates from several continents, I witnessed the hope-filled potential of a global community committed to a shared mission.

Fr. General Arturo Sosa, S.J., the leader of the Society of Jesus, delivered an inspiring address. He urged us to place our Jesuit charism and identity at the center of our discernment and actions as university leaders and communities.

Fr. Sosa also acknowledged the sense of fragility many of us in higher education feel at this moment, as we navigate numerous economic and political challenges in locations around the globe. He reminded us that our shared fragility and vulnerability can become a source of strength and hope, as it may lead us to experiment with creative approaches and collaborate with one another even more closely.

Fragility led St. Ignatius to courageously change his path, to devote his life to a higher purpose, and to join with his friends – forming the Society of Jesus – to serve a world in need.

As a Jesuit university, we have the gift of following in St. Ignatius’ footsteps. Like him, we are part of a community committed to a shared mission – in St. Louis, in Madrid, and with our colleague institutions around the world. Let us remember as we navigate the challenges ahead that we have one another. And let us act in bold and courageous ways to better educate, learn, conduct research, and serve our communities.

I am privileged to walk this path with you.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.

Edward Feser, Ph.D.
President