Welcome to a New Academic Year

August 19, 2026

“Because in the end, that’s what I learned this place is really about: presence. Not having it all figured out — just showing up for each other. That’s the job here.”

- Mason Bader, SLU Senior and SGA President 

“Be willing to try, to fail, to change, and to begin again. You don't need to have your entire future figured out; you just need to be brave enough to keep discovering it.”

- Naiyah Taylor, SLU Junior 

“Sometimes the thing you never wanted, never expected, and never planned for becomes the thing that points you toward who you are meant to become.”

- Cristina McGroarty, Ph.D., RN, CNE, Associate Professor of Nursing 

Dear members of the SLU community,

At yesterday’s Convocation, our speakers shared their wisdom with our new and returning students. I think their words resonated with all of us, freshmen and longtime faculty and staff alike.

The beginning of the academic year brings hope and excitement, and yes, uncertainty. It’s when we try a new class, test a new approach, begin a new project, and launch new plans. Not everything we do will work out exactly as we envision – and that is a great gift. Things change as we learn through action and reflection. We innovate and adjust. As SLU student Naiyah Taylor pointed out yesterday: “That’s not failure. That’s growth.”

By trying boldly, adapting, and persisting, we find new possibilities for who we might become – as individuals and as a university. By showing up and being present for each other, we build a strong and resilient community that carries us through whatever challenges we might encounter.

With gratitude that we are all on this journey together, I wish you an outstanding start to the academic year. May it be filled with meaning, purpose, accomplishment, and joy.

Edward Feser, Ph.D.
President