School of Education Celebrates 145 Graduates at 101st Precommencement Ceremony
The Saint Louis University School of Education celebrated approximately 145 graduates during its 101st precommencement ceremony on May 14, 2026, in St. Francis Xavier College Church. Representing 12 programs and a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds, this year's graduates reflected the school's continued commitment to preparing educators and leaders who will serve schools, communities and organizations in St. Louis and beyond.
Held prior to the SLU’s commencement exercises, the School of Education's precommencement ceremony provides an opportunity for graduates, families, faculty, staff and community partners to gather in celebration of student achievement and the impact graduates will have in their professions and communities.
The ceremony brought together graduates, faculty, staff, family members, and friends to celebrate years of dedication and achievement. From joyful moments crossing the stage to the support of loved ones gathered in the pews, the event marked an important milestone for the School of Education community.
In his remarks, Dean Gary W. Ritter congratulated graduates on their accomplishments and encouraged them to carry forward the school's commitment to service, leadership and educational excellence. He emphasized that the class of 2026 joins a community of alumni working to strengthen schools, educational organizations, and communities throughout the region and beyond.
Program Milestones
The ceremony highlighted the impact of the school's educator preparation pathways and graduate programs on the St. Louis community and beyond.
Among the milestones recognized were 36 students from the inaugural cohort of Rising Teachers, an online pathway designed for paraprofessionals, classroom aides, and long-term substitutes to earn a bachelor's degree and teaching certification while remaining employed in schools. The ceremony also recognized the 10th cohort of the Billiken Teacher Corps and the fifth cohort of STL Teaching Fellows, programs designed to strengthen and diversify the teacher workforce in the region.
At the undergraduate level, the class of 2026 also represented the first graduates
of the school's redesigned bachelor's degree program, which emphasizes practice-based
preparation, community engagement and experiential learning.
In addition to celebrating teacher preparation pathways, the ceremony recognized graduates
from programs in educational leadership, higher education administration, counseling,
educational studies, and related fields. These graduates will lead schools and educational
organizations, shape policy and practice, support student success, and contribute
to research and innovation across educational settings.
Together, these graduates reflect the School of Education's commitment to preparing leaders who advance meaningful change in education and beyond.
A Message of Service and Leadership
Ceremony speaker Christie Huck, CEO and executive director of St. Louis’ City Garden Montessori School, reflected on the meaning of Jesuit education and the responsibility graduates carry as they move into leadership and service.
“SLU strives to be ‘St. Louis’ University,’” Huck shared. “A core part of the Jesuit ethos is to be ‘men and women for others.’ At its heart, this means living and learning not only for personal success, but for the good of others, especially those most in need.”
Huck's remarks reflected a theme central to the School of Education's mission: preparing graduates to lead with purpose, intellectual rigor, and a commitment to service. She challenged graduates to consider the impact they will have on students, schools, and communities throughout their careers and to remain grounded in the values that brought them to the profession.
Recognizing Excellence
The ceremony also included recognition of student award recipients, first-generation
college graduates, legacy students, alumni and retiring faculty members whose contributions
have helped shape the School of Education community.
These recognitions served as a reminder that education is both a personal achievement
and a collective endeavor—one strengthened by mentors, families, colleagues, and communities
working together to support student success.
As the graduating class begins its next chapter, the ceremony celebrated not only academic achievement, but also the promise of the impact graduates will have in schools, communities, and organizations.
The School of Education congratulates the Class of 2026 and looks forward to the many ways its graduates will continue to serve, lead, and make a difference in the lives of others.