First University-Wide Investiture Ceremony Honors Faculty, Donors

11/15/2019

Saint Louis University held its first University-wide investiture ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 13, appointing 17 distinguished faculty members to 15 endowed positions of distinction in various academic units.

Investiture ceremony honorees with University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.

The 17 honorees lauded at Saint Louis University's first University-wide Investiture Ceremony gather with University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. (back row, far right). Submitted photo

The ceremony in DuBourg Hall’s Sinquefield Stateroom also honored the donors whose philanthropic generosity established the endowed positions.

“With this event we honor our generous donors and the top scholars they support,” University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., said. “Through the generosity of our friends and alumni, we are able to hire and support faculty who are advancing the frontiers of knowledge and transmitting that knowledge to the next generation, who are about to go out into the world as men and women for and with others.”

Awarded to faculty with a record of scholarship, teaching and service that places them among the best in their field, endowed chairs and professorships serve to further enrich Saint Louis University’s academic enterprise.

The Nov. 13 ceremony celebrated first-time investitures as well as re-investitures of previously filled positions held within four of SLU’s 11 schools and one of the University’s two degree-granting centers.

Endowed faculty positions are financially supported in perpetuity, ensuring that each role is available for generations of faculty. Additionally, as sought-after career achievements for academics, named faculty positions help Saint Louis University attract top scholars from a competitive higher education landscape.

Attracting world-class faculty like those honored at the investiture ceremony is a key goal of Accelerating Excellence: The Campaign for Saint Louis University. The historic $500 million fundraising effort aims to propel SLU to national prominence as a world-class research institution by committing resources to academic excellence, scholarships, health sciences, business education and athletics.

The generosity of donors like those recognized during the investiture ceremony make such strides possible, explained Interim Provost Chester “Chet” Gillis, Ph.D.

“Teaching and scholarship are at the heart of what we do,” Gillis said. “These professors whom we honor represent our most distinguished faculty. Their scholarship enhances the reputation of the University nationally and internationally, and their interaction with students inspires the next generation of scholars and leaders. This is only possible with the generous support of donors, whose names are now in the title these professors bear.”

Learn More About The Honorees and Their Endowed Positions

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 13,000 students on campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of now more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.