University Welcomes New Billikens During Virtual Convocation

08/14/2020

Saint Louis University’s 2020 New Student Convocation and Family Welcome was held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Convocation is the traditional and official welcome for new students entering the University. This year’s event was live-streamed from SLU’s Center for Global Citizenship on Aug. 14.

Featured speakers included University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.; Interim Provost Michael Lewis, Ph.D.; Joseph Reznikov, president of the Student Government Association (SGA); and Keon Gilbert, DrPH, associate professor of behavioral science and health education in the College for Public Health and Social Justice.

“Today, you become a Billiken,” Pestello said. “You are now a part of this tradition, a part of this story. And for the rest of your lives, you will continue to contribute to this story.”

Other speakers appeared via video, including David Suwalsky, S.J., who delivered the opening blessing; and Tracy Watkins, executive assistant to the provost and an associate minister at St. Louis’s Central Baptist Church, who gave the convocation’s closing invocation.

Additionally, 11 members of the University community shared how they serve SLU’s Jesuit mission and values in their lives through recorded videos. Debra Rudder Lohe, Ph.D., interim vice president of student development, served as the event’s emcee.

Watch SLU's 2020 Fall Convocation

About Saint Louis University

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.