08/24/2021
Fall Welcome 2021 is in full swing at Saint Louis University. As classes begin on Wednesday, Aug. 25,
take a look back at some of the early highlights from this year’s events.
From move-in day to convocation to the Saturday night soccer game, students had a
variety of events to learn more about SLU and meet members of the SLU community.
Billikens march through campus on the way to Robert R. Hermann Stadium to watch a
men's soccer game Saturday, Aug. 21. Photo by Steve Dolan.
A group of SLU students show off their school spirit during on their way to Robert
R. Hermann Stadium for the annual welcome week spirit competition. Photo by Steve
Dolan.
A group of students cheer on the Billikens during a soccer game Saturday, Aug. 21,
at Robert R. Hermann Stadium. Photo by Steve Dolan.
Showing off their spirit, Saint Louis University students cheer on the Billikens during
a soccer game Saturday, Aug. 21. Photo Steve Dolan.
Saint Louis University fans show off their spirit at a men's soccer game Saturday,
Aug. 21. Photo by Steve Dolan.
SLU students dressed up to support the Billikens men's soccer team during a game Saturday,
Aug. 21. Photo by Steve Dolan.
A Parking Lot Party was held on the top level of the Olive/Compton garage. The event
was one of several Welcome events for students new to SLU. Photo by Steve Dolan.
SLU students party on the top of the Olive/Compton Garage Saturday, Aug. 21, as part
of 2021 Welcome Week. Photo by Steve Dolan.
SLU students take part of a boxing match during the Welcome Week Parking Lot Party
Saturday, Aug. 21. Photo by Steve Dolan.
Oriflamme members have a good time during the Parking Lot Party Saturday, Aug. 21.
Photo by Steve Dolan.
The Billiken helps with new student move-in on Thursday, Aug. 19. Photo by Doug Garfield.
An Oriflamme member helps a new student get moved in at SLU Thursday, Aug. 19. Photo
by Doug Garfield.
SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., greets students as they arrive on campus during
move-in day Thursday, Aug. 19. Photo by Doug Garfield.
Attendees at convocation took a moment of reflection during the ceremony Saturday,
Aug. 21. Photo by Steve Dolan.
President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. speaks to the crowd at convocation Saturday, Aug.
21, at Chaifetz Arena. Photo by Steve Dolan.
The freshman class of 2025 is the second-largest in SLU history. Photo by Steve Dolan.
The freshman class of 2025 is the second-largest in SLU history. Photo by Steve Dolan.
Students took part in the "Live the Oath" ceremony Saturday, Aug. 21. Photo by Michelle
Peltier.
This year’s fall freshman class is anticipated to be the second-largest in University
history — trailing only 2019’s record class. Approximately 1,800 first-year students are expected to enroll.
Members of the class of 2025 come from 46 American states and provinces. The top five
states represented, outside of Missouri, are Illinois, Wisconsin, California, Ohio
and Nebraska.
Freshman hail from 27 different countries, including India, China, Vietnam, Mexico
and Nigeria.
The University’s total enrollment combining undergraduate, graduate and online students
is expected to be the highest in six years. The majority of those students are vaccinated
against COVID-19.
The newest Billikens and their families were welcomed to the University Saturday morning
for the 2021 New Student Convocation and Family Welcome.
Convocation, the traditional and official welcome for new students entering the University,
returned to an in-person event after being virtual last year because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Upcoming events include Paint SLU, the Involvement Fair and the Mass of the Holy Spirit.
