New Faculty Welcomed at Orientation
08/21/2023
Nearly 20 years ago, Saint Louis University Provost Mike Lewis, Ph.D., sat in the Busch Student Center ballrooms for faculty orientation.
Lewis came to SLU in 2004 to work as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry. Now serving as the provost, Lewis gets to participate in the faculty orientation from the other side. On Wednesday, Aug. 16, Lewis and other University leaders welcomed new faculty to SLU to kick off the fall 2023 semester.
New faculty members listen to Vice President of Mission and Identity David Suwalsky,
S.J., Ph.D., during the new faculty orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 16. Photo by Sarah
Conroy.
Lewis shared with the group how when he came to SLU, it was because he was looking for a job. He said he’s stayed at SLU because he values the University’s mission.
“Turn this from a job into your vocation,” Lewis said.
Nearly 100 new faculty members took part in the orientation. At the day-long event, the newest members of the SLU community took part in a resource fair, networking lunch, and breakout sessions.
Associate Provost Debra Lohe, Ph.D., opened the event. She said of her many duties in the provost’s office, hosting new faculty orientation is one of her favorite events.
“I hope you will sense that there is a strong community here at Saint Louis University and that you will feel how genuine our pleasure is that you have come and joined us,” Lohe said.
The faculty also were introduced to SLU by President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. Pestello welcomed the newest Billikens and warned them that they will be asked frequently to explain SLU’s unique mascot.
Pestello said the Billiken is a mythical figure that serves to make the world the way it ought to be.
“I can think of no better mascot for this institution because that’s what we’re all about — trying to make the world the way it ought to be,” he said.
Pestello called the orientation a highlight of his favorite time of the year. The new faculty came to campus just a day before the scheduled student move-in.
“There's an energy, there’s a thrill in reconnecting and bringing in new people,” he said. “Those that hired you are excited that you are here. There is considerable enthusiasm about you joining this community.”
Pestello encouraged the new faculty to seek out mentors. He said his career has been guided by several valuable mentors who helped him out along the way.
Pestello also encouraged the new members to get acquainted with the University’s mission. Vice President for Mission and Identity David Suwalsky, S.J., Ph.D., also spoke about the University’s mission.
Suwalsky shared the history of the University and explained more about Jesuit education.
“Men and women for and with others — you will hear that over and over again at this University,” Suwalsky said. “You’ll hear that because we take it seriously. It is meaningful to us, and we hope it is meaningful to you.”
Suwalsky also let the new faculty know that they will be taking part in the 205th year of educating students at this University.
“It is great to have you here,” Suwalsky said. “. . . Enjoy your time here at SLU. It’s a beautiful campus filled with wonderful people and very, very talented students.”