Campus Prepares for Commencement Celebrations

05/15/2018

The caps and gowns are ready as Saint Louis University counts down the days to its May commencement celebrations.

SLU's spring commencement exercises will include the performance of a new version of the school's Varsity Song and other bicentennial-themed touches. Photo by Stephanie Mueller

This year’s ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, at Chaifetz Arena. In honor of the University’s bicentennial, this year’s ceremony will include elements that pay homage to SLU’s 200 years, including special bicentennial tassels that some graduates will don and a new rendition of the University’s updated Varsity Song.

SLU will honor three luminaries including former Congressman and civil rights leader William Lacy Clay Sr., and longtime St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay (Law ’80). The pair will receive honorary degrees from SLU for their service and leadership.

Also receiving an honorary degree is Ronald Mercier, S.J., head of the Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus, who will deliver the ceremony’s address. University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., will offer the event’s salutation while law student Sarah E. Tomlinson will give the student address.

The May 19 ceremony will be available by livestream.

In the days leading up to the May 19 Commencement, SLU’s individual schools and colleges will hold precommencement exercises on Thursday and Friday, May 17 and 18. This year, many of those ceremonies will livestreamed and available for Billiken well-wishers who can’t make it to campus to celebrate in person. A full listing of these livestreams is available here.

The University will also come together for its traditional Baccalaureate Mass on Thursday, May 17, and for a toast to the Class of 2018 later that evening.

For a full listing of events and more details, visit the commencement website.