University to Kick Off Academic Year at Convocation

08/18/2021

The Class of 2025 and their families will officially be welcomed to Saint Louis University at New Student Convocation. 

The event returns to Chaifetz Arena this year after being held virtually last year because of COVID-19 restrictions. The Convocation ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, and will livestream on slu.edu and on SLU's official Facebook page.

Convocation will feature student, faculty and staff speakers, as well as an inspirational message from University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.

Convocation Key Details

• University Provost Michael Lewis, Ph.D., will serve as mace bearer. Lewis also will deliver remarks during the ceremony. 
• Vice President for Student Development Sarah Cunningham, Ed.D., will be the master of ceremonies. This will be her first Convocation at SLU having joined the University in February. 
• Ruben Rosario-Rodriguez, Ph.D., a Theological studies professor and ordained minister, will deliver the invocation. 
• Senior Nandini Fonseca, president of the Student Government Association (SGA) will give the event’s student speech. 
• Christine E. Rollins, J.D.,  director, legal research and writing and professor with the School of Law, will deliver Convocation’s faculty address.
• Ten staff, faculty members and students will speak about how they serve the higher purpose of SLU’s Jesuit mission.
• Pestello will welcome new students and their families with an address.
• David Suwalsky, S.J., Ph.D., will close Convocation with a missioning statement as students begin their lives at SLU.

Following Convocation, students and their families can take part in the Family Farewell and other scheduled Fall Welcome events.