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SLU 2025 Commencement Events Kick Off Wednesday

05/09/2025

Saint Louis University will celebrate the accomplishments of graduates with the spring 2025 commencement ceremony, preceded by in-person precommencements for each individual college and school.

Close-up of a 2025 tassel

The spring 2025 commencement ceremony begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, in Chaifetz Arena. Photo by Sarah Conroy.

Commencement events will kick off Wednesday, May 15, with the first round of precommencement ceremonies.

Commencement Details

The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, in Chaifetz Arena. The event will also be live-streamed on slu.edu and archived on SLU’s YouTube channel. 

SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., will deliver the spring commencement address in his final graduation ceremony as Saint Louis University’s president. Pestello, the 33rd president in SLU’s history, will step down from the presidency at the end of June.

During the ceremony, the University will also recognize three individuals with honorary degrees. This year’s honorees are former trustee Patrick (CSB ‘77) and Peggy Sly, and Tom Smolich, S.J.

Pestello has served as SLU’s president since July 1, 2014. During his tenure, SLU has successfully navigated many challenges while breaking institutional records for enrollment, fundraising and research funding.

Since stepping foot on campus, Pestello has been a visible presence, frequently stopping to take selfies with students who fondly refer to him as “Freddie P.” He’s made a number of visits to classrooms and student groups to share his thoughts and inspire students. 

Precommencement Ceremonies

Before the main commencement ceremony, individual schools and colleges will host their own precommencement ceremonies. Those ceremonies give spring graduates a chance to walk across the stage and be recognized.

Precommencement ceremonies kick off on Wednesday, May 14, and will run through Friday, May 16.

A complete schedule of precommencement ceremonies can be found on the commencement webpage.

Baccalaureate Mass

The University’s annual Baccalaureate Mass is an opportunity for the SLU community to give thanks to God for the gifts and opportunities bestowed upon graduates and to pray for their continued protection as they are sent out for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity.

This year’s Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, in St. Francis Xavier College Church.