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Moving Forward Together
by Joe Barker
The inauguration of Saint Louis University’s 34th president brought together the whole
community in celebration of Dr. Edward J. Feser and the University’s bright future.
Feser, a Jesuit-educated leader in higher education, assumed the presidency on July
1, 2025. The official inauguration ceremony took place Nov. 5 at Chaifetz Arena.
Themed “Igniting Hope, Growing in Community,” the event celebrated the light of hope
accompanying this historic moment and the new possibilities the SLU community can
cultivate together in service to the greater good.
Here are some memorable moments from Feser’s inauguration.
In his inaugural address, Feser said that there are challenges ahead for higher education
but noted that SLU has a history of navigating difficult circumstances — and that
the University’s enduring strength lies in its willingness to grow with humility and
courage. He said the most important part of SLU’s mission is to prepare students for
the future.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe spoke and shared his excitement about the start of Feser’s
tenure: “He understands that higher
education must go beyond instruction and instead be paired with inspiration — inspiration
to think boldly, to serve generously and to lead faithfully. Under Dr. Feser’s leadership,
I am confident this University will continue to be a light for the city and for our
entire state.”
Feser's inauguration also included greetings from faculty, staff, students and members
of the St. Louis community, such as (center) Dr. H. Eric Clark (Grad Ed '99, '14),
president of Loyola Academy of St. Louis.
Dr. Holden Thorp, a SLU trustee, editor-in-chief of the Science family of journals
and a professor at George Washington University, gave the keynote address. He is a
former colleague of Feser’s at the University of North Carolina. He said: “These twin
ideals of compassion and knowledge propel us forward to a more equitable and loving
future. President Feser is prepared to lead us there with his own Jesuit education
and his stellar
record of academic accomplishment.”
During the ceremony, Feser received the official symbols of the University: the chain
of office from Marian “Bo” Mehan (VSN ’74, Law ’82) (second from right), vice chair
of the board of trustees, and the University mace from President Emeritus Dr. Fred
P. Pestello (left). Eric Engler (right), chairman of the board, formally installed
Feser as president.
Following the ceremony, the University hosted an open luncheon in the Wool Ballroom
of Busch Student Center. Here, Feser poses for a selfie with students (from left)
Ayden Wells, Laney Price and Rebekah Durgin.
The day before the inauguration, the SLU community gathered in St. Francis Xavier
College Church for a Mass of Hope and Community. Here, Feser is congratulated by his
brother, Chuck, during the homily.
This story was published in the spring 2026 issue of Universitas.
About Universitas
Universitas, the award-winning alumni magazine of Saint Louis University, is distributed to alumni,
parents and benefactors of the University. The magazine includes campus news, feature
stories, alumni profiles and class notes, and has a circulation of 103,000.
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