Happy May, Billiken families! It’s hard to believe we are almost at the end of the semester at Saint Louis University. The academic year has gone by fast, and it has been incredibly rewarding and inspiring to witness what has transpired. In this last edition of the Billiken Bulletin for the academic year, we would like to celebrate the achievements of our faculty, staff and students at SLU.
We are grateful for and proud of all the accomplishments of the SLU community and of our students, who continue to thrive and live out the mission of the University. On behalf of the Office of Parent and Family Engagement, we would like to extend congratulations to the Class of 2024. Thank you, families, loved ones and guardians for entrusting us with your students on their educational and personal journey. We wish them the best as they embark on their futures, and we desire for you a restful, peaceful and productive summer.
Commencement Information
Families, we know you are anxiously waiting for your Billiken to graduate, and we also know that there may still be some questions you have as the day quickly approaches. We wanted to share some quick answers to your questions, resources, and information as you prepare for your big day.
- For cap and gown questions, please call 314-531-7925.
- The expected length of each ceremony and pre-commencement ceremony is listed on www.slu.edu/commencement/.
- Guests can find a list of prohibited items and the clear-bag policy on Chaifetz Arena's website.
- No tickets are required for any of the ceremonies. Seating is first come, first served, and doors open 30 minutes before each school’s ceremony.
- Other activities surrounding graduation:
- Schools and colleges are responsible for sending invitations to students for events specific to their program.
- The Baccalaureate Mass and Toast will be held at, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 16. For more details, please visit www.slu.edu/commencement/.
Helping Your Graduate Stay in Touch
Your Saint Louis University student is almost a graduate! Remind them to share their new permanent mailing and email address with us so that we can stay in touch with networking events near them and other information for SLU alumni.
Important Move-Out Information
Move-out is only a few short weeks away! Please properly prepare to ensure a smooth move-out. If you're not sure what steps you need to take, we're here to help! Please make sure your student:
- Keeps any eye out for move-out instructions posted around their halls and buildings
- Attends their floor meetings or connects with hall staff to learn more about the move-out process.
A few important things to note:
- Students should vacate their space 24 hours after their last final or by May 14, 8 p.m. for all non-graduating students.
- Students who are graduating do not need to vacate until May 19, 12 noon.
- Staying on campus over the summer? Students will remain in their spring assignments until May 31st. They will have until June 2 to complete their move into summer housing.
- Needing an extension request for moving out? Please complete this form. Responses to requests will be processed by May 6.
President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. Announces Plan to Step Down in 2025
Article from the Saint Louis University Newsroom
After a decade of transformative leadership, Saint Louis University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. announced that he has decided to step down at the end of June 2025.
Pestello began his tenure as the University’s first permanent lay president on July 1, 2014. Just three months into his presidency, protesters peacefully occupied the SLU campus following officer-involved shootings of two Black young men in the St. Louis region. Pestello’s handling of the weeklong encampment was praised by then-U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.
Pestello also successfully led the University through the COVID-19 pandemic. While other colleges and universities struggled to remain open during the fall 2020 semester and beyond, SLU continued with in-person learning and on-campus living without interruption. The University managed the health of the SLU community and administered more than 20,000 vaccine doses to the campus and region.
During his presidency, Pestello articulated a vision for SLU to become a global Jesuit university that is mission-focused, student and patient-centered, and research-driven — one that is working with the people of St. Louis to reimagine, transform, and unify the city.
SLU will conduct a national search to identify Pestello’s successor. Following a sabbatical after he steps down, Pestello said he plans to continue teaching, writing, and supporting the University and its new president as needed.
Emmy-Award-Winning Actor and St. Louis Native Jon Hamm to Deliver May 2024 Commencement Address
Article from the Saint Louis University Newsroom
Emmy-award-winning actor Jon Hamm will return to his hometown of St. Louis to deliver the spring commencement address this year at Saint Louis University.
Hamm won acclaim for his portrayal of the high-powered advertising executive Don Draper on AMC's award-winning drama series "Mad Men." He earned numerous accolades for his performance, including an Emmy Award in 2015 for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, Golden Globe Awards in 2016 and 2008, Television Critics Association Awards in 2011 and 2015, a Critics' Choice Television Award in 2011, as well as multiple Screen Actors Guild nominations.
Hamm attended John Burroughs School in Ladue, Missouri, where he was a member of the football, baseball and swim teams. After graduating, he headed to the University of Missouri and received his Bachelor of Arts in English. Armed with his degree, Hamm headed back home and taught at his alma mater. Before heading to Hollywood, he spent a year working with eighth-grade students, teaching them acting.
In addition to delivering the commencement address, Hamm will join three SLU alums in receiving honorary degrees. P. Marie Joseph Christie, S.J. (CSB ’99) and Susan E. Klepper, Ph.D. (Doisy ’66) and William M. Klepper, Ph.D. (Arts and Sciences ’66).
The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, in Chaifetz Arena. The event also will be live-streamed on slu.edu and archived on SLU’s YouTube channel.
SLU Receives Prestigious 2023 Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention Award
SLU has been named a recipient of the 2023 Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of
Prevention. Presented by Vector Solutions, this esteemed award recognizes higher education
institutions that exemplify leadership in digital prevention programming, prioritizing
student safety, well-being and inclusion.
What does this mean for SLU? It underscores our commitment to creating a campus environment
that is not only academically enriching but also safe, supportive and inclusive for
all students. By implementing comprehensive, evidence-based digital prevention education,
we're addressing crucial issues such as sexual assault, alcohol misuse, mental health,
and discrimination head-on.
The CPN Seal of Prevention is not just an accolade; it signifies adherence to high
standards of online prevention education and implementation practices. By earning
this seal, SLU joins the top 10% of colleges and universities nationwide recognized
for their dedication to fostering a culture of prevention and well-being among students.
Thank you for entrusting us with your student’s education and well-being. Together,
we're shaping a safer, healthier future for our SLU community.
For more details about this recognition and to see the full list of 2023 CPN Seal
of Prevention recipients, you can visit Vector Solutions' official website.
Billiken Sports
Women's Basketball Wins WNIT Title
Kyla McMakin scored 20 points and earned the title of the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Peyton Kennedy, tossed in 19 to power Saint Louis University to a 69-50 victory over Minnesota in the championship game of the Women's National Invitation Tournament Saturday, April 6, at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's First Community Arena.
The Billikens, who won their first five WNIT games by a total of 21 points, throttled the Big 10 Golden Gophers from the outset. SLU held Minnesota to 33.9 percent shooting overall and 17.4 percent (4-of-23) from 3-point range while forcing 20 turnovers, 11 of which were Saint Louis steals.
SLU Names New Men’s Basketball Coach: Josh Schertz
Josh Schertz has been named head coach of the Billikens' men's basketball program
and was formally introduced on Monday, April 8 in a press conference at Chaifetz Arena.
Schertz comes to SLU from Indiana State, where he just completed his third season
with the Sycamores and led them to a 32-7 record and a magical run to the NIT championship
game.
BPFA Trivia Night and Silent Auction
Blast from the 80s/90s: A Totally Awesome Event
For those in attendance, it felt just like stepping into a time machine that took us back to the vibrant 80s and 90s. On April 13, our community came together for an electrifying trivia night and silent auction, transforming our venue into a nostalgia-packed hall. As guests stepped through the doors, they were transported with iconic pop culture references including a walk-in Rubik's cube photo booth adorned with CDs and concert lights. The hall was decked out in vibrant colors, with tables arranged to resemble giant Rubik's Cubes, inviting everyone to capture the moment in true 80s and 90s style. One of the night's highlights was the magnificent Wall of Fame, featuring legendary musicians and iconic groups from the era. Seeing Michael Jackson and Whitney on their vinyl covers was like walking into record stores of the era.
But it wasn't just the décor that captured the essence of the 80s and 90s. The crowd truly embraced the theme, with ladies rocking neon-colored leggings, hair clips and ankle socks, while the gentlemen strutted in their finest retro attire, from flashy tracksuits to grunge-inspired denim ensembles. The excitement reached a fever pitch as attendees perused the mouthwatering donations contributed by local businesses, with each item sparking bidding wars. Every bid and purchase contributed to our cause, empowering initiatives supporting our SLU community's mental health.
The main event — the trivia competition — featured questions ranging from pop culture to music and everything in between. The competition was tough, but undeniably fun, punctuated by loud laughter. Whether it was “complete the lyrics” or “Dead or Alive,” every round brought a wave of nostalgia and good vibes. As the night unfolded, the soundtracks of TV shows and forgotten hits filled the air, prompting the entire crowd to belt out the lyrics with teenage-like enthusiasm. The energy was infectious.
In the end, as the last bid was placed and the trivia winners were announced, there was a sense of fulfillment in knowing that we had come together for a cause greater than ourselves. With sold-out tickets and hearts full of nostalgia, our Trivia Night and Silent Auction was not just a trip down memory lane — it was a celebration of unity, generosity and the enduring spirit of the SLU Billikens.
Save the Date For Homecoming and Family Weekend
Flip ahead a few months and highlight your calendar for the weekend of Sept. 27-29. More details are coming soon, so make sure to visit Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024 for updates.
Billiken Families, We Need Your Voice!
The Office of Parent and Family Engagement would like your feedback on how we connect with you. Below is a quick survey that allows you to share with us how we are doing. The survey, which only takes about five minutes, will help us know how SLU can improve engagement and communication with parents and families. The deadline date is Friday, May 31.
Important Calendar Dates
-
May 1: Enrollment waivers open for SLU Student Health Insurance for summer semester
-
May 3: First Generation Friday
-
May 6: BPFA Icing and Iced Tea (North entrance across from Ritter Hall in the Busch Student Center second floor)
-
May 12: Mother's Day
-
May 8-14: Final exams
-
May 15: Lavender Graduation (Location: Center for Global Citizenship)
-
May 21: FASFA Updates Presentation
-
May 18: Spring Commencement
-
May 27: Memorial Day Weekend
Learn More about the FAFSA Updates
Join Student Financial Services for an upcoming webinar at 6 p.m. CST, May 21, 2024, to learn more about FAFSA updates for 2024-2025 and what they will mean for your financial aid offer at SLU. This session will be recorded and posted on our website, once available.
If you missed out on any of this past semester's "What's the Scoop at SLU" Facebook Live series, you are in luck! We have all the past recordings available from the Dean of Students, Career Services, and the Counseling Center.
Additional University Resources
2023-24 Student Handbook for all SLU Students