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Saint Louis University Presidential Inauguration

Igniting Hope, Growing in Community 

Saint Louis University celebrated the inauguration of its 34th president, Edward Feser, Ph.D., with a series of events on Nov. 3-5.

Students were invited to attend a special presidential lunch hosted by President and Mrs. Feser, on Nov. 3; a Mass of Hope and Community was celebrated on Nov. 4; and the official inauguration ceremony took place on Nov. 5.

Read a recap of the inauguration ceremony

Inauguration Committees

Meet the members of SLU's Inauguration Steering and Planning Committees, which include trustees, members of the Society of Jesus and representatives from the faculty, staff and student populations.

Steering Committee

Co-chairs

  • Sheila Manion, Vice President of Development
  • Rochelle Smith, Vice President of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement

Members

  • Amy Bollinger, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
  • Kathy Feser, First Lady of Saint Louis University
  • Katherine Galvin, Chief of Staff, Office of the President
  • Brooks Goedeker, Executive Director Saint Louis Midtown Redevelopment Corporation
  • Maryse Jayasuriya, Ph.D., Professor of English
  • Joanne Langan, Ph.D., Co-lead of University Marshals and Professor Emerita of Nursing
  • Grace LoPiccolo, President, Student Government Association
  • Marian “Bo” Mehan, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and Alumna
  • Marc Scheessele, Director of Government Relations
  • David Suwalsky, S.J., Vice President of Mission and Identity
  • Chris Thomas, Ph.D., Co-lead of University Marshals and Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Education, Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business
  • Gregory Triplett, Ph.D., Dean, School of Science and Engineering

Staff

  • Amelia Arnold, Executive Assistant to the President
  • Tina Franklin, Executive Assistant to the President
Planning Committee

Co-Chairs

  • Amelia Arnold, Executive Assistant to the President
  • Tina Franklin, Executive Assistant to the President

Members

  • Susanne Chawszczewski, Ph.D., Director, Campus Ministry
  • Kathy Feser, First Lady of Saint Louis University
  • Laura Geiser, Assistant Vice President, Marketing and Communications
  • Brynn Jennings, Event Manager, Event Services
  • Sheila Kleinschmidt, Catering Manager, Sodexo
  • Joanne Langan, Ph.D., Co-lead of University Marshals and Professor Emerita of Nursing
  • Annelise Pivin, Executive Director, Alumni Engagement
  • Chris Thomas, Ph.D., Co-lead of University Marshals and Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Education, Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business

About the Celebration's Theme

Hope – its promise and its energy – is a gift of the Ignatian tradition that inspires us. Nurtured for more than two centuries, the hope at the heart of Saint Louis University has become a flame that illuminates our path. 

Community is a wellspring of wisdom and a source of strength. We grow together when we work with and for our students, colleagues, neighbors, partners, and friends for the good of all people in St. Louis, in Madrid, and around the world.

As we welcome Dr. Feser and First Lady Kathy Feser as the newest members of the Billiken family, “Igniting Hope, Growing in Community” celebrates the light of hope that accompanies this exciting moment, and the new possibilities we can cultivate – together – in service to the greater good. 

Portrait of Edward Feser Ph.D.
 

About Edward J. Feser, Ph.D.

Edward J. Feser, Ph.D., is Saint Louis University's 34th president. As president and chief executive officer, Dr. Feser leads one of the nation's oldest, largest and most prestigious Catholic universities.

Learn more