Saint Louis University held its 2024 Spring Commencement ceremony at Chaifetz Arena, celebrating the resilience of the graduating class. Many students in this cohort experienced disrupted high school graduations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Saint Louis University President Fred P. Pestello acknowledged this by stating, “It is an honor to be here with you today,” and encouraged graduates to “savor this moment.”
The event featured St. Louis native and Emmy-award-winning actor Jon Hamm as the commencement speaker. Hamm addressed nearly 1,600 students, highlighting their ability to thrive despite challenges. He noted his connection to communities throughout his life and urged graduates to find their own communities while embracing diverse perspectives.
Hamm shared personal anecdotes about finding community in comedy clubs and among fellow actors in Los Angeles, emphasizing that these experiences shaped him. He advised graduates not only to seek like-minded individuals but also to appreciate different viewpoints, saying, “We all have far more in common than we think.”
Student speaker Sky Carroll echoed similar sentiments about community and purpose. Carroll challenged her classmates to remember their shared experiences at SLU and encouraged them to find passions beyond university life. She remarked on the courage shown by her peers during their time at SLU.
Pestello praised the class for thriving during a challenging era marked by the pandemic, calling them a “generation of unprecedented optimism, creativity and resilience.” He encouraged them to embrace joy and pride in their achievements.
The ceremony began with Michael Barber carrying the University mace and concluded with Pestello’s final address after degrees were conferred.
Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is recognized as one of the oldest Catholic institutions in the U.S., offering a transformative education rooted in Jesuit values.
