Dr. Fred Pestello, President | St. Louis University
Dr. Fred Pestello, President | St. Louis University
Saturday morning saw hundreds of students graduating at Saint Louis University's Midyear Commencement, held at Chaifetz Arena. The event marked a significant milestone for the new alumni and was attended by family, friends, and loved ones.
This ceremony was also notable as it was the last Midyear Commencement for SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., who announced earlier this year that he would step down in summer 2025. During his address to the graduates, Pestello expressed pride in their achievements and urged them to embody the spirit of SLU's mascot, the Billiken.
“Congratulations,” Pestello said. “Today you join over two centuries of Billiken graduates. I am proud of you and all you have achieved.” He acknowledged their hard work through challenging assignments, lab hours, clinicals, practicums, internships, and research projects.
Pestello concluded with advice for the graduates: “SLU is not just the university you went to. It is the place you go from... Lead with love and mercy.”
The commencement address was delivered by Neil Jansen, an associate professor of accounting. Jansen was chosen for this honor by SLU’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu as the 2024 Nancy McNeir Ring Award recipient. He humorously noted his lack of celebrity status compared to Jon Hamm, who spoke at the Spring 2024 Commencement.
“To our graduates,” Jansen said, “you may be thinking... we get an accounting professor? Trust me... I do hope to deliver a message today that will be memorable.”
Jansen shared personal stories about how his parents influenced him and encouraged graduates to use their talents for charitable purposes. “We are all blessed with talents that we can use to serve those who are less fortunate,” he stated.
He concluded with advice from his father: “‘Can’t means that you don’t want to,’” urging graduates to persist in their pursuits despite challenges.
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