Show-Me State Times

Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., will deliver the spring commencement address in his final graduation ceremony as president of Saint Louis University. Pestello, who has been the 33rd president in SLU’s history, will leave his position at the end of June.

The commencement ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, in Chaifetz Arena. It will also be live-streamed on slu.edu and archived on SLU’s YouTube channel.

At the ceremony, the University will grant honorary degrees to three individuals: former trustee Patrick Sly, Peggy Sly, and Tom Smolich, S.J.

Pestello has served as SLU's president since July 1, 2014, overseeing significant achievements in enrollment, fundraising, and research funding. Throughout his time on campus, he has actively engaged with students, earning the nickname "Freddie P."

“Dr. Pestello's belief in SLU's Jesuit mission and values is infectious, motivating students like me to become a better servant of others,” said Nick Parafiniuk, a senior in the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business.

Pestello's leadership during his tenure includes handling a peaceful protest in response to officer-involved shootings in the St. Louis region, leading the University through the COVID-19 pandemic without closing its doors, and helping SLU achieve the Research-1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Furthermore, under Pestello's leadership, SLU formed a partnership with SSM to establish the Midtown St. Louis Redevelopment Corporation, enhancing the University's economic impact in the region.

Patrick Sly had a successful career in business, including 36 years at Emerson, and has been active in several boards and organizations. Peggy Sly's contributions include supporting charitable organizations and serving on various committees aiding education.

Thomas H. Smolich, S.J., is the rector of the Jesuit community at Santa Clara University’s Jesuit School of Theology. Previously, he served as the international director of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), which supports refugees and displaced people worldwide.

Before the main commencement, students can partake in precommencement ceremonies starting on May 14. A schedule of these events is available at slu.edu/commencement.