Show-Me State Times

As Edward Feser, Ph.D., began his role as the 34th president of Saint Louis University (SLU), he participated in the 2025 Assembly of the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU) as a delegate. The event took place from June 30 to July 3 at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia, gathering leaders from Jesuit institutions worldwide.

During the assembly, SLU President Edward Feser engaged in discussions with other delegates on issues affecting higher education and society. "As 300 delegates from several continents, we joined together in conversation about the issues we are facing in common – challenges to democracy; student mental health and well-being; artificial intelligence, climate change and care for our common home; rising secularization; and global migration," Feser stated.

A key moment was an address by Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus. He spoke on "The Jesuit University: Witness to Hope, Creative and Dialogical Presence." Sosa emphasized strengthening university community identity during challenging times. "Keeping our hope firm while living in difficult times requires strengthening the identity of all members of the university community," he said.

Feser found inspiration in Sosa's words as he started his presidency at SLU. “Fr. Sosa’s address inspired us to begin with who we are — with our Jesuit charism,” Feser reflected.

William Johnson, J.D., rector of SLU's Madrid campus, also attended the assembly with a delegation from UNIJES — Universidades Jesuitas. Johnson expressed his honor in representing SLU-Madrid and noted that the assembly reinforced their commitment to reconciliation and justice. "It gave me a deep sense of hope and a renewed sense of purpose," Johnson remarked.

The assembly centered on "Our Mission in Challenging Times," focusing on how Jesuit institutions can tackle global challenges impacting education and society's future.