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School of Education Honors Graduates at 2025 Precommencement Ceremony

06/03/2025

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, Saint Louis University celebrated the accomplishments of its School of Education graduates during a heartfelt precommencement ceremony at St. Francis Xavier College Church. This year also marked a significant milestone as the School of Education commemorated its 100th anniversary, honoring a century of dedication to shaping the future of education.

The ceremony included individual recognition of graduates, allowing each student to walk across the stage and be acknowledged for their hard work and commitment. This tradition underscores SLU’s commitment to personalized education and fostering a strong sense of community. The 100th anniversary added even greater significance, reflecting on the enduring impact the School of Education has had on its graduates and the broader community.

Charles F. Robinson, Ph.D, chancellor of the University of Arkansas, delivered an inspiring keynote address. Robinson discussed the transformative power of education and highlighted the graduates' responsibility to contribute to the common good.

“Your degrees declare your commitment to community,” Robinson remarked. “They affirm your valuing of the larger society. They allow you to manifest your connection to others and underscore your devotion to the Doctrine of We.”

A group of faculty in academic regalia form a line and clap while graduates in caps and gowns cross the street. A bagpiper plays in the background.
 

Gary Ritter, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education, addressed the graduates, saying, "Graduates, today is a celebration of you. We honor your intellectual achievement, resilience, and the dedication that has brought you to this moment of triumph. You carry with you not only the knowledge you’ve gained, but also the responsibility to uphold the mission and values of Saint Louis University in all that you do."

As the School of Education continues to cultivate the next generation of educators, events like the pre-commencement ceremony reflect SLU’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and its century-long legacy of preparing educators to lead and inspire.

For those unable to attend, the ceremony was streamed live. You can watch the full event on YouTube.