SLU Graduates Celebrated at Midyear Commencement

SLU Graduates Celebrated at Midyear Commencement

Saint Louis University has a new class of alumni.

Saint Louis University celebrated its Midyear Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 13, inside Chaifetz Arena. More than 1,900 guests watched as 600-plus SLU students walked across the stage and left as graduates.

"Today isn't just a ceremony - it's a celebration of your journeys, your resilience, and everything you've overcome to sit in these seats," said Marcea Walter, assistant professor and director of the Master of Health Administration Program.

Walter delivered the commencement address after being named the 2025 recipient of the Nancy McNeir Ring Award for Excellence in Teaching, SLU's highest honor for teaching. She told the students that each of them had earned their place at the ceremony through dedication and hard work.

"Today, you are celebrating more than a degree; you are celebrating who you have become," she said. "The gift of becoming is not a title. It is not a degree. It is not even a job or a promotion- though today, this diploma will certainly open doors. Becoming is a journey."

Walter said becoming is what happens when people grow, reflect, and show up for others. She reflected on her own journey of growth. She said when she arrived at SLU to teach, she was worried she wouldn't be able to keep up with her esteemed colleagues.

"Rather than intimidating me, they motivated me," she said. "They set a standard of excellence and fostered a culture of curiosity that pushed me to grow."

Walter said she also learned that the students make SLU extraordinarily. She praised them for their curiosity, determination, and willingness to tackle difficult questions.

"You have helped me, and all of us around you, embrace the gift of becoming," she said.

During their time at SLU, the students have been transformed, Walter said. However, she told them not to stop growing. She encouraged the Class of 2025 to stay curious, lead with kindness, help others become who they're meant to be, and reflect often.

"These principles will guide you long after today," Walter said. "Graduates, today is a celebration of your journey so far, but it is also a challenge to continue. Step boldly into the world. Embrace opportunities. Serve others. Reflect on your experiences and keep growing. Remember- the gift of becoming is never truly finished. It is something we carry with us and cultivate every day."

President Edward Feser, Ph.D., echoed Walter's praise of the students. Feser, who was participating in his first commencement ceremony as SLU's president after assuming the University's leadership this summer, also encouraged the students to take a moment to reflect on the journey that had led them to this day. He noted that every moment, every class, every friendship, every skill learned had built the students into the graduates sitting in their caps and gowns.

"Every one of these experiences has shaped you into the insightful, capable, thoughtful leaders I see before me today," he said.

Feser said he hoped the new Billiken alums would be "ethical and inspiring doers" who help navigate the challenges facing the world today.

"We don't write 'ethical and inspiring doers' on your diplomas. I tried, but Provost (Mike Lewis, Ph.D.) wouldn't let me. I nevertheless believe that you will seize this title and make your mark on the world," he said. "You will be artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs who envision new possibilities. Social workers, physicians, and health professionals who help people lead healthy and whole lives. Scholars and leaders who are eager to tackle the most difficult questions. Educators and engineers who, each in their own way, lay the foundation on which thriving communities are built. Lawyers and public health practitioners who create policy that serves humanity. And pilots who show us how to fly."

Throughout his career studying planning and regional economic development, Feser remarked that he has noticed a key component to making positive change happen - the people.

"In any community where good things happen, there is a group of people who are committed to working together, thinking creatively, weathering the setbacks, and persisting until they achieve their goals," he said. "In other words: The people in this world who make good things happen are an awful lot like all of you."

Feser reminded the graduates that just because they are leaving SLU, it doesn't mean they are no longer part of the University's fabric.

"You are a Billiken, forever," he said. "You are part of a proud history, whose legacy will be a better future."