SLU Kicks Off Year, Welcomes Newest Billikens at Convocation

SLU Kicks Off Year, Welcomes Newest Billikens at Convocation

As the newest Saint Louis University students left Chaifetz Arena following Tuesday's Convocation, they were handed a tiny Billiken.

The Billiken, Saint Louis University's mascot, is a symbol of how things ought to be. SLU President Edward Feser, Ph.D., said that while having a Billiken is lucky, receiving a Billiken brings good luck.

"Let this Billiken become your talisman, bringing you good luck and positive energy as you embark on your first days at SLU," Feser said. "Throw him in your backpack; keep him in your pocket; set him on a shelf. Wherever he lands, let him remind you of all that you are, all that you
will be, and all that you will do to make this world as it ought to be."

Tuesday's convocation ceremony was the kick-off for the 2026-27 academic year. At the annual event, members of the SLU community share what being a Billiken has meant to them and what they hope it will mean for the newest members of the Billiken family.

During his address to students, Feser reminded them that the Billiken is not just a unique mascot, but a symbol for SLU students.

"The Billiken represents things not as they are, not as they've always been," he said, "Not as they were, but as they ought to be. It's an audacious idea, and it's a good description of what SLU hopes for and expects from you. Billikens look at what's broken in the world, at what's unjust, at what's working, at what's possible. They ask not only what is this, but what could this become? Billikens are dreamers who get to work."

Kathy Johnson, Ph.D., executive vice president and provost, pointed out that the new students were hardly the only people new to campus. After starting at SLU in July, Johnson was also trying to find her footing in her new home.

"Today is more than convocation - it is the beginning of a new chapter in your life - a chapter that, right now, is still largely unwritten," Johnson said. "It's my first convocation as well. If you're like me, you might be a little nervous but excited about what comes next. You might be wondering whether you will find your people and whether you are ready for everything that college will ask of you. Let me tell you something - you belong here."

This year's convocation ceremony was emceed by two students, Mason Bader and Naiyah Taylor. The students shared stories about their experience at SLU.

"This annual convocation ceremony is really a celebration of new beginnings," Bader said. "Here at Saint Louis University, you are called to a life of scholarship, community, service and transformation. This is not just some marketing jargon - it's a real mission that is lived throughout the halls of Saint Louis University. You feel it in your classes, your residence halls, your student organizations and most importantly, in the people you meet."

Bader, the president of SLU's Student Government Association, told his new classmates to embrace the journey.

"In the end, that's what I learned this place is really about: presence," Bader said. "Not having it all figured out - just showing up for each other. That's the job here. I encourage you to be curious, get involved, and find your place. And if you ever need help, my door is always open. You don't have to have it all figured out yet. You don't have to have achieved anything to belong here. You just have to show up."

Taylor told the new students how her time at SLU varied from her original plan. She changed majors and is on a different path than she envisioned.

"That is my advice to you as you begin your time at SLU: give yourself permission to change your mind," Taylor said. "You are not committing to one version of yourself today. You are starting a journey where you will learn more about what you value, what you care about, and what you want your life to look like. Maybe you will discover something you love that you never expected. Maybe you will realize that something you once wanted is no longer right for you. That's not failure. That's growth. Don't be afraid to take a different path just because it wasn't the path you originally planned."

Cristina McGroarty, Ph.D., associate professor in the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, was the faculty speaker for the event. The SLU alumna shared just how much SLU has meant to her.

"I was born here in St. Louis, but I was raised here at SLU, and I am better for it," McGroarty said. "I have been a faculty member here for 12 years, but I have been part of this community my entire life. Jesuit education has formed me, challenged me, supported me, and shaped the way I see the world."

During her remarks, McGroarty encouraged the new Billikens to say yes to things and find their people. She also shared the story of St. Ignatius and the cannonball. After being wounded by a cannonball, St. Ignatius began a journey while recovering.

"Ignatius experienced a spiritual awakening," she said. "He began to listen to what God called him to be. He devoted his life to God, which led him to founding the Jesuit order."

She told the new Billikens to pay attention to the cannonball moments and embrace them. She told the gathered students to challenge their minds, take care of their bodies, and say yes to their spirit.

"Four short years from now, I hope we meet again in this sacred SLU space, when you are wearing your regalia and wondering how four years could possibly have gone by so quickly," McGroarty said. "In the meantime, go discover your higher purpose as you learn to serve the greater good."