08/16/2025

Saint Louis University senior Grace LoPiccolo had a simple message to the newest Billikens at Saturday’s New Student Convocation and Family Welcome – welcome home.

After moving in on Friday, SLU’s newest group of students gathered in Chaifetz Arena early Saturday to take part in Convocation. The ceremony is designed to be one of the first opportunities for the new class of Billikens to develop a sense of cohesion and identity. 

The location of the event was symbolic — Convocation marks the beginning of students’ time at SLU, while Commencement signifies the end of the journey. Both ceremonies take place inside Chaifetz Arena. 

LoPiccolo, the Student Government Association president, who just a few short years prior was sitting in the crowd after arriving at SLU, was thrilled to have a chance to welcome the new class of Billikens to SLU. 

“It is good that you’re here,” she said. “Not just because you got into SLU or found your seat in this auditorium, but because you belong here. Just as you are.”

LoPiccolo encouraged the students to embrace all that SLU has to offer. 

“One thing I’ve learned over the past three years is this – if you treat this place like your home, it will start to feel like one,” she said. “That doesn’t mean it happens overnight. But showing up, trying things, saying yes, talking to someone new — that’s how it starts. Go to that first club meeting. Sit next to someone you don’t know. Show up to class, even the optional ones. You’ll be surprised how quickly things start to click.”

This attitude, showing up and trying new things, paid dividends, LoPiccolo said. When she arrived at SLU, she said she had a clear plan that involved medical school. Now she has a different major and a different focus that includes applying to law school, thanks to her willingness to try new things and take a different path.

“If you’re sitting there wondering if you’re doing this whole college thing right — let me let you in on a little secret: None of us has it figured out. We’re all just doing our best — but we are doing it together,” she said.

The students in the crowd weren’t the only new faces at Convocation. Edward Feser, Ph.D., made his first appearance at the event as SLU’s 34th president. Like the students, Feser admitted he had some first-day jitters. Upon arriving at Convocation, he sat in the wrong seat and was battling a broken zipper on his robe.

“If the university president can mess up and experience some bad luck, you have no worries,” he said. 

As a fellow newcomer to SLU, Feser said he felt a strong connection to the students in the seats. He imagined that they were thinking the same things he was.

“We might share some of the same worries,” he said. “Will I make new friends? How is the food? Where is the food? Will I be successful here? Will I make my family proud?”

Feser said the students chose the right place to ask those questions and more. 

Feser shared his journey to SLU, starting with his small-town upbringing. He shared lessons he learned along the way. 

“We’re not TikTok and Instagram stories living lives of perfection and perpetual happiness – no one is,” he said. 

When he arrived at college, Feser said he didn’t know what he wanted to do in his life. He had no idea that he could make a living studying cities or working in higher education. 

“Most of us have no idea what our dream is,” he said. “I’m here to tell you that dreams aren't found. Dreams are what happen on the journey … and you came to the right place to live your journey. … Maybe, like me, you'll start your journey with just one class, just one project, and you won't know where it will take you.” 

Christina Garcia, Ph.D., an associate professor of Spanish in SLU’s College of Arts and Sciences, also shared some advice for the newest Billikens gleaned from her years at SLU. First, she encouraged the students to be vulnerable. She said in her experience at the University, students have come to realize that “vulnerability is a key component of growth.” 

Garcia also noted that the most successful students are often the most curious, the ones not afraid to ask questions and seek more information. But perhaps the most impressive quality Garcia said she has seen in students at SLU is the care they have for their community. 

“SLU students show up for each other in small and big ways and are not afraid to ask for help,” she said. “I have seen students going out of their way to check on classmates when they are not in class, dropping everything to help a friend when they are in crisis, and writing staff and faculty thoughtful notes and emails just because. Inside and outside of the classroom, students listen to each other with the utmost sincerity and respect, taking time to understand viewpoints that may differ from their own. SLU students recognize that asking for help builds community and allows others the space to ask for help.”

During the ceremony, the new Billikens and their families got to hear from other members of the SLU community. This year's speakers included students, members of the faculty, and staff members. Each speaker briefly shared how they serve a higher purpose and seek the greater good. 

A full broadcast of the ceremony can be found on YouTube.