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Saint Louis University Investiture Ceremony

April 23, 2025

The generosity of Saint Louis University’s friends and alumni makes endowed positions throughout our schools and colleges possible. An Investiture Ceremony regularly marks the accomplishments of distinguished faculty members newly named to endowed positions in SLU’s academic units and honors the donors whose philanthropic generosity has established new endowed positions.

Endowed faculty positions are financially supported in perpetuity, ensuring each role is available for generations of faculty. Such named faculty positions are sought-after career achievements for academics, making it easier for Saint Louis University to attract top scholars in a competitive higher education landscape.

Saint Louis University held its 2024 Investiture Ceremony on March 7, marking the accomplishments of 21 distinguished faculty members across four academic units and honoring the donors whose philanthropic generosity has established endowed positions. Photo by Steve Dolan. Launch SlideshowSaint Louis University held its 2024 Investiture Ceremony on March 7, marking the accomplishments of 21 distinguished faculty members across four academic units and honoring the donors whose philanthropic generosity has established endowed positions. Photo by Steve Dolan.

About SLU’s Investiture Ceremony

Since first being combined into a single ceremony each year in 2019, Saint Louis University’s investiture ceremony has honored 57 faculty members and 16 newly created positions. A new list of 2025 honorees will be announced soon. 

2024 Investiture Ceremony Faculty Honorees
  • Gary M. Albers, M.D., George and Patricia Erker Chair of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine
  • Anne Michelle Carpenter, Ph.D., Danforth Chair in Theological Studies
  • Kayla Dang, Ph.D., John Renard Professorship in Islamic Studies
  • Jason T. Eberl, Ph.D., Hubert Mäder Endowed Chair in Health Care Ethics
  • Vernat Exil, M.D., Wieck-Sullivan Endowed Chair in Pediatrics
  • Diana Greene-Chandos, M.D., Sylvia N. Souers Endowed Chair in Neurology
  • George T. Grossberg, M.D., Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Endowed Professorship
  • Noah Hillman, M.D., Kevin Beckmann Chair of Neonatal Research
  • Devin Johnston, Ph.D., Eugene A. Hotfelder Professorship in the Humanities
  • Brian A. Mailey, M.D., Lisa and Vasu Pandrangi, M.D., and Family Professorship in Plastic Surgery
  • Hersh S. Maniar, M.D., Tenet Chair in Cardiovascular Surgery 
  • hilip L. Mar, M.D., Pharm.D., Jack Ford Shelby Endowed Professorship in Cardiology
  • Amit Mathur, M.D., M.B.B.S., M.R.C.P. (UK), William J. Keenan Chair of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
  • Adriana M. Montaño, Ph.D., Dr. Robert Wilmott IMMUNO Chair in Pediatric Research
  • Niloofar Piri, M.D., Dr. Walter F. and Sharon Ryan Davisson Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology
  • Rubén Rosario Rodríguez, Ph.D., Clarence Louis and Helen Steber Professorship in Theological Studies
  • Jennifer Sanders, Ph.D., Michael and Rita Mooney Visiting Professorship in Catholic Studies
  • Wing-Kin Syn, M.D., Ph.D., James F. King Chair in Gastroenterology
  • Gregory E. Triplett Jr., Ph.D., Oliver L. Parks Endowed Deanship
  • Paula Vanderford, M.D., Dennis O’Connor Chair of Palliative Care
  • Andrew J. White., M.D., Dr. Robert Wilmott Endowed Chair of Pediatrics

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is invited to participate in SLU’s Investiture Ceremony?

Any faculty member newly appointed to a named, endowed position since the spring 2024 ceremony or during the 2024-2025 academic year, including professorships, deanships, chairs and fellowships. Donors whose gifts established new positions are also invited to attend. Each honoree receives a medallion presented by SLU’s deans. Speakers include the University president and provost. Family, friends and colleagues of honorees are also welcome to attend.

When is the 2025 Investiture Ceremony?

The 2025 SLU Investiture Ceremony will take be at 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in the Wool Ballroom at Busch Student Center. (Lower Level, Room 170).

The event begins with a reception, followed by a formal ceremony. RSVPs from invited guests are required for attendance.

Is there a charge to attend?

The investiture ceremony is complimentary for honorees and invited guests and academic leaders.

How do I RSVP?

Honorees will receive printed invitations to send to their guests and may submit a list of guests to receive email invitations. A registration form link will be provided in early 2025. Regrets are not necessary.

What tasks must be completed by schools and colleges?

Academic departments with 2025 nominees must:

  • Complete a participation form for each eligible faculty member by December 20, 2024, at midnight at giving.slu.edu/investiture.
  • Submit faculty headshots and bios when completing the registration form.
    • Faculty Headshot: High-resolution image in .jpeg or .png format.
    • Faculty Bio: 300 words max. Note: Submissions will be edited prior to inclusion in materials.
  • Invite guests.
    • Mailed invitations: In February, each honoree will receive printed invitations via interoffice mail. Mail the provided invitations to your guest list, as desired.
    • Email invitations: Each honoree will also receive a digital version of the invitation via email. Distribute this invitation to your guests as desired.
  • Remind all guests to RSVP by April 14, 2025.

Questions?

For more information, email Jessica Pressler at jessica.pressler@slu.edu.