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Investiture of Keith Elder, Ph.D., Twenty-Second President of Saint Xavier University


About the Event

President Keith Elder, Ph.D. headshot

The Saint Xavier University community will celebrate the official investiture of Keith Elder, Ph.D., as its twenty-second president on Thursday, October 2, at its Chicago campus.

The investiture, a formal academic ceremony marking the official installation of a new university president, is rooted in centuries-old academic tradition and symbolizes a transfer of leadership. The ceremony will feature a number of academic rituals for the SXU community to witness as the marking of a new beginning for Saint Xavier.

More Details

Mass



1 p.m. | McDonough Chapel

Investiture Ceremony

3 p.m. | McGuire Hall
(In-person by invitation)

Lawn Party



5:30 p.m. | Smith-Morris Quad

Fireworks



7:30 p.m. | Smith-Morris Quad

 
 

Lawn Party and Fireworks Registration

Please RSVP to help us plan for food and refreshments.

RSVP
 

FAQs

The Investiture ceremony will be livestreamed for Saint Xavier community members and friends who are not able to attend the ceremony. Check back for additional details.

There are numerous parking lots on the Saint Xavier campus. See the SXU Campus Map for details of the campus layout.

Country House Kitchen Dining Services will provide a variety of light snacks while supplies last. Feel free to bring your appetite and any additional food or drinks for your family.

In the event of inclement weather, the Lawn Party and Fireworks will be rescheduled and held on Friday, October 11, 2025. Details will be confirmed and shared should there be a need to reschedule.

Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. and the Installation Ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. Both afternoon events are by invitation only. The entire surrounding community is invited to join the Lawn Party at 5:30 p.m. and Fireworks at 7 p.m.

The Smith-Morris Quad is located on the west side of campus, adjacent to the Warde Academic Center. Guests are encouraged to park in Lot 1 (along 103rd Street and near Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field) and walk toward the Warde Academic Center through the sidewalk between the Shannon Athletic and Convocation Center and the Urso Outdoor Sports Complex.  Additional parking is available in Lots 7 and 9 (along Central Park Avenue). Look for event signage to help find your way on campus!