SXU to Hold Investiture of Keith Elder, Ph.D., Twenty-Second President
Saint Xavier University (SXU) will celebrate the official investiture of Keith Elder, Ph.D., as its twenty-second president on Thursday, October 2, at its Chicago campus.
Guests including delegates, dignitaries, the Saint Xavier Board of Trustees, Sisters of Mercy, faculty, staff and students will gather for a Mass and Investiture Ceremony. Later in the day, the local community is invited to join in the celebration with a lawn party at 5:30 p.m. on the Smith-Morris Quad followed by fireworks at 7:30 p.m.
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, will deliver the invocation. Sisters of Mercy will lead the presentation of several historic Saint Xavier artifacts. Dignitaries including 19th Ward Alderman Matt O'Shea along with many delegates from other colleges and universities are scheduled to attend. The investiture will be celebrated just days after Saint Xavier University marks 179 years of academic excellence in Chicago, making it especially meaningful.
Elder began his presidency on March 1, 2024, bringing extensive leadership to the University. He most recently served as executive vice president at Mississippi College and before that held a variety of leadership and academic roles, including provost, founding dean, and professor. Elder has spent the majority of his higher education career at faith-based institutions and is committed to improving student success and access to higher education, regardless of socio-economic status.
For more information and to register, please visit the Presidential Investiture webpage.