Saint Louis University is far more than an institution defined by rankings, licensure examination results, or awards. We are a vibrant community of learners, educators, leaders, and partners united by a common mission: to form individuals who make a meaningful difference in the world, who look beyond themselves, and who go beyond their mirrors and peer through their windows. — Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD
As a testament to Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Missio et Excellentia that places people, purpose, and service at its core, SLU held the 2026 Academic Session on 30 July 2026 at the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen – Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA) and the Prince Bernard Gym, SLU Main Campus.
Anchored on the theme, “Missio et Excellentia: Fostering Innovation, Nurturing Synergy, Reinforcing Purpose-Driven Education,” the event featured a retrospective on the university’s milestones and strategic takeaways of Academic Year 2025-2026 through the President’s Report. It also honored exemplary employee contributions to the shared success of the institution through the Gawad San Luis for Employees.
The program commenced with the invocation and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, inviting the Louisian community into a moment of prayer and gratitude. The SLU Glee Club then gave a musical tribute to the Louisian spirit of resilience with their rendition of “Padayon.”
President’s Report: Turning Mirrors into Windows through Education
SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD aligned the executive vision with a year-end review through the President’s Report. “Together, we celebrate not only what we have accomplished but also the spirit that made these achievements possible. As we look back with gratitude and appreciation, we also look forward with hope and confidence, embracing the many opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead. These are grounded in our belief that the genuine purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows—to inspire learners to look beyond themselves, understand the realities of others, and respond with competence, compassion, and conviction. Guided by this vision, Saint Louis University continued to pursue innovation and excellence while remaining steadfast in its Christian mission and values…SLU continued to nurture a culture marked by faith, integrity, and service. It advanced initiatives that promoted formation and transformation, mission and vocation, excellence with purpose,” Fr. Sales said.
In reflecting on the remarkable journey of the outgoing Academic Year, the community was invited to view a special audiovisual presentation (AVP), produced by the University Information Office, that even etched the Louisian Brand of Excellence. The AVP Report presented three sections: 1) “Advancing Competence and Innovation for Global Relevance” that discussed research, licensure examination-performances, global rankings, and new facilities; 2) “Strengthening Community through Faith and Christian Spirit” that tackled programs on Louisians’ wellness as well as synergy and faith; and 3) “Forming Hearts and Minds for Service and Compassion” that talked about outreach and extension programs, and other diverse activities promoting the University’s core values.
After the AVP, Fr. Sales concluded his Report with gratitude to the Louisian community and with announcements that reflect SLU’s continuing commitment to the welfare of its employees. He then remarked, “Together, we will continue to light the way forward— forming leaders who see beyond themselves, serving communities with compassion, and pursuing excellence with integrity, faith, and purpose. United as one Louisian community, we face the future with confidence, hope, and resolve: for Saint Louis University, for our nation, and ultimately, for the greater glory of God.”
2026 Gawad San Luis for Employees: Honoring Excellence Across the Louisian Community
The Academic Session was a worthy recognition of Louisian employees whose dedication and accomplishments continue to advance the University’s tradition of excellence. 123 awards were conferred throughout the ceremony, celebrating achievements in scholarship, research, professional practice, and missionary service.
Interwoven with cultural performances that reflected SLU’s rich heritage and values, the recognition program underscored the University’s enduring commitment to honoring excellence in all its forms.
Following the intermission performance of Magsasaka by the SLU Dance Troupe, the University formally opened the awarding ceremonies with the presentation of the 2026 Gawad San Luis for Employees.
20 employees were conferred the Gawad San Luis for Employees – Academic Achievement Award for successfully completing advanced academic and professional qualifications, including doctoral degrees, diplomate and fellowship certifications, and master’s degrees earned by non-teaching personnel.
15 teaching personnel who completed their master’s degrees were recognized for their academic milestone, affirming the University’s continuing support for lifelong learning and professional growth among its educators.
The ceremony then acknowledged recipients of the Gawad San Luis For Employees – Special Award – Special Institutional Awards, honoring schools, departments, offices, units that are recipients of citations, awards, recognitions given by national or international agencies, professional organizations and accrediting bodies, as well as Schools with a 100 passing percentage in board examinations.
Among the recipients were the Sunflower Child and Youth Wellness Center for being a finalist in the Liwanag ng Kabataan (Youth Mental Health Catalyst), as well as the Medical Laboratory Science and Nursing Programs of the School of Nursing, Allied Health and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) for achieving 100% passing rates in the respective licensure examinations.
The University then conferred the sole Presidential Award for Professional Excellence that recognized an employee’s exemplary performance in one’s field of profession from a national or international professional organization.
The presentation of the recipients continued with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Research and Innovation that recognized teaching employees whose scholarly work demonstrated excellence in research and innovation activities evidenced by published journal articles, peer-reviewed scholarly writings, registered intellectual property (including copyright, individual work or software system, industrial design, utility model, or invention patent), or a completed SLU-endorsed research or innovation project.
96 awardees were presented in six batches, underscoring the breadth and depth of research productivity and creative works across the University’s academic units and reaffirming SLU’s commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful societal impact.
The ceremonies continued with cultural performances of “Sa Kabukiran” by the SLU Dance Troupe and “Binhi”, a tula-dula specifically written and performed by Tanghalang SLU for the 2026 Academic Session, serving as interludes between the successive award presentations and celebrating Filipino artistry alongside academic milestones.
The recognition program concluded with the presentation of the Presidential Award for CICM Missionary Spirit Awards to three Louisians whose lives and service exemplify the missionary ideals of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Through their dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving others, the awardees embody the University’s Catholic and CICM identity, inspiring the community to live out its mission with faith, excellence, and service.
The celebration culminated in the stirring finale, Liwanag sa Dilim by the SLU Dance Troupe.
More than a showcase of individual accomplishments, the 2026 Academic Session affirmed that the Louisian Brand of Excellence is realized by fostering innovation, nurturing synergy, and reinforcing purpose-driven education. While celebrating the University’s collective achievements, the gathering reaffirmed that excellence finds its fullest meaning when anchored in mission, strengthened through collaboration, and directed toward forming competent, compassionate, and socially responsible Louisians who lead with excellence in service of its community and beyond.
The official photos of Academic Session 2026 may be accessed here:
