Saint Louis University (SLU) marked another milestone in campus development with the blessing of Gate 6, the ramp and stairway leading to and from the Library, and its sixth Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Gate 3 on 28 October 2026.
The ceremony was led by Rev. Fr. Emery Ebumea Mwako, CICM, Vice President for Mission and Identity and Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Parish Priest, with University President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, Vice President for Administration Atty. Shellah Yzanne P. Merced, Vice President for Academic Affairs Felina P. Espique, PhD, Vice President for Finance Roberto M. Arguelles, PhD, along with other members of the university administration and staff.
The program included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a prayer, and expressions of gratitude.
During the prayer, Fr. Emery expressed his hope that the new facilities would serve their intended purposes and contribute to the safety, cleanliness, and well-being of the university community. He also encouraged Louisians to “practice greater care, discipline, and concern for our common home.”
Reflecting SLU’s continued commitment to improving and maintaining its campus facilities, the newly blessed STP adds to SLU’s existing wastewater treatment infrastructure, which includes STP facilities at the Maryheights Campus, Navy Base Campus, and SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center (SLU-SHMC).
Before the ceremony concluded, Fr. Gilbert expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful completion of the projects, from the contractors to the SLU administration. He emphasized that caring for the environment requires concrete action, stating, “All these are made because we love the environment, and we do not only say we love the environment, we take action to be able to express the love for the environment, and this is one of them.” He further highlighted the university’s commitment to protecting water sources through proper wastewater treatment before discharge, helping prevent environmental contamination.
SLU’s continued establishment and improvement of facilities that promote sustainability and development affirms the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption), 13 (Climate Action), and 17 (Partnership for the Goals). It is also in consonance with the CICM Advocacy of Integrity of Creation.
