And just like that, summer is over and the new school year has begun.
Faculty and staff celebrated the return to campus with the traditional Academic Convocation. Many shared smiles and hugs as they donned their academic regalia on the Quad then processed toward St. Vincent de Paul Church. The yearly ceremony marked the start of classes, welcomed new faculty, and recognized colleagues for their dedication to DePaul. Provost Salma Ghanem and President Robert L. Manuel shared their thoughts and goals on what the university community will work toward this year.
First-year, international, transfer and returning students enjoyed a louder, rowdier, and very blue welcome to DePaul University.
The Blue Demon Welcome, which included DePaul's annual new student convocation in McGrath-Phillips Arena, celebrated the beginning of the DePaul academic journey for the 2025-26 school year with a festival on the Quad that included all kinds of food, music and games.
(Photos by: Zoey Duchene/DePaul University and Lavanya Chetal/DePaul University)
University leaders, faculty and staff met at the Quad to dress for the ceremony and share some laughs before the procession.
Faculty members welcomed each other back to campus for the new school year.
President Robert L. Manuel greeted faculty on the Quad ahead of Academic Convocation.
Faculty and staff processed from the Quad down Seminary Avenue toward St. Vincent de Paul Church.
The university community came together for the annual welcome-back-to-school tradition of Academic Convocation.
President Robert L. Manuel and Provost Salma Ghanem presented awards to faculty and staff members in recognition of their outstanding work at DePaul.
Blue Demon Welcome began with DIBS joining first-year, transfer and international students in McGrath-Phillips Arena.
Staff, faculty and student leaders led the Cavalcade of new and transfer students from McGrath-Phillips Arena to the Quad for the festivities.
President Robert L. Manuel joined students as they marched toward the Quad as part of Blue Demon Welcome.
New and returning Blue Demons await the start of the program with energy and excitement.
University leaders welcome all new and returning students and throw out Blue Demon beach balls into the crowd.
Musical guests were the hightlight of Blue Demon Welcome to close out the evening.