Xavier University of Louisiana

Due to weather conditions in our area, Xavier University of Louisiana will be closed today, Thursday, June 18.
As previously scheduled, the university will observe the Juneteenth holiday on Friday, June 19. The university will reopen and resume normal operations on Monday, June 22.

We encourage all members of the Xavier community to remain safe, monitor local weather conditions, and avoid unnecessary travel.

Dear Xavier Community,

Due to weather conditions in our area, Xavier University of Louisiana will operate on a delayed start schedule today. All university operations and classes will begin at 10 a.m.
Faculty and staff should remain in communication with their supervisors regarding work expectations and any department-specific adjustments. Students are encouraged to check Brightspace, email, and other course communication channels for updates from their instructors regarding class schedules and assignments.
The safety of our students, faculty, and staff remains our top priority. Please use caution while traveling, monitor local weather conditions, and remain weather aware throughout the day.

Should additional operational changes become necessary, updates will be shared through official university communication channels.

Please stay safe and weather alert.

Today we celebrate the Class of 2026 at Xavier University of Louisiana and all they have accomplished through hard work, resilience, faith, and determination. As graduates of Xavier, you carry forward a mission grounded in excellence, leadership, service, and the pursuit of a more just and humane society.

As you step into your next chapter, may you continue to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact in your communities and beyond. Congratulations, Class of 2026.

This is only the beginning. 🎓✨

Beginning at dusk on May 8, the Caesars Superdome and the Crescent City Connection will shine in gold and white ahead of Xavier University of Louisiana’s 99th Commencement for the Class of 2026.

Thank you to the City of New Orleans and our partners for helping us celebrate this special moment.

“I found myself here, and I won’t lose myself beyond it.” 🎓✨

Cayla Rae Lumar
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Crime & Social Justice
Minors in Mathematics & Pre-Law

“I spent 3.5 years growing, learning, and transforming because Xavier provided the space for me to do so. As a Xavierite, I leave with gratitude for all this institution has poured into me. I found myself here, and I will not lose myself beyond it. After all, once a Xavierite, always a Xavierite.”

“Committed to changing the systems we study.” 🎓✨

Makeda Joy Hill
Sociology Major
Concentrations in Mass Communication, Psychology, and Crime & Social Justice

“My time at Xavier shaped me into someone who doesn’t just study systems, but is committed to changing them, especially for women, children, and underserved communities.”

Xavier University of Louisiana is honored to welcome Cardinal Peter Turkson and Reverend Kareem R. Smith as presider and homilist for the 2026 Baccalaureate Mass.

As the Class of 2026 prepares to step into lives of purpose and service, this sacred celebration offers a moment of reflection, gratitude, and spiritual grounding—guided by two powerful voices in the global and Black Catholic community.

Join us Friday, May 8 at 4 P.M. in the Convocation Center.

“Cherishing our Black identity is how we liberate each other.” 🎓✨

Kaleb Wilkes
African American & Diaspora Studies Major
Psychology Minor

“As the first graduate of the AADS Department, I’ve learned that culturally centered scholarship propagates love for one’s community and oneself. Xavier has taught me that cherishing our Black identity is crucial to how we liberate each other. I am grateful to the AADS Department and my friends for liberating me, so that I may continue the plight and mission of Black Studies.”

“Prepared to serve with faith, love, and purpose.” 🎓✨

Aiesha Shanell Chambers
Master of Arts in Teaching
Elementary Education K–5
PL3 – Practitioner Teacher License

“XULA’s Education Department gave me a supportive space to grow. It shaped me both personally and professionally as an educator. I am better prepared to serve the children of our future with faith, dedication, love, and purpose.”

“True growth comes from balance.” 🎓✨

McKenna Wheatley
Biology Major, Chemistry Minor

“At Xavier, I learned that true growth comes from balance — between the court and the classroom, between ambition and self-care, and between the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of who I am. I step into the future grateful, driven, and ready to continue becoming a strong, resilient, and successful young woman, trusting that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).”