After weeks of rumors and uncertainty, Saint Louis University released the name of the 2011 commencement speaker on Friday, May 20. President and CEO of Ascension Health Inc., Dr. Anthony Tersigni will address the 2011 graduates at Chaifetz Arena tomorrow. 
Ascension Health Inc. is the nation’s largest Catholic and nonprofit health system in the United States. Tersigni was appointed President and CEO in 2004 and he has made it his mission to provide the highest quality health care to all people, regradless of income.
“Dr. Tersigni has made it his mission to transform health care one hospital at a time,” SLU President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. said in a press release. “His vision stems from his own strong sense of purpose, his belief in God and his devotion to others, particularly those who are less fortunate.”
For five consecutive years, Tersigni has been named one of Modern Healthcare’s “100 Most Powerful People in Healthcare.” He is the chairman of the Catholic Health Association of the United States and serves on the board of the National Catholic Bioethics Center, the Healthcare Leadership Council and the Coalition to Protect America’s Health Care.
Tersigni holds a doctorate from Western Michigan University in the field of leadership and organizational development. He will receive an honorary degree from Biondi during the commencement ceremony.
St. Louis artist Brother Mel Meyer, S.M., and longtime SLU supporters Marvin and Harlene Wool will also receive honrorary degrees.
