Commencement

Fall 2025 Keynote Speaker

Jorge Aguilar (B.A. ’06)

Jorge Aguilar is the founder and CEO of Trove, a venture-funded hospitality and real estate company specializing in premium vacation rentals, boutique hotels and multifamily living. Headquartered in Chicago, Trove manages a portfolio of high-performing properties across multiple U.S. markets and is expanding internationally through partnerships with some of Mexico’s leading real estate investment trusts.

A proud graduate of St. Mary’s University, Aguilar earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Economics and International Relations before completing a master’s degree in Information Technology from DePaul University in Chicago. His career began at Rotary International, where he managed global software initiatives before pursuing his passion for real estate, hospitality and entrepreneurship full-time.

Under Aguilar’s leadership, Trove has become recognized as a top-performing firm in the Midwest. He was named one of Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Entrepreneurs and is an active member of the Urban Land Institute. He also participates in the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network, a national initiative supporting high-growth companies shaping the future of business.

Beyond business, Aguilar serves as president of the Great Lakes Alumni Chapter for St. Mary’s, where he has strengthened alumni engagement and philanthropy across the region. Guided by a belief that excellence and generosity go hand in hand, he recently launched the Trove Scholarship, which supports Trove employees’ children who demonstrate academic promise and character.

Aguilar’s work and leadership reflect the enduring Marianist values of faith, service, community and a lifelong commitment to doing good in the world.

Tickets

Due to limited seating in the Bill Greehey Arena, Commencement tickets are required for admission. Each graduating student approved for Spring Commencement will receive an email for the number of tickets they will receive.  

To accommodate additional guests at Commencement ceremonies, overflow seating will be available in the University Center, Mengler Conference Room, where guests will view a live broadcast of the ceremony. No tickets are required to enter the University Center. Immediately following the ceremony, all guests will reunite with the graduates outside the Arena. 

For guests unable to attend, please note that the commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on our website. Visit the livestream page to check technical requirements or to watch the ceremony. 

Children aged 3 and under do not need tickets provided they can sit on an adult’s lap for the duration of the ceremony. 

Each graduating student approved for Commencement will receive an email for the number of tickets they will receive.

Parking

Commencement guests can park in the following lots: 

Lot T (in front of Bill Greehey Arena) 
Lot G 
Lot H 

Program Information

To view the digital Commencement programs, click the button below. 

Livestream

For guests unable to attend, please note that the commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on our website. Visit the livestream page to check technical requirements or to watch the ceremony. 

Venue Regulations

• Noise Warning

  Be aware that following the Conferring of Degrees, we will celebrate this moment for our graduates by activating confetti launchers. These launchers will emit a loud popping sound, which may affect guests who experience noise sensitivity.

Bill Greehey Arena does not allow noisemakers, confetti, flags, balloons, posters, banners or other items that will cause view obstruction or distract from the program. 

Additionally, to maintain a safe and secure environment, we have implemented a bag check policy. All bags are subject to search and inspection before entering the facility. 

Guests failing to comply with the above policies will be asked to return their bags and/or items to their vehicle or be denied entry. 

Accessibility Accommodations

Sections for guests in wheelchairs are available along the second level of Bill Greehey Arena. Individuals who plan to sit in this section are allowed one person to remain with them in the area.

Due to limited seats, seating in these sections is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Ceremony Seating Chart

All graduates will be seated on the arena floor during Commencement according to their school or college.

Guests are seated in the arena stands during Commencement.

Graduation Memorabilia

Looking for graduation memorabilia for your graduate? Check out the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at St. Mary’s webpage to find apparel, diploma frames and more!