Office of the President
Office of the President
The Inauguration of the 49th President of Georgetown University, Eduardo M. Peñalver.

The Inauguration of Eduardo M. Peñalver

Join the Celebration
October 9, 2026

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The Inauguration

Eduardo Peñalver, a Cuban man with dark hair and facial hair, wearing a gray suit with a blue and gray tie, stands outside in front of Healy Hall.
Photo by Elman Studio

The inauguration of Eduardo M. Peñalver as the 49th President of Georgetown University will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the University’s history.

The ceremony and surrounding events will bring together members of the Georgetown community and distinguished guests to honor the University’s mission, tradition, and future.

Inauguration Events

October 9, 2026

Georgetown University
Washington, D.C.

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Inauguration Mass

October 9, 2026 | 10:30 AM EDT
Gaston Hall + Livestream

Guests are invited to a special liturgy featuring distinguished religious leaders and an interfaith component honoring Georgetown’s Jesuit and Catholic traditions. The Mass will be held in Gaston Hall, with a livestream viewing option available in Dahlgren Chapel.

Illustration of an olive leaf, in gold.

Installation of Eduardo M. Peñalver

October 9, 2026 | 3:00 PM EDT
McDonough Arena + Livestream

The program will include an academic procession, musical performances, remarks from University leaders, and President Peñalver’s inauguration address. Guests can also view the ceremony via livestream at the Healey Family Student Center (Hilltop Campus) and McCourt Auditorium (Capitol Campus).

Illustration of an olive leaf, in gold.

Inauguration Reception

Following the Installation Ceremony, guests are warmly invited to a celebratory reception in the Leavey Ballroom and Capitol Viewing Space. Enjoy light hors d’’oeuvres and refreshments as members of the Georgetown community and distinguished guests gather to commemorate this historic occasion and celebrate the beginning of Eduardo Peñalver’s presidency.

Illustration of an olive leaf, in gold.

Meet President Peñalver

Eduardo Peñalver is Georgetown University’s 49th president. He is the previous president of Seattle University, a Rhodes Scholar, and a professor of law who clerked for former U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

More About President Peñalver »

President Eduardo Peñalver talks to two students while walking down an arched red-brick hallway in Healy Hall.

Photo by Elman Studio

Community Celebrations

Join the Georgetown community in opening President Peñalver’s Inaugural Year on campus at special Back to School events.

12:00 – 2:00 PM | Healy Lawn

Kick off the academic year together with Welcome Back Jack BBQ on Healy Lawn. Join President Peñalver and students, faculty and staff for a fun-filled afternoon of activities, free food, giveaways, and Jack the Bulldog.

4:00 – 6:00 PM | Eleanor Holmes Norton Green
(Rain location: Lower Level Multipurpose Room, 111 Mass Ave)

Join President Peñalver and students, faculty and staff on the Eleanor Holmes Norton Green for food, music, lawn games and departmental resource tables as we welcome students back for the year!

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Hilltop Campus

Our staff and AAPs are central to the keeping of Georgetown’s mission and core values. This gathering is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many ways you contribute to sustaining and advancing our community.

Please join us at any point during the event. Additional details will be provided soon.

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Featured News

Eduardo Peñalver, a Cuban man with dark hair and facial hair, wearing a navy 3-piece suit, sits at a desk, surrounded by Georgetown University decor.

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