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

The Inauguration of Eduardo M. Peñalver

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October 9, 2026

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The Inauguration

Eduardo Peñalver, a Cuban man with dark hair and facial hair, wearing a 3-piece suit, stands in front of the library bookshelves in Riggs Library.

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.

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The Inauguration of Eduardo M. Peñalver as the 49th President of Georgetown University Livestream on October 9, 2026.

Ceremony Livestream

Guests unable to attend the ceremonies in person are invited to watch the livestream of the Inauguration Mass and Installation Ceremony on this page.

10:00 AM EDT – Inauguration Mass
3:00 PM EDT – Installation Ceremony

Inauguration Events

October 9, 2026

Georgetown University
Washington, D.C.

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Inauguration Mass

October 9, 2026 | 10:00 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. Mass will be held in Gaston Hall, and a livestream will be available online. Guests unable to attend Mass in person may gather to view the livestream in the Healey Family Student Center.

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. The Installation Ceremony will be livestreamed on the Inauguration website. Guests may also gather to view the livestream at the Healey Family Student Center (Hilltop Campus) and the Hart Auditorium, located in the McDonough Building (Capitol Campus).

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Unable to attend in person? Register to receive a link to the livestream.

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Inauguration Reception

Following the Installation Ceremony, guests are warmly invited to a celebratory reception in the Hoya Hotel Conference Center inside the Leavey Center (Hilltop Campus) and the Hart Atrium (Capital Campus). 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.

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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

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President Peñalver poses with two attendees at the Capital Campus Welcome Back Barbecue, outside the Eleanor Holmes Norton Green.
President Peñalver stands outside at the Capital Campus Barbecue, engaged in conversation with two students.
President Peñalver stands outside at the Capital Campus Welcome Back Barbecue, speaking with a student.
President Peñalver speaks with a female student among the crowd of barbecue attendees.
President Peñalver speaks a student and a staff member on Healy Lawn.
President Peñalver stands on the brick sidewalk in Healy lawn, speaking with a group of students.

Community Celebrations

The Georgetown community celebrated the start of President Peñalver’s Inaugural Year on campus with special Back to School events, including the Welcome Back Jack BBQ, the Capital Campus Welcome Back BBQ, and the Georgetown Staff/AAP Appreciation Celebration.

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Featured News

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.

What To Know About the Inauguration of Eduardo M. Peñalver

On Friday, Oct. 9, the Georgetown community will celebrate the inauguration of Eduardo M. Peñalver as the 49th president of the university. The day will begin with a Mass in Gaston Hall followed by an inauguration ceremony in McDonough Arena on the Hilltop Campus.

September 17, 2026

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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