Title: What To Know About the Inauguration of Eduardo M. Peñalver

Editor’s Note: The first photo in the story is by Elman Studio.

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.

Members of the Georgetown community, dignitaries and other guests will gather for the celebration, which requires an RSVP to attend. The events will also be livestreamed on the Inauguration website for those unable to join in person. 

Here’s what to know about the day, including the schedule, locations, livestream information and class cancellations on Oct. 9.

Inauguration Day Events

Inauguration Mass 

• What: Community members and guests are invited to a special liturgy with religious leaders that honors Georgetown’s Jesuit and Catholic traditions. 
• When: 10 a.m. ET
• Where: Gaston Hall
• In-Person Access: All are welcome. No RSVP or ticket required. Seating will be first come, first served. 
• Livestream: Viewers can also watch the Mass on the Inauguration website or in the Healey Family Student Center.

Inauguration of President Peñalver

• What: The program will include an academic procession, a musical performance, remarks from university leaders and President Peñalver’s inauguration address. 
• When: 3:00 p.m. ET
• Where: McDonough Arena
• In-Person Access: RSVP to attend. Seating will be first come, first served. 
• Livestream: The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the Inauguration website and shown in the Healey Family Student Center on the Hilltop Campus and Hart Auditorium on the Capitol Campus. RSVP to receive a reminder to watch. 

Inauguration Reception Post-Ceremony

• What: Following the ceremony, inauguration guests and community members are invited to a reception with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments to celebrate the beginning of Peñalver’s presidency.
• When: After the inauguration ceremony
• Where: The Hoya Hotel on the Hilltop Campus and the Capitol Viewing Space on the Capitol Campus

Class Schedule on Oct. 9

• All undergraduate and graduate classes (with limited exceptions) in Washington, DC, beginning after noon on Friday, Oct. 9, are canceled.
• Faculty with affected sessions may implement an asynchronous learning option and can consult with the Center for New Designs in Learning and Scholarship for guidance and support. 
• Students with questions about their course plan or asynchronous assignments should consult directly with their instructor. 
• All other university operations will continue as normal.