Eduardo Peñalver Inaugurated as Georgetown President
Georgetown University held an inauguration mass and ceremony for its 49th president.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in People
Eduardo Peñalver was officially inaugurated as the 49th president of Georgetown University during ceremonies held in Washington, D.C. The events included a mass at Gaston Hall and an afternoon ceremony at McDonough Arena.
Why it matters
The inauguration marks a formal leadership transition for the university following the resignation of former president John DeGioia earlier this year. The transition occurs as the institution continues to navigate its complex history regarding the 1838 sale of 272 enslaved people.
Eduardo Peñalver serves as the 49th president in the institution's history. The university previously sold 272 enslaved people in 1838.
The players
Eduardo Peñalver
He is the 49th president of Georgetown University.
John DeGioia
He is the former president of Georgetown University who resigned after suffering a stroke in June 2024.
Michael T.T. Castori
He is a bishop who presided over the inauguration mass at Gaston Hall.
The details
The inauguration mass was presided over by Bishop Michael T.T. Castori and featured readings from Wisdom and Philippians. Former president John DeGioia, who resigned following a June 2024 stroke, was in attendance to witness the commencement of the new leadership term.
Timeline
In 1838, Georgetown University sold 272 enslaved people.
John DeGioia resigned from the presidency following a stroke in June 2024.
The university held an inauguration mass on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The inauguration ceremony occurred at 3 p.m. at McDonough Arena.
Market Landscape
The university's historical reckoning with the 1838 sale of 272 enslaved people continues to frame its institutional identity during the transition to new leadership. This appointment shifts the executive focus while the administration works to address long-standing challenges related to the university's historical legacy.
The transition to a new president signals potential shifts in university policy and administrative priorities for students and staff. Community members may see changes to institutional programming and internal operations as the new administration begins its term.
The takeaway
The installation of a new president provides a moment for institutional reflection and strategic repositioning. Stakeholders should monitor upcoming administrative announcements for shifts in university direction.
Further reading
For more information on university leadership, visit the Washington People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Georgetown Voice.
