The official inauguration of John J. DeGioia as the next Georgetown University President will take place Saturday, Oct. 13. DeGioia replaced former University President Leo J. O’Donovan, S.J., on July 1.
“I have the great fortune of building on an exceptional legacy,” DeGioia said.
DeGioia, the first lay person to lead any of the nation’s Jesuit institutions of higher education, will make his first official address to students on Sunday, Aug. 26 at the New Student Convocation.
DeGioia moved into temporary housing in a $1.4 million home on Park Glen Court, near Reservoir Road. According to Assistant Vice President for Communications Julie Green Bataille, the University Board of Directors is looking to purchase a permanent home closer to campus for the University President. DeGioia’s current house will be used for another University official, such as the Provost, Green Bataille said.
On July 2, DeGioia announced the appointment of Stewart McLaurin as his chief of staff. McLaurin, former chief of staff to Elizabeth Dole, will take on the responsibilities for overseeing DeGioia’s immediate staff. Under O’Donovan, this job was performed by Patricia McDonough, his assistant, Green Bataille said.
University Chaplain Adam Bunnell, OFM Conv, will preside over the Mass of the Holy Spirit on the first day of classes, a role traditionally held by the University President. DeGioia will offer a post-communion reflection.
DeGioia’s October inauguration will follow several days of celebration including campus picnics, a day of service and an interfaith prayer service.
The inauguration itself will be held in Constitution Hall on D Street near 17th Street. Green-Bataille did not know how many students would be able to attend the ceremony at the 2,900 seat auditorium, but she said the largest group of tickets was being reserved for students of all three campuses.
A reception in the Ronald Reagan Federal Building will follow.
