Dr. Peter Kilpatrick is set to be installed as Catholic University’s sixteenth president on Friday, Nov. 11, in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The entire University community is invited to attend.
Dr. Kilpatrick began working as University president July 1, but the Installation will mark the formal endowment of the responsibilities that come with the position. A procession of faculty and senior staff wearing traditional academic attire will begin at 9:45 a.m and a Mass will follow at 10 a.m. Bishops, representatives from other universities, and Dr. Kilpatrick's family also will be in attendance.
The events throughout the weekend will celebrate not only Dr. Kilpatrick, but the entire University community. The evening before the Installation, there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving held at St. Vincent de Paul Chapel at 5 p.m. to gather the campus community.
“We tried to put the focus on the University,” said Emily Sobieski, B.M. 2015, and M.M. 2022, associate director for special events in the Office of Events and Conference Services and chair of the planning committee for the Installation.
Sobieski explained that Dr. Kilpatrick took on a major role in helping to plan everything as a Cardinal community event. It was his choice to call the event an “installation” rather than an “inauguration.”
Dr. Kilpatrick explained "I like the simplicity and practicality of an installation. It seems less formal and more accessible to the entire community.”
Tony Crnkovich, student body president and senior philosophy major, was involved in planning the Installation. He mentioned that many offices on campus helped to make this “successful event,” namely the President's Office, University Communications, Events and Conference Services, Office of Campus Activities, and Campus Ministry.
Crnkovich mentioned that a mariachi band from Catholic University at Tucson will be sending a performance video to be played at the Campus Community Showcase, which will feature performances from various student groups.
“It is a great reminder that our University community spans not only the U.S. but the globe as well," said Crnkovich.
Later in the afternoon on the day of the Installation, the Campus Community Showcase on the University Lawn will feature a variety of performances highlighting the talents of students. A gala for the students will be held in the evening in the Law School Atrium, and an Installation Day of Service will take place the following Saturday morning. Volunteers can RSVP here.
Maisy Sullivan, Communications Intern
