For just the third time in its 182-year history, Notre Dame celebrates the inauguration of a new president.
The University marked this extraordinary occasion with a series of events that invited the campus and surrounding community to be part of the distinct Notre Dame tradition.
University of Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. gives his address at the Convocation and Inauguration Ceremony.
In a moving moment marking three generations of leadership at Notre Dame, Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., receives blessings from his two most immediate predecessors: Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., and Rev. Edward "Monk" Malloy, C.S.C., during the academic convocation and investiture ceremony.
Watch the formal investiture of Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., as the University's 18th president. The Convocation and Inauguration Ceremony, held in Purcell Pavilion, was the culmination of a series of celebratory events that spanned three days.
Bishop Patrick M. Neary, C.S.C., Diocese of St. Cloud, MN
Prior to the procession to the Academic Convocation, Rev. Greg Haake, C.S.C., read the letters written by Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C., upon founding the University in 1842.
In his Inauguration Address, Father Dowd introduced Pathways to Notre Dame, a program designed to make a transformative education affordable for all families across the globe.
In a stunning display, hundreds of drones filled the sky to form images telling the Notre Dame story.
Relive the celebratory moments from inauguration week: the picnic, Mass, student rally, Convocation, and more!
In partnership with Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County
New President Rev. Robert Dowd, C.S.C., embraces Notre Dame's mission to serve the world.
The Forum’s Inauguration Series featured four “fireside chats” with distinguished leaders in technology, global development, philanthropy and foreign affairs.
A native of Michigan City, Indiana, Father Dowd graduated from Notre Dame in 1987, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and economics. Read more about his path to become Notre Dame’s 18th president and the celebration surrounding his formal installation.
A series of celebratory events will culminate with Father Dowd’s investiture ceremony on Friday, September 13.
The Notre Dame student body has a tradition of gifting vestments to the incoming president as a sign of their support and prayers.
An introduction to Notre Dame’s new president from the people who know him best.
Hundreds of volunteers, including students, faculty, and staff will work together to build five new Habitat homes in South Bend as part of Father Dowd’s Inauguration.
The University’s presidents emeriti reflect on their inauguration ceremonies.
