Inauguration
黑料天堂 proudly celebrated the inauguration of Dr. Christina A. Clark as the institution鈥檚 eighth president during Inauguration Week, held Sept. 8鈥�12, 2025. Guided by the theme, Imagine the Extraordinary Possibilities: Our Legacy in Motion, the week honored the University鈥檚 history, mission, and future through a series of academic, service, spiritual, and community events.
Faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, community partners, and distinguished guests gathered throughout the week to commemorate this important milestone in University history and celebrate a new chapter of leadership at 黑料天堂.
Watch the inauguration ceremony video and explore highlights from Inauguration Week.
Monday, Sept. 8
Something is Brewing at 黑料天堂
Wright Library Roundabout | 8 鈥� 10 a.m.
Feel the excitement in the air as Something is Brewing at 黑料天堂! Inauguration Week starts off right with a free delicious treat from听Convive Coffee 鈥� there鈥檚 a latte more coming! Plus, be one of the first to pick up your exclusive inauguration-themed T-shirt and show your 黑料天堂 pride all week long!
Celebration with the Sisters of Divine Providence
The Commons Dining Room | 1 鈥� 2:30 p.m.
Students are invited to a special on-campus service event as we celebrate Inauguration Week with the Sisters of Divine Providence at The Commons residence.
Enjoy meaningful conversation, help serve cake, and take part in a heartfelt celebration with the Sisters and fellow students.
Guest Speaker: Franz Franchetti, Ph.D.
“AI: Same-Old or All-New?”
Ryan Room | 7:30 鈥� 9 p.m.
This talk examines the current state of artificial intelligence through both historical and technological lenses, situating recent developments within the broader context of disruptive innovation.听
We explore the underlying technologies driving today’s AI advances and address a fundamental question:听Does AI represent a fundamentally new paradigm, or does it follow familiar patterns of technological disruption?听
Drawing on perspectives from engineering research, we analyze the sustainability of current AI progress and consider where a new technological equilibrium might emerge. The presentation balances enthusiasm for AI’s potential with critical skepticism about its limitations and long-term trajectory.
Dr. Franz Franchetti is the Kavcic-Moura Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. He is the associate dean for research for the College of Engineering, as well as the director of the Engineering Research Accelerator at Carnegie Mellon.
Tuesday, Sept. 9
Do-nut Miss the Inauguration!
Zappala Campus Center Square | 10 a.m.
Choose from a variety of free donuts as a sweet reminder to attend the Inauguration Ceremony and Celebration on Friday, Sept. 12, at 10:30 a.m. in the Mother of Divine Providence Chapel! Be sure to receive your free commemorative inauguration T-shirt!
The Power of Visual Language Reception
4 – 6:30 p.m. | Cantellops Art Gallery
Discover how words like peace, joy, and calm come alive through art. In partnership with the Ketteler Center for Peace, Justice, and Inclusion, this solo exhibition by Lauren P. Lampe, MFA, invites you to reflect, respond, and engage with visual prompts designed to inspire healing and unity.听
Open to all students, faculty, and community members. Join us in celebrating the power of art and inclusion.
This exhibition runs through Oct. 10.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Service Opportunity: Meditation Garden Cleanup
Kearns Spirituality Center | 10听鈥撎�11:30 a.m.
Students will spend the morning in the meditation garden at Kearns Spirituality Center, helping plant fall mums, pull weeds and care for this peaceful campus space.听
鈥淧op鈥� by and Meet the President
Wright Library Courtyard | 11 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.
Join President Clark for popcorn and conversation, and snag your free inauguration shirt to wear proudly on Inauguration Day.
Service Opportunity: Meal Preparation and Dinner
Meal Prep Team | Bold Union Room | 3:30听鈥� 6听p.m.
Service Team | Pleasant Valley Shelter听| 6听鈥撎�8:30 p.m.
Join fellow students, faculty, and staff in preparing and serving dinner for about 30 residents at Pleasant Valley Shelter. This service opportunity will have two volunteer groups:
- Meal Prep Team:听Gather in the Bold Union Room to prepare and pack food.
- Service Team:听Help transport food to Pleasant Valley Shelter, then serve dinner to residents.
Transportation is provided, and space is limited to 15鈥�20 volunteers.
Thursday, Sept. 11
“Reimagining the Humanities” Faculty Panel Discussion
3:30 鈥� 5 p.m.听|听Fisher Room听听
We often hear: “What can you do with a humanities degree?” But what if we flipped that question:听What can’t you do without humanistic thinking?听
Join us for a panel discussion led by distinguished faculty: Joshua Bellin, Ph.D., Bill Crowley, J.D., Joshua Forrest, Ph.D., Janine Molinaro, Ph.D., Emily Shimko, Ed.D., and Azlan Tajuddin, Ph.D.听
Interfaith Prayer Service
Magdalen Chapel | 7 p.m.听
Join us for an interfaith prayer service bringing together religious representatives from diverse faith traditions. This service will offer prayers, reflections, and blessings for the president鈥檚 leadership and the University鈥檚 shared future. All are welcome!
Community Dessert Reception
Huber Academic Center Lawn | 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate together with sweet treats and lively entertainment, including听Stuff-a-Plush Redhawk Edition!听This joyful gathering is a chance for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to connect and share in the excitement of Inauguration Week. All are welcome鈥攂ring your 黑料天堂 spirit!
Friday, Sept. 12
Inauguration Installation Ceremony of President Christina A. Clark, Ph.D.
Mother of Divine Providence Chapel | 10:30 a.m.听
Join us for the formal installation of Dr. Christina Clark as the eighth president of 黑料天堂. This ceremonial occasion will honor the University鈥檚 traditions while celebrating a new chapter of leadership, vision, and community. The event will feature remarks from distinguished guests, an academic procession, and the official investiture of the president.
This event is open to all members of the 黑料天堂 community and invited guests. Classes will be canceled to allow students and faculty the opportunity to attend the ceremony and luncheon.
Light refreshments will be available in the Community Room of Providence Heights at 9:30 a.m. for those in the processional. Academic regalia is encouraged for faculty participants and delegates. Robing and processional lineup will begin at 10 a.m.听
Community Celebration Luncheon
Huber Academic Center Lawn | Immediately following the ceremony
Join the campus community and guests for a festive luncheon in honor of President Clark鈥檚 inauguration. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with delicious food and entertainment as we celebrate this exciting new chapter for 黑料天堂. All are welcome!
Hotel Accommodations
For guests traveling from out of state, the following local hotels are offering a discounted 黑料天堂 rate. Just mention the inauguration and ask for the 黑料天堂 rate when booking.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Pittsburgh/McCandless Crossing
$149 + tax
901 Providence Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Phone: 412-227-9600
Home2 Suites by Hilton/McCandless
$115 + tax
8630 Duncan Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Phone: 412-630-8400