iconic Administration building tower

Presidential Inauguration

Inauguration of the 23rd President of Seattle University

Inauguration Ceremony Information

First Hill Campus Public transportation:

  • Option #1 (straight path, no transfers): The #2 Metro Bus takes you directly from E Union & 12th Ave near the First Hill campus to 1st Ave N & Republican St near Seattle Center (see map below).
  • Option #2 (fun "tourist" travel): Take the light rail (lines 1 or 2) to Westlake Center Station, then transfer onto the Seattle Center Monorail, which drops you in the heart of Seattle Center.

First Hill Campus Shuttles: A total of 6 shuttles will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on the way to and from the ceremony from the First Hill campus. Shuttles will meet for departure to McCaw Hall at 8:30am and 9:20am sharp at the Seattle University seal on the lower mall.

  • Faculty and student athletes assisting with procession should plan to board the 8:30am shuttle to arrive in time for robing. All other students may use the 8:30am or 9:20am shuttle service.

Shuttles will depart from McCaw back to the First Hill campus at 12:00pm. Availability will be limited and similarly first-come, first-served.

South Lake Union Campus: McCaw Hall is a 25-minute walk from the Seattle University South Lake Union Campus. Cornish College staff will be arranging walking groups to and from the venue. Alternatively, those in need of transportation assistance can board the SU shuttle (bright red shuttle van) at times to be announced.

Entrances: Please plan to enter through the Mercer Street main McCaw Hall entrance. You will pass through security detectors.

  • Platform Party members should plan to enter via the skybridge from the Mercer Street Garage.
  • Processing faculty should enter through the Stage Door on Mercer Street.

Clear Bag Policy: Seattle University upholds a strict bag policy at events of this size. Only clear bags or clutch purses/wallets no larger than 4.5'' x 6.5'' will be allowed into the venue.

Other Security Information: Flags, signs, noise-makers, or other items that may disrupt the ceremony or obstruct the view of another guest are NOT allowed. Seattle University reserves the right to escort guests from the ceremony who disrupt the experience for others.

Accommodations

For guests traveling to Seattle for the inauguration, we have reserved a block of rooms at the Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle – Broadway, conveniently located directly across from Seattle University's campus.

Silver Cloud InnSilver Cloud Broadway
1100 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
Seattle University Inauguration Room Block: Booking Link

Distance to Inauguration Engagements
Inauguration Mass | St. James Cathedral – 0.4 miles
Inauguration Ceremony | McCaw Hall – 3.1 miles
Community Celebration | Seattle University Campion Hall – 0.4 miles

About
Located in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, directly across from Seattle University, the Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle – Broadway offers comfortable, contemporary accommodations with convenient access to downtown Seattle, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Guest rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, premium bedding, Aveda bath products, coffeemakers, microwaves, and refrigerators. Suites offer additional living space and seating areas.
The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar, Jimmy’s on Broadway, serving Pacific Northwest-inspired American cuisine, as well as a fitness center, complimentary guest laundry facilities, and secure covered parking for an additional fee.

Check-in time: 4:00PM | Check-out time: 12:00PM

Other Accommodations

Depending on your travel plans and the inauguration events you plan to attend, other accommodations may be more convenient. Below are several hotels we recommend, offering a range of locations and amenities to help you make the most of your visit to Seattle.

Hotel SorrentoHotel Sorrento
900 Madison Street, Seattle, WA 98104

Distance to Inauguration Engagements
Inauguration Mass | St. James Cathedral – 2 blocks
Inauguration Ceremony | McCaw Hall – 2.6 miles
Community Celebration | Seattle University Campion Hall – 0.6 miles

About
Set in a 1909 landmark building in downtown Seattle, this elegant Italian-influenced hotel features individually designed rooms with period features and furnishings. All have free Wi-Fi, premium mattresses, Egyptian linens and marble bathrooms, plus flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers. Suites include separate living areas, and some have city views. Room service is offered.

Free downtown car service is available. An upscale restaurant serves modern dishes using seasonal ingredients, and there are 24-hour business and fitness centers.

Check-in time: 4:00PM | Check-out time: 12:00PM

Hyatt House Seattle DowntownHyatt House Seattle Downtown
201 Fifth Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109

Distance to Inauguration Engagements
Inauguration Mass | St. James Cathedral – 1.5 miles
Inauguration Ceremony | McCaw Hall – 0.4 miles
Community Celebration | Seattle University Campion Hall – 2 miles

About
Located directly across from Seattle’s iconic Space Needle and steps from Seattle Center, Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown offers spacious, contemporary accommodations with convenient access to downtown attractions, including Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, and Climate Pledge Arena. Guest rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, comfortable bedding, workspaces, microwaves, and refrigerators. Studio and one-bedroom suites include fully equipped kitchens and additional living space, with select rooms offering Space Needle views.

The hotel offers complimentary daily hot breakfast, an on-site bar and casual dining at H Bar, a 24-hour market, a fitness center, and guest laundry facilities. A rooftop patio features lounge seating, firepits, and views of the Space Needle and downtown Seattle. On-site parking is available for an additional fee.

Check-in time: 4:00PM | Check-out time: 11:00AM

Hyatt RegencyHyatt Regency
201 Fifth Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109

Distance to Inauguration Engagements
Inauguration Mass | St. James Cathedral – 0.7 miles
Inauguration Ceremony | McCaw Hall – 1.3 miles
Community Celebration | Seattle University Campion Hall – 2.2 miles

About
Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, steps from the Seattle Convention Center and within walking distance of shopping, dining, and major attractions, Hyatt Regency Seattle offers modern, upscale accommodations with sweeping views of the city and surrounding waterfront. Spacious guest rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, 65-inch flat-screen TVs, comfortable bedding, workspaces, coffeemakers, and mini-refrigerators. Suites offer separate living areas, additional amenities, and expansive city views.

The hotel features several on-site dining options, including Andare Kitchen & Bar, Daniel’s Broiler steakhouse, and a 24-hour market offering coffee, snacks, and casual meals. Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, concierge services, and on-site parking for an additional fee.

Check-in time: 4:00PM | Check-out time: 11:00AM

Meet the President

President-Elect Maura Mast

About President Maura Mast, PhD

“I am both excited and humbled to be chosen as the 23rd President of Seattle University,” Dr. Mast says. “I have a deep respect for the university community’s commitment to transforming students through a rigorous education rooted in the Jesuit traditions of fearless inquiry, scholarship, faith, justice and innovation."

Contact Us

Questions about upcoming inauguration events? Contact the Office of the President.

Office of the President