The Inauguration

Seattle University is coming together for the inauguration of Maura B. Mast, PhD, as the 23rd president of the university.

The two-day event will begin with an Inauguration Mass at 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16. at St. James Cathedral in which Dr. Mast will be officially “missioned” to be the leader of the Jesuit work at SU. The event, open to all, will bring the university community together in a meaningful gathering of faith, reflection and celebration as we welcome a new era of leadership.

At 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, the community is invited to gather at McCaw Hall at the Seattle Center for the Inauguration Ceremony in which Dr. Mast will be formally installed as president by Patrick Callans, chair of Seattle University’s Board of Trustees.

This marks a new chapter in the university’s history to celebrate President Mast’s leadership and vision for the future. (Doors to the venue will open at 9 a.m. Please visit the inauguration website for more information about transportation, security measures and more.)

Closing out the inauguration festivities will be an informal reception open to community members and visiting guests to honor Dr. Mast with refreshments, including a culinary tour of the city, from 4-6 p.m. in Campion Ballroom.

While the events are open to all, registration is encouraged and required for the inauguration ceremony.

Here’s what to know about the events, including the schedule, locations, livestream information and class cancellations on Nov 17.

Inauguration Mass 

• What: Community members and guests are invited to a liturgy with religious leaders that honors Seattle University’s Jesuit, Catholic traditions. 
• When: 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16
• Where: St. James Cathedral (804 9th Ave. Seattle 98104)
• In-Person Access: All are welcome. Advanced registration is highly recommended. Seating will be first come, first served. 
• Livestream: Viewers can also watch the Mass on the inauguration website.

Inauguration of President Mast

• What: The program will include an academic procession, a musical performance, remarks from university leaders and President Mast’s inauguration address. 
• When: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17
• Where: McCaw Hall (321 Mercer St., Seattle 98109, on the campus of Seattle Center)
• In-Person Access: Registration is required. Seating will be first come, first served. 
• Livestream: The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the Inauguration website. 
• Canceled classes: To better accommodate students and faculty attending the inauguration, all morning classes will be canceled, with classes resuming at 12:20 p.m.

Inauguration Community Reception

• What: To close out the festivities, community members and guests are invited to an informal reception on campus, including refreshments, music and community coming together to celebrate the historic occasion. Registration is highly encouraged.
• When: 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17
• Where: Campion Ballroom (914 E Jefferson St., Seattle 98122) on the campus of SU.

Learn more about Dr. Mast’s first day.