News Harvard’s Presidential Inauguration Lawrence S. Bacow to be installed as University’s 29th President on Friday, October 5. Posted October 1, 2018 By News editor On Friday, October 5, 2018, Lawrence S. Bacow, J.D.’76, M.P.P.’76, Ph.D.’78 will be installed as Harvard’s 29th president. The installation ceremony will take place in Tercentenary Theatre, Harvard Yard, Cambridge. Immediately following, the University will host a community-wide celebration, called the Bacow Block Party, in Harvard Yard.The entire Harvard community is invited to these events. You can find all the information related to the day’s events here — you can also watch a livestream on Friday afternoon, and take part on social media by using #HarvardInauguration.Bacow was president-in-residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Education from 2011 to 2014. Read our interview with senior lecturer Judith Block McLaughlin, who chairs the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents, and who has known Bacow since he was chancellor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Learn more about HGSE’s Higher Education Program (incuding the Presidents-in-Residence program).INAUGURATION FAQsWhen and where is the inauguration?Below is a schedule of public events.2 p.m.Academic ProcessionTercentenary Theatre, Harvard YardPlease note Tercentenary Theatre seating will open at 1:00 p.m. and guests should be seated for the academic procession by 1:50 p.m. 2:30 p.m.Installation of Lawrence S. BacowTercentenary Theatre, Harvard Yard 4 p.m. (approx)The Bacow Block PartyHarvard YardWhat happens at a Harvard inauguration?The afternoon will begin with an academic procession, followed by an installation ceremony that includes music, greetings from members of the Harvard community and friends of Harvard, the transfer of relics from Harvard’s history, and remarks from the new president.A Harvard presidential inauguration is a rare occurrence. In Harvard’s 382-year history, only 29 individuals have held the title. Outside of Commencement, historic occasions such as the inauguration offer a rare opportunity for all parts of the University to gather together. Notes on past inaugurations (through 2001)List of Harvard presidentsDo I need tickets?Harvard students, faculty, and staff may use their Harvard ID for admission into the installation ceremony and the block party. Other attendees will require tickets for admission. Alumni can get tickets by completing the ticket request form.Questions? inauguration@harvard.edu More information:Official website: harvard.edu/inaugurationAlumni registration and tickets: alumni.harvard.edu/inaugurationFaculty/staff/student registration: alumni.harvard.edu/bacowAllston and Cambridge communities: community@harvard.eduInquiries: inauguration@harvard.edu News The latest research, perspectives, and highlights from the Harvard Graduate School of Education Explore All Articles Related Articles News Royal, Wippman Named Presidents-in-Residence In its first year as a fully endowed program, the Judith Block McLaughlin Presidents-in-Residence program welcomes two new members News Marcy, Rosenberg to Serve as 2021–22 Presidents in Residence The pair will join the incoming and returning Higher Education cohorts where they will serve as presenters, discussion partners, and advisers. News Cevallos, Martin to Serve as 2022-23 Presidents-in-Residence The pair will join higher education master’s students for discussions about and reflections on leadership in higher education and the contemporary challenges in the field.