Enduring Mission.
Emerging Pathways.
For nearly 150 years, ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ’s mission has inspired us to serve God by
serving students, so they in turn may serve others. The service of generations of
entrepreneurs, lawyers, nurses, teachers, scientists, scholars, musicians and other
professionals has helped build our home city of Pittsburgh and deliver good for the
greater world.
In November 2025, ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ Board Chair Diane Hupp announced that Dr. David Dausey, executive vice president and provost at ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ, was selected to be the University’s
14th President. His term will begin on July 1, 2026. "I love this university. It is the greatest honor of my life to be its next president.
I will give it the full measure of my energy, my experience, and my heart."
A transformative academic leader and an internationally recognized epidemiologist,
Dr. Dausey has championed initiatives that have expanded the University’s academic
reach—launching new schools, departments, programs and institutes, including the Nasuti
College of Osteopathic Medicine and a revitalized portfolio of engineering programs.
There’s a sense of optimism across campus about this new chapter—one defined by meaningful
partnerships and a deep commitment to the students and the enduring mission that make
¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ extraordinary.
The Inauguration of Dr. David J. Dausey: September 13-18, 2026
Inauguration Week Events
The investiture of David J. Dausey will serve as a signature moment in a multi-day celebration inviting the ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ community to honor our scholarship, history, and the distinctive value of the ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ experience.
Distinctive events will include:
- Inaugural Mass: Sunday, September 13, 11 a.m., ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ Chapel
- Investiture Ceremony: Thursday, September 17, 1 p.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse
- All-Campus Reception: Thursday, September 17, immediately following the Investiture Ceremony, Academic Walk
- Exhibits of Student and Faculty Research and Creative Work: Presented throughout the week in public spaces across campus
Dr. Dausey will hold several additional special events throughout the week, for specific audiences, including a Conversation with Student Government and Leaders; and a Faculty Senate Address.
Additional details about the inauguration week schedule will be posted as they are confirmed.
Information for Delegates
The inauguration of a university president is a celebration not only of that institution but of the entire academic community. Dressed in the academic regalia of their respective institutions, delegates march in the inauguration processional in order of the founding date of each institution.
Academic Dress
Delegates participating in the academic procession may bring their own academic dress
or may rent regalia from the ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ bookstore.
Rental information
To rent academic dress, email DUBookstoreFREEDUQUESNE by Friday, August 28, 2026, to provide sizing and contact information and to arrange for payment. Rental regalia
will be available for pickup at a designated delegate robing location to be announced.
Campus Map
Parking
Event parking is available in the Forbes Avenue Parking Garage (#41 on the campus map). The entrance is off Forbes Avenue, on the right-hand side just past the Power Center and directly across from McGinley Hall. GPS Address:
Accommodations
We have and exclusive offers for ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ visitors at the following hotels:
What Our Community is Saying
Let's Hear Your Ideas!
As Dr. Dausey prepares to become ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ’s President in July 2026, he is meeting with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners to listen, learn and gather ideas for the University’s future.
Dr. Dausey invites you to share your thoughts with him through a Qualtrics survey. All feedback shared through the survey is confidential, and you have the option to submit it anonymously.
President-Elect Communications
View Dr. Dausey's recent messages to the campus community.
- — May 5, 2026
- — April 1, 2026
- — March 17, 2026
- — March 9, 2026
- — February 19, 2026
- — February 17, 2026
- — February 13, 2026
- — January 28, 2026
- — January 26, 2026
More About ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ's Incoming President
Epidemiologist, professor and academic administrator, Dr. Dausey has revitalized ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ’s academic unit since becoming provost in 2018.




