Marywood University to Inaugurate 13th President

Marywood University will mark a historic moment when Lisa A. Lori, J.D. is formally installed as the institution’s thirteenth president during an Inauguration Ceremony set for Friday, November 8. The theme for the inaugural festivities, as well as for initiatives planned throughout the year, is “Ignite the Light.”

As Marywood’s first lay president, President Lori’s distinguished qualifications, including a dynamic leadership record as Marywood’s former Board Chair and an extensive background as a lawyer, reflect a growing national trend of lawyer presidents, whose legal training and strategic expertise are highly sought in the challenging, complex climate of higher education. A proud Marywood alumna, President Lori is committed to further expanding Marywood’s scope of influence in higher education.

The day of celebration will feature several events, including an Inauguration Liturgy, celebrated by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, at 10 a.m. The Inauguration Ceremony, at which President Lori will be formally installed, will take place at 2 p.m. Both events are being held at the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. Marywood Presidents Emeritae, Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., and Sister Mary Reap, IHM, Ph.D., will take part in the ceremony.

The Inaugural Liturgy is open to the public, but capacity regulations will be observed. Due to space constraints, attendance at the Inaugural Ceremony is by invitation only. However, both the Liturgy and the Inauguration Ceremony will be livestreamed at: marywood.edu/inauguration.

There is a watch party planned for students in the Latour Room at Nazareth Student Center. All Marywood students will enjoy a celebratory lunch, courtesy of President Lori, in the Main Dining Hall in between the morning and afternoon events.

In the evening, an Inaugural Gala will be held for invited guests, faculty, and staff of Marywood University in the Insalaco Arena at the Center for Athletics and Wellness, beginning at 6 p.m.

Throughout the day, an art exhibit, “Highlights from the Maslow Collection,” will be on display in the Mahady Gallery and the Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art. The exhibit opens on November 8 and runs through January 24, 2025. Visitors to campus on Inauguration Day are encouraged to visit the galleries in between events to view the largest and most comprehensive collection of Contemporary art in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with over 700 works by more than 150 artists.