As LMU prepares to celebrate the inauguration of Thomas Poon, Ph.D., as its 17th president, it’s also an invitation to showcase LMU at its brightest. Through a series of events that welcome scholars, engage the broader Los Angeles community, and celebrate LMU’s distinctive mission and identity, these moments will embody the spirit of “Hope, Made Here.” Rooted in LMU’s spirit of optimism, the theme expresses the university’s forward momentum and mission to transform lives and society.
Below are some of the signature events anchoring LMU’s inauguration season:
- Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 | 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Life Sciences Building
LMU and L.A. Chamber of Commerce Business & Education Innovation Summit:
A Shared Vision for the Future - Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Life Sciences Building | RSVP here
Inauguration Academic Symposium: AI: Discernment, Made Here
Keynote Address: Dr. Safiya U. Noble, David O. Sears Presidential Endowed Chair of Social Sciences at UCLA, and UCLA Professor - Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 | 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Mar Vista Family Center
Afternoon of Service at the Mar Vista Family Center
The Mar Vista Family Center is a long-standing community partner of LMU, providing local families with quality early childhood education, youth enrichment, and multi-generational programming to help create positive change in their lives and community. Students from the Pam Rector Center for Service and Action have volunteered weekly at MVFC for years, and on Dec. 2, President-Elect Poon and First Spouse Irwin will join the CSA student volunteers for their scheduled afternoon of service at this beloved community partner. - Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 | 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Regents Terrace
ASLMU Christmas Tree Lighting: Special Inauguration Edition - Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 — Inauguration Day | RSVP here
10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Missioning Mass in Sacred Heart Chapel
Presider: The Most Reverend José H. Gómez, Archbishop of Los Angeles
Concelebrants: Provincial Sean Carroll, S.J., and the LMU Jesuit Community
Noon – 1 p.m.
Community Lunch on Regents Terrace
1:15 – 2 p.m.
Robing and Procession Line-Up (for Delegates and Faculty)
2 – 4 p.m.
Installation Ceremony in Gersten Pavilion
4 – 5:30 p.m.
Spirit of the Season Reception on Alumni Mall - Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 | 9-11 p.m. | The Lair
Cram Jam: Inauguration Edition
Students can take a break from finals and join the Residence Hall Association and LMU Dining for a special Inauguration edition of Cram Jam, your ultimate study night celebration. Enjoy a DJ, photo booth, raffle prizes, and free food for students. Whether you’re looking to recharge, relax, or refocus, Cram Jam has everything you need to power through finals week. - Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 | 1 to 5 p.m. | SoFi Stadium
LMU Day at the Rams, Special Inauguration Celebration
Learn more about inauguration season events and RSVP at LMU’s Inauguration website. The university requests volunteers at key events on Monday, Dec. 8, and Tuesday, Dec. 9 – you can sign up here.
