Sally Lee
Contributing Writer
The Rev. Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. asked that the focus of his inauguration be on students, staff and faculty. University Historian Alan Ziajka who was responsible for coordinating the events said this inauguration ceremony is slightly different from past ones because there will be “more emphasis on students.” The inauguration celebration began Wednesday, Oct. 29 with a reception recognizing student research, creativity and service. A reception celebrating faculty work will be on Thursday, Oct. 30. A reception for staff will be on Friday, Oct. 31 after the inauguration Mass.
Ziajka noted that inaugurations don’t happen all that often. The last inauguration ceremony at the University of San Francisco, for the Rev. Stephen A. Privett, S.J. took place 14 years ago. Students currently attending the university have the rare opportunity to attend this event and are highly encouraged to participate.
In addition to the president’s family, honored guests at the secular inauguration on Saturday Nov. 1 include Rabbi Jonathan Singer, of San Francisco’s Temple Emanu-El; Provincial of the California Province of the Society of Jesus, the Very Rev. Michael Weiler, S.J.; the Auxiliary Archbishop of San Francisco, the Most Rev. Robert W. McElroy; San Francisco Mayor Edwin E. Lee; Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom; and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives San Francisco’s own Rep. Nancy Pelosi.
*The featured image is USF Historian Alan Ziajka on top of Lone Mountain
