Presidential Inauguration Events
The week of the presidential inauguration was marked by a series of special events celebrating an exciting new chapter in LMU’s history.
We extend our sincere gratitude to LMU’s generous benefactors and sponsors. Their invaluable support and partnership played a vital role in bringing these inauguration celebrations to life and making this historic moment truly unforgettable.
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025
Business & Education Innovation Summit
9 a.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
Inauguration Academic Symposium: AI: Discernment, Made Here
5:30 p.m.
Life Sciences Building
Keynote Address:
Dr. Safiya U. Noble, David O. Sears Presidential Endowed Chair of Social Sciences at UCLA, and UCLA Professor
Dr. Safiya U. Noble is a Professor at UCLA where she serves as the Director of the Center on Resilience and Digital Justice and Co-Director of the Minderoo Initiative on Tech & Power. She is the bestselling author of Algorithms of Oppression.
Moderated by:
Mairead Sullivan, M.S.W., Ph.D. | Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts
Professor of Women’s & Gender Studies, Director of the University Core Curriculum, PI of a Mellon Foundation Grant to Advance the Intersection of AI and Disability Studies, and Member of the University Taskforce on Generative AI
Panelists:
- Safiya U. Noble, Ph.D.
- Colin Doyle, J.D. | Loyola Law School
Associate Professor of Law and Member of the University Taskforce on Generative AI - Jordan Freitas, Ph.D. | Seaver College of Science and Engineering
Associate Professor of Computer Science, Co-Chair of the University Task Force for Use of Generative AI, and Faculty Senate Secretary - Justin Trevor Winters | School of Film and Television
Instructor of Screenwriting & Creative Technology, Director of The Innovators Film Festival, Mellon Faculty Fellow (2025), and Member of the University Taskforce on Generative AI
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025
Afternoon of Service at the Mar Vista Family Center
2:30 p.m.
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 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
ASLMU Christmas Tree Lighting, Special Inauguration Edition
5 p.m.
Regents Terrace
Join students, faculty, and staff in LMU’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, a joyful celebration of the season.
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025
Missioning Mass
10:15 a.m.
Sacred Heart Chapel
Interfaith leaders from across the Los Angeles region gathered to continue the LMU tradition of hosting a religious service for a sacred moment of reflection, gratitude, and hope.
Community Lunch
12 p.m.
Alumni Mall
All pre-registered attendees are invited to gather for a celebratory lunch — featuring a buffet, boxed lunches, and warm camaraderie.
Installation Ceremony
2 p.m.
Albert Gersten Pavilion
The Inauguration of Thomas Poon, Ph.D., marks a historic chapter in LMU's story, formally installing its 17th president. Inspired by our Catholic mission in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions, the inauguration theme, "Hope, Made Here," reflects the values we bring to life through community, academic excellence, and service. This ceremony honors LMU’s enduring ties to Los Angeles and the world beyond the Bluff, affirming our commitment to opening doors of opportunity, empowering human potential, and leading with purpose. In this moment of transition and tradition, we celebrate a university of consequence, and we look with hope, vision, and unwavering faith in the future we are called to shape together.
Spirit of the Season Reception
4 p.m.
Alumni Mall
Join fellow pre-registered attendees in a joyful celebration of the inauguration — complete with holiday treats, giveaways, and a Christmas market featuring LMU gear and seasonal cheer.
CramJam
9 p.m.
The Lair
Free and open to all LMU students, join us for a relaxing and fun evening hosted by your Residence Hall Association. We’ll be serving a delicious breakfast spread featuring eggs and bacon, plus a live DJ to keep the energy up! Enjoy our photo booth, interactive activities, and enter to win a variety of exciting raffle prizes. CramJam is a great way to unwind and recharge during finals week, we hope to see you there!