Grounded and Student Focused
President Vischer aims to address the challenges facing higher education and society, noting, “Courage will empower us to do what is necessary to promote the lifelong flourishing of our students.”
Presidential Inauguration
Inauguration Highlights
Inaugural Mass Photo Gallery
Highlights from the May 12, 2023 inaugural mass at the Chapel of St.Thomas Aquinas.
Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas
Procession
Archbishop Hebda
Father Dease
President Vischer and wife, Maureen
Inauguration Ceremony Photo Gallery
Highlights from the May 12, 2023 inauguration ceremony of Robert K. Vischer.
St. Thomas Board of Trustees Marching in Procession
Provost Eddy Rojas Marching with Mace
St. Thomas Chamber Singers Perform
The St. Thomas Chamber singers performing the song, "I sing because I'm happy" during the closing of the inauguration ceremony.
Twin Cities Leaders Participate
St. Paul mayor, Melvin Carter, and Minnesota Senator, Amy Klobuchar, addressed the audience during the inauguration.
Inauguration Highlights
The University of St. Thomas inaugurated its 16th president, Robert K. Vischer, on Friday, May 12, 2023. Watch highlights from the days celebration.
News
Grounded and Student Focused
Inaugural Address
Be not afraid – we are called to be courageous! Read the full Inaugural Address here.
Inaugural Address
Calls on St. Thomas Community to be Courageous
Vischer addresses the audience stressing the university remains committed to a quality educational experience that prepares students for a bright future.
Twin Cities Leaders Welcome Robert K. Vischer
Remarks from Sen. Amy Klobuchar, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Bishop Williams, Board of Trustees Chair Pat Ryan, Chair-Elect Jodee Kozlak, former President Emeritus Father Dennis Dease, and Past President Julie Sullivan.
Join us on May 12, 2023
The Board of Trustees of the University of St. Thomas cordially invite you to join in celebrating the inauguration of the 16th President of the University of St. Thomas: Robert K. Vischer.
This inauguration ceremony serves to gather our university community in celebration, providing an opportunity to hear from our new president and celebrate this exciting time for our institution. Join current students, faculty, staff, alumni, community leaders, supporters, and delegates from other academic institutions.
Events include a Mass, community lunch, the Inauguration Ceremony, and a late-afternoon student-run celebration with music, food trucks, and entertainment.
Watch the Inauguration Ceremony via Live Stream.
Follow along with the Ceremony Program.
About President Robert K. Vischer
Rob Vischer is a longtime law school educator who formerly served as dean of the university's law school for nearly 10 years. He earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. Rob became St. Thomas' interim president in 2022, and will be the second layperson to assume the role. Read more about the announcement of his unanimous selection for president.
Schedule of Events for Friday, May 12, 2023
All events will be held on the St. Paul campus of the University of St. Thomas. Find specific buildings on the Interactive Campus Map or on the PDF version of the Campus Map.
Registration for in-person events is now closed. View the Inauguration Ceremony via Live Stream
Follow along with the Ceremony Program
Location: on North campus, North of Summit Avenue on Cleveland Avenue; find it on the Interactive Campus Map; find it on Google Maps; find it on the PDF version of the Campus Map.
About this event:The Inaugural Mass is open to all. Communion guidance will be on the program.
RSVP/Registration: not needed
COVID Note: St. Thomas does not require masks or face coverings except in clinical areas in the Center for Well-Being and on a limited basis following infection or exposure to COVID-19.
Location: John P. Monahan Plaza (the outdoor plaza of the Anderson Student Center) find it on the Interactive Campus Map; find it on Google Maps; find it on the PDF version of the Campus Map.
About this event: Following Mass, join us outdoors for food and fellowship. Guests, students, faculty, and staff are all welcome. (In case of severe weather, the luncheon will be held indoors at the Anderson Student Center.)
RSVP/Registration: Registration is now closed
Location: on North campus, North of Summit Avenue and a cornerstone of the lower quad; find it on the Interactive Campus Map; find it on Google Maps; find it on the PDF version of the Campus Map.
About this event: An academic presidential inauguration is a traditional, formal investiture ceremony which unites those with a stake in the future of the institution – students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and supporters. President Vischer will receive the symbols of the office and share his vision for St. Thomas' future.
RSVP/Registration: Registration is now closed
COVID Note: St. Thomas does not require masks or face coverings except in clinical areas in the Center for Well-Being and on a limited basis following infection or exposure to COVID-19.
Location: North campus; find it on the PDF version of the Campus Map
About this event: Following the Inauguration Ceremony, all are welcome to celebrate at the student-run Tommie Fest. There will be music, food trucks, and entertainment.
RSVP/Registration: not needed
Transportation & Parking
We strongly encourage you to consider alternate transportation to the Inauguration, such as Metro Transit, Rideshare or carpooling to campus. Read more about Transportation options to the St. Paul campus.
On-campus parking will be free on Friday, May 12 in the Anderson Parking Facilities and the red/yellow surface parking lots. See parking options on the PDF version of the Campus Map.
Accessible Parking
Guests who have an accessible parking certificate, or have limited mobility, accessible parking is available in Frey Parking Garage.
Hotel Accommodations & Dining
If you are coming from out of town to the Inauguration, we invite you to consider one of these area hotels that provide discounted rates for visitors to St. Thomas campuses.
Many entrepreneurial Tommie alumni are making the Twin Cities a more delicious place. Check out our list of Tommie-owned restaurants.
Disability Resources
St. Thomas will caption the live stream (online video) of the Inauguration Ceremony.
You can find more details, along with guidance for Accessible Parking, convenient drop-offs, and scooter or wheelchair rental on the Presidential Inauguration Accessibility web page.