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Inauguration

Friday, April 11, 2025

Eastern proudly hosted the Inauguration of the University’s Seventh President, Dr. Karim Ismaili.

This significant occasion marked the formal start of Dr. Ismaili’s presidency and affirmed our shared commitment to Eastern’s mission and future.

The inauguration celebrated the University’s mission, values, and the outstanding contributions of its faculty, staff, and students as we embark on a new chapter in Eastern’s 136-year history.

We hope everyone enjoyed coming together as a community to honor this momentous occasion and celebrating Eastern’s bright future under Dr. Ismaili’s leadership.

Inauguration Program

Karim Ismaili

Support the President’s Vision

Join us in shaping the future of Eastern Connecticut State University by contributing to the Presidential Inauguration Fund. Your generosity helps support student scholarships, enhance academic programs, invest in faculty and staff development, and strengthen student services. Gifts to this fund empower President Ismaili to advance initiatives that uphold Eastern’s mission and values.

Make a Gift Today

Faculty Symposium: Celebrating Scholarship and Vision

As part of the inauguration festivities for President Karim Ismaili, Eastern Connecticut State University hosted a Faculty Symposium that spotlighted the depth and diversity of faculty expertise across disciplines. The symposium featured engaging presentations that showcased Eastern’s academic excellence and underscored the institution’s commitment to student success, liberal arts learning, and community engagement.

Each faculty presenter brought forward ideas rooted in research, creativity, and critical inquiry. From scientific breakthroughs to cultural analyses, the symposium reaffirmed the vital role that faculty scholarship plays in shaping Eastern’s mission and inspiring the next generation of learners.

Watch the faculty presentations now and experience the bold thinking and meaningful scholarship that define Eastern Connecticut State University.

Proudly Sponsored By:

Barnes and Nobles CollegeKBE Building CorporationPepsi logoHartford Healthcare Windham Hospital logoEastern EatsECSU Foundation

The Herbert and Nell Singer Foundation, Inc

Inauguration of the Seventh President Dr. Karim Ismaili

"Eastern embodies the best of what public higher education can be: a place where curiosity thrives, perspectives expand and potential is unlocked. We empower students to think critically, engage meaningfully and lead with purpose — because education is not just about preparing for the future it's about shaping it." - Karim Ismaili, Ph.D.

The Board of Regents of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities request the honor of your presence at the Inauguration of Dr. Karim Ismaili as President of Eastern Connecticut State University | Friday, April eleventh, two thousand and twenty-five | Eleven o'clock in the morning | Eastern Connecticut State University Willimantic, Connecticut | Celebration to follow ceremony | easternct.edu/inauguration

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION | Schedule of Events | THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2025: 1 p.m. • Faculty Symposium; Student Center Theatre; Eastern faculty showcase their research, teaching.; student engagement and professional contributions. | 4 p.m. • Faculty Symposium Reception; Student Center Café; Join faculty. students and guests for conversation and celebration. | FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025: 11 a.m. • Investiture Ceremony (By Invitation Only); Fine Arts Instructional Center Concert Hall; A formal ceremony installing Dr. Karim Ismaili as Easten's President. | 1 p.m. • Inauguration Charge Ceremony & Celebration; Student Center Lobby; Campus representatives share hopes for President; leadership. followed by a festive reception. | 2:30 p.m. • Community Group Photo; Amphitheater Lawn (Rain location: Geissler Gymnasium); Be part of Eastern's history with a commemorative group photo.