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Inauguration

Friday, April 11, 2025

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

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

The inauguration will celebrate 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 look forward to coming together as a community to honor this momentous occasion and to celebrate Eastern’s bright future under Dr. Ismaili’s leadership.

 

Karim Ismaili

Schedule of Events

 

Thursday April 10, 2025

1:00 p.m. Faculty Symposium
» Student Center Theatre
Eastern faculty showcase their research, teaching, student engagement, and professional contributions. 

4:00 p.m. Faculty Symposium Reception
» Student Center Café
Join faculty, students, and guests for conversation and celebration.

Friday April 11, 2025

11:00 a.m. Investiture Ceremony (Invitation Only)
» FAIC Concert Hall
A formal ceremony installing Dr. Karim Ismaili as Eastern’s President.

1:00 p.m. Inauguration Charge Ceremony & Celebration
» Student Center Lobby
Campus representatives share hopes for President Ismaili’s leadership, followed by a festive reception.

2:30 p.m. Community Group Photo
» Amphitheater Lawn (Rain: Geissler Gym)
Be part of Eastern’s history with a commemorative group photo.

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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

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Join us live on YouTube as Eastern Connecticut State University celebrates the Investiture of President Karim Ismaili. The ceremony will take place on Friday, April 11, at 11:00 AM, and will be streamed in real-time for those unable to attend in person.

Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM (ET)
Watch Live: Join the livestream

Be part of this historic occasion as we formally welcome President Ismaili and celebrate Eastern’s next chapter!

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.