Inauguration of Linfield University's 21st President
Mark Blegen
Connecting Learning, Life and Community
Since his arrival at Linfield on July 1, 2025, President Mark Blegen has fully embraced Linfield’s mission: connecting learning, life and community. In fact, he could think of no better theme for his inauguration. It’s what has guided Linfield since 2002, and will continue to do so.
Please join us for this special moment in Linfield’s history, as we celebrate and reaffirm our mission, and conduct the formal installation of Mark Blegen as the 21st President of Linfield University.
INVESTITURE CEREMONY
Friday, May 8, 2026
3 p.m.
Ted Wilson Gymnasium
McMinnville, Oregon
Join the celebration
Attending as a representative of another institution of higher education or other entity? Please RSVP by completing our Delegate Response Form.
Delegate Response FormVisitor Information
Linfield University is proud to welcome alumni, friends and guests to campus for the inauguration of our 21st president, Mark Blegen. We invite you to join us on Friday, May 8, 2026 in McMinnville as we gather to celebrate this historic moment in the life of the university and reaffirm Linfield’s enduring mission of connecting learning, life and community.
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Find maps and parking information to help you navigate campus during inauguration events.
Questions?
Please reach out to inauguration@linfield.edu if you have any questions about the inauguration.
Inauguration Week Schedule
Monday, 5/4—Celebrating Linfield’s history
4 p.m. – Reception and brief remarks
All day - Exhibit curated by Linfield Archives and Linfield Anthropology Museum and viewed in Linfield Anthropology Museum display cases in Walker Hall
Tuesday, 5/5—Celebrating our Portland campus students and faculty
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in Loveridge Hall
- Light lunch provided
- Connect with current School of Nursing students
- Hear short presentations from School of Nursing faculty and students about their work
Wednesday, 5/6—McMinnville campus student showcase
4 p.m. – Reception and brief remarks
- Poster displays set up in Fred Meyer Lounge, highlighting various aspects of the student experience at Linfield
- Engage with students about their projects and displays
Thursday, 5/7—McMinnville campus faculty showcase
7 p.m. - Mini-lectures by faculty (order TBD) | Richard and Lucille Ice Auditorium
- Max Klein, assistant professor of sport management, School of Business
- Guyatree Sarma, assistant professor of practice, School of Business
- Michael Crosser, professor of physics, College of Arts & Sciences
- Sonia Ticas, professor of Spanish and Latin American studies, College of Arts & Sciences
- Emily Evanstein, assistant professor of education, College of Arts & Sciences
Friday, 5/8—Investiture
12 p.m. - Luncheon | Riley 201
- A luncheon for delegates, Board of Trustees, and other special guests
2 p.m. Robing and line-up | Upper Gym in HHPA building
3 p.m. Investiture Ceremony | Ted Wilson Gym
Post-Ceremony reception | Dillin Hall (or adjacent lawn)
About the 21st president
The Blegen era begins at Linfield University
Linfield News
The Blegen era begins at Linfield University
July 1, 2025 - Mark Blegen officially begins his tenure as Linfield University’s 21st president, bringing decades of experience in academic leadership and a deep commitment to student success.
Get to know President Blegen
Presidential Bio
Get to know President Blegen
Mark Blegen is an experienced academic leader, educator and advocate for the liberal arts with a career spanning more than two decades in higher education.
Mark Blegen begins ‘Linfield experience’
News-Register
Mark Blegen begins ‘Linfield experience’
Aug. 8, 2025 - In the five weeks since he moved into the president’s office at Linfield University, Mark Blegen said he has talked about the school with numerous students, alumni, donors and employees.