As Linfield University prepares to install its 21st president, Mark Blegen, a week of events highlights the ideas, relationships and experiences shaping the university’s future.
On a campus defined by connection — between disciplines, between people and between learning and life — moments of transition carry particular significance.
On May 8, Linfield University will mark one of those moments as it formally installs its 21st president, Mark Blegen. To celebrate the occasion, Linfield hosts a series of events to bring together students, employees, alumni and community members — not only to celebrate a new presidency, but to reflect on what it means to learn, lead and engage in a rapidly changing world.
Inauguration Week reflects Linfield’s commitment to connecting learning, life and community. Through a series of academic, student-centered and community-focused events held May 4-8, the university will both celebrate this leadership transition and explore the evolving role of higher education in a rapidly changing world.
“At its best, an inauguration is both a milestone and a starting point,” Blegen said. “It’s an opportunity to reaffirm who we are, while also looking ahead to the work we’re called to do together, supporting our people, programs and places.”
That work is grounded in Linfield’s mission to connect learning, life and community. Throughout the week, showcases, exhibits and gatherings illustrate how those connections take shape — linking academic inquiry with lived experience and bringing together students, faculty and community partners.
In doing so, the week offers a clear view of the value of a Linfield education. Events highlight how students apply their learning in meaningful ways, reflecting a future-ready approach rooted in relationships, the liberal arts and immersive opportunities.
Inauguration Week schedule of events
The following events are free and open to the public. Inauguration Week events are generously supported through the financial contributions of Linfield alumni, donors and friends. No RSVPs are required.
- Monday, May 4: “Celebrating Linfield Community: 168 Years of Connection and Change” Exhibit at 4 p.m. in Walker Hall. Enjoy this special exhibit honoring the Linfield community over its 168-year history. Featuring items from the Linfield Archives and Special Collections, the exhibit was curated for the Linfield Anthropology Museum by students and Leslie Walker, associate professor of anthropology and museum coordinator. The reception includes remarks from Walker. The exhibit will be on display May 4-8.
- Tuesday, May 5: Portland Campus Student and Faculty Showcase from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Loveridge Hall on the Portland campus. Hear short presentations from School of Nursing faculty and students about their research and Linfield experience. Light lunch provided. Tours of the Portland campus available starting at 1:15 p.m. Presentations include:
- Members of the Linfield Student Nursing Association, the student chapter of the National Student Nurses Association.
- “Breaking Down Barriers: Advocacy of accessibility in nursing education and practice” by Linfield’s Sari Platt, Julie Fitzwater ’06 and Paul Smith.
- “Fostering Professionalism in Nursing Education: a dual assessment of faculty and student perceptions” by Linfield professors Julie Fitzwater, Kiki Fornero, Mindy Zeitzer, Cheryl Langford, Kathryn Kuskie and Mihee Chung.
- Wednesday, May 6: McMinnville Campus Student Showcase at 4 p.m. in Fred Meyer Lounge. See student learning in action! Explore the Linfield student experience with posters and presentations created by McMinnville campus students. Includes reception and remarks by Jeff Mackay ’88, vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
- Thursday, May 7: McMinnville Campus Faculty Showcase at 7 p.m. in Richard and Lucille Ice Auditorium. Enjoy mini-lectures from McMinnville campus faculty including:
- Max Klein, assistant professor of sport management, School of Business.
- Gayatree Sarma, assistant professor of practice, School of Business.
- Michael Crosser, professor of physics, College of Arts and Sciences.
- Emily Evanstein, assistant professor of education, College of Arts and Sciences.
- Sonia Ticas, professor of Spanish and Latin American studies, College of Arts and Sciences.
- Friday, May 8: Investiture of President Mark Blegen at 3 p.m. in Ted Wilson Gym. The week culminates in the formal investiture ceremony for President Mark Blegen. A post-ceremony reception will follow in Dillin Hall to celebrate this new chapter in Linfield’s history.
Additional information for Inauguration Week and the Investiture Ceremony is available at linfield.edu/inauguration.
