Harvard University Presidential Inauguration

Harvard alumni and friends are welcome to attend the inauguration events for Harvard’s 29th president, Lawrence S. Bacow JD ’76, MPP ’76, PhD ’78. Tickets are required for the events and may be reserved by completing the form below. Alumni who are current Harvard faculty, staff, or students do not need to reserve tickets. A Harvard ID will provide access to both events.

Event Schedule

Friday, October 5, 2018

2:00 p.m.
Academic Procession
Tercentenary Theatre, Harvard Yard
The celebration will begin with a procession including delegates from other universities, Harvard faculty, current Harvard governing board members, and Harvard leadership.

Please note Tercentenary Theatre will open at 1:00 p.m. and guests should be seated for academic procession by 1:50 p.m.

2:30 p.m.
Installation of Lawrence S. Bacow
Tercentenary Theatre, Harvard Yard
All members of the Harvard community—including faculty, students, staff, and alumni—are invited to attend this historic ceremony and welcome the new president.  Joining the celebration will be delegates from universities around the world, community and government leaders, and friends of Harvard.

The Bacow Block Party
Harvard Yard
Immediately following the installation program, the celebration will continue with a festive gathering open to all ceremony attendees.

Tickets may be picked up on Friday, October 5, 2018, at the following locations and times:

• Harvard Science Center
  1 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA
  8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

• Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center
  1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
  8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

We invite the Harvard community to greet the new president on social media using #HarvardInauguration. Select greetings may be displayed throughout the inauguration festivities. 

There will be a reserved and accessible seating section available for individuals with disabilities in Tercentenary Theatre on Inauguration Day.

Please note that access to Harvard Yard will be limited to only those with a Harvard ID, an installation ceremony ticket, or inauguration credentials on October 5 from 6am-6pm. All entry to the Yard must be through the following gates: Johnston, Lamont, Meyer and Widener. During this time all bags and personal items will be subject to inspection. If you are attending the Installation Ceremony we ask that you please plan accordingly and allow extra time.