Hope Made Here
Inauguration of the 17th President of LMU
Presidential inauguration week marked an exciting new chapter in LMU’s history and was celebrated through a week long series of meaningful and joyful events.
The ASLMU Christmas Tree Lighting took place on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Regents Terrace.
Students, faculty, staff and neighbors gathered for LMU’s annual ceremony, celebrating the season in a spirit of joy, unity, and community.
South Central LAMP (SC LAMP) received the Community Spotlight Award in recognition of its significant contributions to the South Los Angeles community, particularly immigrant women and children. Diana Pinto, SC LAMP’s Executive Director and Nicole Burchman, Advancement, accepted the award on behalf of SC LAMP. Student leaders introduced the organization, offering a brief history and highlighting LAMP’s impact on the lives of those served. Diana Pinto expressed SC LAMP’s gratitude for the many ways LMU supports LAMP. She recognized and thanked, most especially, the students who collected and wrapped Christmas gifts for SC LAMP and made a generous donation in support of SC LAMP’s mission.
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, the Presidential Missioning Liturgy took place at Sacred Heart Chapel. The RSHM were present and took part in the liturgical celebration. Sister Luisa Almendra, RSCM, proclaimed the second reading and Sister Mary Genino, RSHM, participated in the blessing of President Poon and his wife, Dr. Catherine Irwin, and in the prayer for LMU. The Mass continued LMU’s tradition of grounding major milestones in prayer and shared faith. Sister Joanne Safian, RSHM (Eastern American Area), attended the celebrations and the LMU Board of Trustees meeting the day before.
The formal Presidential Inauguration /Installation of Thomas Poon, Ph.D., as LMU’s 17th President took place on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Albert Gersten Pavilion.
Inspired by LMU’s Catholic mission in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions, the theme “Hope, Made Here” is reflected in the university’s commitment to community, academic excellence, and service. The ceremony honored LMU’s deep ties to Los Angeles and its global reach, affirming a shared call to open doors of opportunity, empower human potential, and lead with purpose. Interfaith leaders from across the Los Angeles area joined the LMU community in a sacred moment and the imparting of a special blessing upon President Poon. Sean Carroll, SJ, Provincial of the Western Province, Mary Beth Ingham, General Superior, CSJ’s of Orange, and Mary Genino, RSHM, Western American Area Leader, formally missioned President Poon to the ministry of President of LMU.
Please visit the link below to watch videos from the inauguration events.
https://www.youtube.com/live/_Ib8nqBhuxw
