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Inauguration of Linfield University's 21st President

Mark Blegen

Mark walking through campus with students.

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

Investiture Ceremony

Experience the ceremony online

Watch the Investiture Ceremony live, view or download the program, and explore Linfield's symbols and history.
Visit the program page

Be part of the celebration

Mark Blegen talks casually to a group of people

Inauguration Week schedule of events

Join us on the McMinnville and Portland campus for a series of events celebrating "Learning, Life and Community." All are free and open to the public.
See the week's schedule
aerial photo of Pioneer Hall.

RSVP as a delegate

Attending as a representative of another institution of higher education or other entity? Please complete the Delegate Response Form.
Fill out the Delegate Response Form
Mark Blegen talking to a student outside.

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.

Read President Blegen's bio

President Blegen in the news

Mark Blegen portrait

Linfield News

Linfield’s Inauguration Week connects campuses, communities and purpose

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.
Read the announcement
Mark Blegen sitting at a table talking.

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.

Read the story
Mark Blegen sits with his legs crossed

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.

Read the story