La Salle presidential inaugurations, in photos

October 13, 2022

As La Salle prepares for the inauguration of University President Daniel, J. Allen, Ph.D., here is a look back at inaugural celebrations through the years.

This is the next in a monthly series celebrating La Salle University’s rich history and the forthcoming 160th anniversary of its charter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Oct. 19, 1969: La Salle held its first modern presidential inauguration event for Brother Daniel Burke, FSC, Ph.D. Prior to 1969, the installation of a president was without a ceremony. Br. Burke’s inaugural address was given during Fall Convocation. He was La Salle’s 25th president.
March 20, 1977: The inauguration ceremony for Brother Patrick Ellis, FSC, Ph.D. Br. Ellis was La Salle’s 26th president.
March 20, 1977: The inauguration ceremony for Brother Patrick Ellis, FSC, Ph.D. About 740 invitations were sent out for the event, according to University archives. A Eucharistic Liturgy was held prior to inauguration in the College Hall Chapel. Inauguration followed in the Union Ballroom.
March 21, 1993: The inauguration of Brother Joseph Burke, ’68, FSC, Ph.D. The event for La Salle’s 27th president closed out Charter Week. Br. Burke was the first La Salle alumnus to become president.
March 21, 1993: The inauguration of Brother Joseph Burke, ’68, FSC, Ph.D. was held at St. Patrick’s Church in Philadelphia.
Sept. 24, 1999: The inauguration of Brother Michael McGinniss, ’70, FSC, Ph.D. According to a Sept. 22, 1999 edition of The Collegian, an event-packed weekend included an inauguration ceremony at Tom Gola Arena. About 1,350 people were invited, including 70 representatives of other colleges.
Sept. 24, 1999: The inauguration of Brother Michael McGinniss, ’70, FSC, Ph.D. As La Salle’s 28th president, Br. McGinniss participated in La Salle’s Branch Out Day volunteer activities during his inauguration weekend.
Oct. 9, 2015: The inauguration of Colleen Hanycz, Ph.D. Hanycz was La Salle’s 29th president and first woman to serve in the position. She was also the first non-Brother to serve as president. Inauguration Mass was held at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and an inauguration ceremony followed at TruMark Financial Center.