Inauguration of Drew Faust

Drew Faust was formally installed as Harvard’s 28th president on Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, during an outdoor ceremony in Tercentenary Theatre. An academic procession featured representatives of universities from around the world. Thousands of members of the Harvard faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community turned out on a damp day to participate in the historic rites and wish the new president well. The installation capped off two days of celebrations and convocations that are chronicled here.

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Drew Faust

Ceremony background

President’s office

Drew Faust

Drew Faust is only Harvard’s 28th president since its founding. The United States, which is considerably younger than the university, has had 43 presidents.

Illuminated capital from Harvard charter

One of the ‘most precious possessions of the University,’ the Charter of 1650 is only on view during special occasions. The anonymous artist probably took visual cues from the royal charters of institutions such as Wadham College, Oxford.