In Photos: GW Presidential Inaugurations through the Years

Take a look back at previous conferrals of leadership at GW prior to President Ellen M. Granberg's investiture ceremony on Nov. 3.

October 24, 2023

The inauguration of 16th President Steven Knapp on Nov. 16, 2007. (Photo by Jessica McConnell Burt)

During an investiture ceremony on Friday, Nov. 3, George Washington University President Ellen M. Granberg will assume formal leadership and be inaugurated as the university's 19th president, partaking in a tradition previous heads of the institution have taken. The ceremony is a formal recognition of the power and influence being granted to a leader.

Take a look back at ceremonies through years, including an #OnlyatGW moment when John F. Kennedy was awarded the first honorary degree of his presidency of the United States at the inauguration of GW's 13th president, Thomas Henry Carrol, in May 1961.

During President Thomas Henry Carrol’s Inauguration on May 3, 1961, President John F. Kennedy was presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws, the first honorary degree of his presidency.

President John F Kennedy during the inauguration of Thomas Henry Carrol, the 13th President of GW, on May 3, 1961.

Academic procession during the inauguration of Thomas Henry Carrol, the 13th President of GW.

The crowd watches the inauguration of Thomas Henry Carrol, the 13th President of GW in University Yard.

President Kennedy receives his honorary Doctor of Laws and hood of the George Washington University with President Thomas Henry Carrol.

Inauguration of Thomas Henry Carrol, the 13th President of GW, in University Yard.

Reception for Inauguration of Thomas Henry Carrol on May 4, 1961, at the Corcoran Gallery of the Arts.

An inaugural reception at the Corcoran Gallery of the Arts.

President Lloyd Elliot with Trustee E.K. Morris during his Inauguration in February 1966.

Inaugural reception for President Lloyd Elliot.

President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg's Inauguration program portrait. Trachtenberg was the university's 15th president and served from 1988 to 2007.

The inauguration of 16th President Steven Knapp on Nov. 16, 2007. (Photo by Jessica McConnell Burt)

Setting up for the the inauguration of 16th President Steven Knapp on Nov. 16, 2007. (Photo by Jessica McConnell Burt)

Pre-ceremony of the inauguration of 16th President Steven Knapp on Nov. 16, 2007. (Photo by Jessica McConnell Burt)

The GW chain of office, worn by the president of the university as a symbol of authority, accents the president’s academic regalia. (Photo by Jessica McConnell Burt)

The inauguration of 17th President Thomas LeBlanc on Nov. 13, 2017. (Photo by William Atkins/GW Today)

Setting up for the inauguration of 17th President Thomas LeBlanc on Nov. 13, 2017. (Photo by William Atkins/GW Today)

The inauguration of 17th President Thomas LeBlanc on Nov. 13, 2017. (Photo by William Atkins/GW Today)

The inauguration of 17th President Thomas LeBlanc on Nov. 13, 2017. (Photo by Logan Werlinger/GW Today)