Inauguration of Martin A. Schmidt '81 as the 19th President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
On Thursday, October 6, we will come together as one community to celebrate the inauguration of Dr. Schmidt.
Inauguration Day Schedule:
- Symposia in the EMPAC Theater 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Campus Block Party on ’86 Field 12 - 4:30 p.m.
- Investiture Ceremony in the EMPAC Concert Hall 1:30 - 4 p.m. (followed by a reception on levels 6 and 7).
Watch the Investiture Live:
Important Details About Inauguration Day:
What is an Investiture?
Dr. Schmidt will be formally installed as president of Rensselaer during the Investiture and will deliver his inaugural address. The ceremony is one of the oldest traditions in academia and includes a procession of delegates representing institutions of higher education in academic regalia, and greetings from speakers representing government, industry, academia, and RPI. Speakers include U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko; Troy Mayor Patrick Madden; Major General John C. Andonie, M.S. ’03, Deputy Director, the Army National Guard; Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D, President Emerita, Spelman College; L. Rafael Reif, President, MIT; Eben Bayer ’07, Cofounder & CEO, Ecovative, MyForest Foods; Meghan L. Moulder ’10, President, Rensselaer Alumni Association; and Grand Marshal Caitlin Bennett ’22.
Registration is required to join the investiture in person at EMPAC. Concert Hall seating is limited, and overflow viewing will be available in the EMPAC Theater.
Campus Block Party
Join President Schmidt at the Campus Block Party, which will include music, performances, and food trucks from Troy and the Capital Region. Attendees will also be able to view the investiture together. Enjoy delicious food from special Inauguration Day menus created by Thunder Mountain Curry, Ben & Jerry’s, Flaco Tacos, The Mac Factor, Greek On the Run, Baba Love, Slidin Dirty, Pippy's Hotdog Truck, Iron Works Grill, Lawless, Tacos El Poblanito, Smash Burger, NYC Pizza, and 518 Donuts.
How do I register?
If you previously signed up to attend via the email invitation, and would like to update your registration or add an event, you will need to reset your password on the RSVP site. Once you reset your password, you will be able to modify your registration.
Registration is required to attend the investiture in person as the Concert Hall has limited seating.
The Events of the Day
Symposia, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Two symposia will take place in the EMPAC Theater. Refreshments will be available, and registration is required. If space is not available, there will be a livestream.
Frontiers in Education
Speakers:
Ken Koedinger, Carnegie Mellon University
Margaret Dolinsky, Indiana University
Confronting Global Challenges
Speakers:
Dave Tirrell, Caltech, Provost
Mukesh Khare, IBM
Robert Armstrong, MIT
Campus Block Party, 12 – 4:30 p.m., ’86 Field
The campus community is invited and encouraged to attend the campus block party. This festive celebration will include music, student performances, 13 food trucks offering the best of the Capital Region, photo booths, and more! Block party attendees will also be able to view the investiture on ’86 Field.
Investiture, 1:30 - 4 p.m. at EMPAC Concert Hall
The Investiture is one of the oldest traditions in academia. During this ceremony, Dr. Schmidt will be formally installed as the 19th President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. There will be a procession of delegates representing institutions of higher education, and speakers from government, industry, academia, and RPI. A reception will follow at EMPAC. Space is limited and you must RSVP in order to attend this ceremony in person at EMPAC.
Overflow viewing locations will be available.