The Oct. 28 ceremony honored the University’s 30th President as it looked toward the future.  

A crisp autumn day marked a historic moment for La Salle University.  

The La Salle community gathered inside Tom Gola Arena at TruMark Financial Center to celebrate the Inauguration of its 30th President, Daniel J. Allen, Ph.D.  

Allen, who began his presidency in April, was formally recognized in his role on Friday, Oct. 28. The arena, dressed in vibrant blue and gold, welcomed a crowd of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents and families, along with delegates from 30 colleges and universities across the country.  

The central moment of the ceremony was President Allen’s inaugural address, during which he made two major announcements.  

President Allen introduced the creation of a new University fundraising initiative, the Charter Challenge, celebrating the 160th anniversary of La Salle receiving its charter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools has made a lead gift of $3 million toward the Charter Challenge, with the lay members of La Salle’s Board of Trustees responding to this gift with an additional $1 million.  

Second, he announced that the Commonwealth has awarded La Salle a $3.5 million grant through its Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to be applied toward future investments in infrastructure and facilities.  

“I am humbled and honored to lead this University at this time in its history,” President Allen said.  

President Allen’s Inaugural address also highlighted five critical areas in which he expects the University to thrive. They include:  

• Delivering programs with a commitment to academic rigor with purpose, relevance, and impact; 
• Providing a transformational, holistic student experience; 
• Preparing students to engage in a diverse democracy;  
• Seeking out institutional opportunities in which to innovate and integrate in a global environment; and 
• Promoting a Lasallian Catholic community that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

President Allen, whose address centered around courage, noted the importance of taking advantage of this transformational moment in higher education through hard work and dedication.  

“When I think about the legacy of our patron saint—Saint John Baptist de La Salle—who left behind his own personal wealth and his place in society to establish the community that became known as the Christian Brothers, I’m reminded that it was in fact an act of faith and courage,” President Allen said. “And when we look to the Christian Brothers who have carried forth his mission for more than 300 years, we find, yet again, that even in the darkest of times, when the path forward seemed impossible, they demonstrated tremendous faith, an unwavering commitment to the mission, and, yes again, courage. It is by their example and in the legacy of Saint John Baptist de La Salle that we will write this next chapter in the history of La Salle University—with faith, an unwavering commitment to our mission and, yes again, courage.” 

The ceremony included the investiture performed by La Salle University’s Board of Trustees Chair Ellen E. Reilly, ’83, along with fellow Trustees Brother Robert Schaefer, F.S.C., ’89, Provincial of the Lasallian District of Eastern North America, and Vice Chair John K. Dugan, CPA, ’85, who presented the presidential medallion and mace, respectively. 

“Dr. Allen has the courage to move La Salle University forward,” Reilly said.  

State Senator Art Haywood, who represents Pennsylvania’s fourth district, also attended and shared a welcome message for the President. 

“I am so proud to work closely with the La Salle administration to build access to career-readiness opportunities in this neighborhood,” Haywood said. 

Faculty, staff, students, and the entire University community participated in the Inauguration ceremony through calls of service to President Allen. Faculty Senate President Victoria Ketz, Ph.D., represented faculty, while Dean of Students and Assistant Vice President of Student Development and Campus Life TiRease Holmes, MBA ’16, represented staff. Students’ Government Association president Michaela Craner, ’23, spoke on behalf of the student body. Robert and Christine Mancini, whose four daughters have attended La Salle, represented parents and families. Lastly, Joseph Markmann, Ph.D., ’96, MBA ’06, represented alumni.  

A community celebration on Hansen Quad directly followed the ceremony.  

—Meg Ryan