Presidential Inauguration
Saturday, April 11, 2026
The inauguration of Andrew Rich as Franklin & Marshall College’s 17th president will be a celebration of leadership and citizenship. Delegates from colleges and universities across the country will join alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the College to mark this moment. Together, we’ll look ahead to the future of a historic college whose influence reaches far beyond its campus—a community that prepares students to think critically, engage deeply, and lead lives of purpose and influence in an ever-changing world.
Schedule of Events
Inauguration Weekend will feature the formal investiture ceremony on Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m., followed by a campus luncheon for members of the F&M community and honored guests.
The celebration will also coincide with the Spring Research Fair, Admitted Student Weekend, and a variety of academic and social events that will make this a fun and memorable weekend for all who attend.
Location: Various Coffee Shops in Lancaster City Register online for your Coffee Trail Pass to earn points and rewards. Experience the best of Lancaster’s coffee scene with a free, mobile-exclusive pass.
Discover hidden gems and local favorites across the city while tracking your visits
to earn unique rewards and prizes. Sign up for your digital pass and start your morning
with a taste of the community. Location: Lombardo Welcome Center Guests: Class of 2030 admitted students and families Advanced registration preferred. Location: Susan and Benjamin Winter Visual Arts Center Guests: All guests are welcome Location: The Restaurants at Ben Franklin Dining Hall and Residential Quad Guests: Admitted Student Day participants, faculty, professional staff, and current students Advanced registration preferred through Ampersand. Location: TBA Guests: Members' Advancement Councils By invitation only. Location: Steinman College Center Guests: All guests are welcome Location: Mayser Gymnasium Featuring: Current student and faculty research Guests: All guests are welcome Location: Steinman College Center Guests: Prospective students and their families Advanced registration preferred. Location: Roschel College House Guests: Current students, alumni Advanced registration preferred. A neon-themed late-night social for students Location: Hartman Green or Steinman College Center Atrium Guests: Current students Advanced registration preferred through Ampersand. Location: Barshinger Center for Musical Arts Guests: All guests are welcome Location: Various Coffee Shops in Lancaster City Register online for your Coffee Trail Pass to earn points and rewards. Experience the best of Lancaster’s coffee scene with a free, mobile-exclusive pass.
Discover hidden gems and local favorites across the city while tracking your visits
to earn unique rewards and prizes. Sign up for your digital pass and start your morning
with a taste of the community. Location: Lombardo Welcome Center Guests: Inauguration delegates and special guests By invitation only. Location: Alumni Sports & Fitness Center Guests: Campus community with livestream Advanced registration is preferred. Location: Steinman College Center Guests: All guests are welcome Location: Shadek Stadium Guests: General admission Location: Alumni Sports & Fitness Center Guests: Campus community & special guests Advanced registration is preferred. Location: Baker Campus Fields Guests: General admission Location: Shadek Stadium Tent Guests: Campus community, parents, alumni Location: Hempfield Recreation Center Guests: General admission Location: Barshinger Center for Musical Arts Guests: All guests are welcome
Friday, April 10, 2026
8 a.m. | Discover Lancaster - Coffee Trail
8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Admitted Students Day
9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Winter72 Art Show, Student Juried Show & Honors Exhibitions
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | A Taste of F&M - Campus Community Lunch
10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Board of Visitors, Parents’ & Leadership Council Meeting
12-4 p.m. | Phillips Museum of Art
12:30-4:30 p.m. | Spring Academic Research Fair & Academic Showcase
2-3 p.m. | Admission Celebration
5:00-6:30 p.m. | Networking Event
8 p.m. | Inau-GLOW-ration
8 p.m. | String Wind Ensemble Concert
Saturday, April 11, 2026: Investiture Day
8 a.m. | Discover Lancaster - Coffee Trail
9:30-10:45 a.m. | Investiture Ceremony Delegate Welcome Reception & Robing
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Investiture Ceremony of President Andy Rich
12-4 p.m. | Phillips Museum of Art
12 p.m. | F&M Women’s Lacrosse vs. Dickinson College
12:30-3:30 p.m. | Inauguration Celebration Lunch Reception
1 p.m. & 3 p.m. | F&M Softball vs. McDaniel
3 p.m. | Men’s Football Championship Ring Ceremony & Team Practice
5 p.m. | F&M Men’s & Women’s Tennis vs. Muhlenberg
8 p.m. | F&M Orchestra Concert
Meet Andrew Rich
Andrew Rich became the 17th president of Franklin & Marshall College in July 2025.
A passionate champion for the liberal arts, President Rich has a deep appreciation of the power of higher education to lift new generations of leaders and to transform families and strengthen society along the way. His passion for the next generation of changemakers is rooted in the understanding that while bold ideas matter, it is young people—their perspectives, their hope, their readiness to lead—who ultimately move communities and societies forward.
That passion finds its fullest expression at Franklin & Marshall College. Here, students develop the critical thinking, adaptability, and collaborative spirit that prepare them to lead in every field, sector, and community. Under President Rich’s leadership, F&M demonstrates and advances the value proposition for the liberal arts—and its urgency—while shaping graduates who are prepared to own their influence, engage others, and make lasting impact.
President Rich is currently chair of the Board of Directors of Friends of the Truman Foundation and vice president on the Board of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. He is also a member of the Board of the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, Macaulay Honors College Foundation at the City University of New York, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and Lancaster County STEM Alliance.
“For more than 235 years, Franklin & Marshall has been a beacon for excellence in
liberal arts education. We prepare students for fulfilling lives, inspiring them to
achievements that enrich every sector of society.”
— Andrew Rich, 17th President of Franklin & Marshall College“I am excited to celebrate the inauguration of Andrew Rich as the College’s 17th president
with members of the F&M community.”
— Eric Noll ’83, P’09, chair of the College’s Board of Trustees
Travel Information
About the City of Lancaster
Our extraordinary home city of Lancaster, PA is an urban oasis. With a rich history and a vibrant downtown, Lancaster is full of exceptional opportunities, offering a rich array of arts, culture, and experiences for the entire F&M community. Lancaster consistently shines as a top-tier small city, having been recognized as one of WalletHub's Best Small Cities in America and featured on Money.com as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Our partner, Discover Lancaster, is excited to help you explore our beautiful home during your visit. Explore their guides for dining recommendations, things to do, and more.
F&M & Lancaster
Diplomats don’t simply live in Lancaster — we are intricately woven into the fabric of our community. Lancaster is an integral educational partner teeming with opportunities to learn, serve, and engage with the local community. F&M students study Lancaster’s flourishing agricultural landscape, investigate the city’s historical roots, and examine city health and wellness challenges; intern with local organizations to gain hands-on experience and explore careers of interest; contribute to meaningful volunteer and service opportunities; and more.
Special Rate Hotels
A block of rooms has been set aside at select area hotels near campus for your convenience.
Baymont by Wyndham Lancaster
2165 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, Pa.
(7.6 miles from campus)
Rates
$84+ tax
Group Code
I17
Book by: March 18, 2026
Call 201-277-8615.
Cork Factory Hotel at Urban Place
480 New Holland Ave. #3000
Lancaster, Pa.
(1 mile from campus)
Rates
$149 (Thurs.)
$209 (Fri.-Sat.)
Group Code
Reference F&M
Book by: March 20, 2026
Call 717-735-2075.
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel, Lancaster
2400 Willow Street Pike
Lancaster, Pa.
(4.9 miles from campus)
Rates
$159-$179 (taxes and fees additional) (Wed.-Sat.)
Group Code
F&M Inauguration Accommodations
Book by: March 20, 2026
Book online or call 717-464-2711.
Eden Resort & Suites
222 Eden Rd.
Lancaster, Pa.
(2 miles from campus)
Rates
$199.95 (Thurs.)
$239.95 (Fri.-Sat.)
Group Code
2604F&MS1
Book by: March 10, 2026
You may book online or call 717-569-6444.
Fairfield and TownePlace Suites by Marriott
720 Enterprise Way
Lancaster, Pa.
(2.7 miles from campus)
Rates
$149 & $169 (Thurs.-Sat.)Group Code
FAMP; reference F&M Inauguration Weekend.
Book by: March 15, 2026
You may book online or call 717-560-9300.
Hilton Garden Inn Lancaster
101 Granite Run Drive
Lancaster, Pa.
(2.6 miles from campus)
Rates
$139 + tax (Thurs.-Sun.)Hotel Code
LNSLHGI
Group Code
918
Book by: March 20, 2026
Holiday Inn by IHG, Lancaster
26 E. Chestnut Street
Lancaster, Pa.
(1.4 miles from campus)
Rates
$179 (tax and fees additional) (Fri.-Sun.)Group Code
FMC
Book by: March 10, 2026
You may book online or call 888-465-4329.
Homewood Suites by Hilton
200 Granite Run Dr.
Lancaster, Pa.
(2.6 miles from campus)
Rates
$162 + taxGroup Code
FNM
Book by: March 19, 2026
Call 717-381-4400, option 2.
Lancaster Arts Hotel
300 Harrisburg Ave.
Lancaster, Pa.
(0.5 miles from campus)
Rates
$137 (Thurs.)$167 (Fri.-Sat.)
Group Code
0409FM
Book by: March 10, 2026
You may book online or call 866-720-2787 or 717-299-3000.
Residence Inn by Marriott
1450 Harrisburg Ave.
Lancaster, Pa.
(1 mile from campus)
Rate
$219 (Thurs.-Sat.)Group Code
FMIS
Book by: March 13, 2026
Book online or call 717-299-9898.
The Wilbur Lititz, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
50 N Broad St.
Lititz, Pa.
(8.5 miles from campus)
Rate
$289 (Fri.-Sat.)Group Code
Reference F&M Inauguration Weekend.
Book by: March 13, 2026
Book online or call 844-262-6603.
Additional Recommendations
Getting to Campus
Whether you’re coming to Lancaster by train, bus, car, or plane, we have useful directions, estimated travel times, and more to help you reach F&M's beautiful campus.
Where to Dine
Grab a bite from one of Lancaster’s more than 100 restaurants, cafes, and eateries featuring food from around the world. Many restaurants source from nearby farms to create fresh farm-to-table dishes.
Explore F&M Students' Favorite Spots in Lancaster
Explore some of F&M students' cherished spots and see for yourself why Lancaster is such a great place to live and learn.
About Franklin & Marshall College
Franklin & Marshall College is an independent, undergraduate residential college committed to excellence in the liberal arts. Founded in 1787 and located in the vibrant City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, F&M inspires students from diverse backgrounds to think critically, collaborate broadly, and own their influence.
The College offers 52 fields of study, interdisciplinary programs, and distinctive opportunities for students to engage in the Lancaster community. The F&M experience equips students to pursue their passion and make an immediate and meaningful impact in the world. Guided by the liberal arts, F&M students learn not what but how to think, forging connections—between ideas, fields, and people—to sharpen their ideas and spark innovation. Faculty mentorship and collaborative research enable students to contribute to new knowledge through hands-on experience typically reserved for graduate study. Our global campus community and partnerships with the City of Lancaster provide opportunities for our students to shape the world—starting right where they are. With a network of nearly 30,000 alumni in more than 70 countries, a record of academic distinction, and a commitment to innovation, F&M is shaping the next generation of transformative leaders and citizens our society needs.
