The Inauguration of Maureen F. Finney, Ed.D., PA-C, 11th President of Nazareth University

Save the Date

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Inauguration Day Mass
9 a.m. • Linehan Chapel

Investiture Ceremony
Noon • Beston Hall
(second viewing location: Callahan Theatre)
Ticketed Event

Inauguration Reception
1:30 p.m. • Upper Lobby, Arts Center

Scholarship Gala
6 p.m. VIP reception for trustees, event sponsors, and their guests
6:30 p.m. Cocktail reception • Irondequoit Country Club
Ticketed Event

About Dr. Finney

Maureen F. Finney, Ed.D., PA-C

Since joining Nazareth University as provost in 2022, Finney has transformed key aspects of the University’s academic and student life programs. With vision, energy, and unwavering commitment to the University’s mission, she has driven initiatives that strengthen student success, elevate academic excellence, and position Nazareth for a bold and promising future.

Finney has forged a unique, diverse career, with experience in both higher education and community health care, which will inform and enhance her approach to the role of president. Prior to assuming the role of Nazareth’s provost, she served as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Hilbert College in Hamburg, N.Y., and dean, department chair, and professor in D’Youville University’s School of Health Professions for 20 years. Finney is a New York State registered physician assistant who practiced clinically as a physician assistant in an underserved area of Buffalo for 24 years, and she maintains her active clinical licensure. She proudly serves as a board of trustees member at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute and Olivia’s Bears.

A Buffalo, New York, native, Finney is a graduate of the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, a private high school for young women. Finney went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Niagara University, a physician assistant bachelor’s degree from D’Youville University, a master’s degree in natural sciences from State University of New York at Buffalo, and a doctorate in health policy and education from D’Youville University.

Maureen Finney

Event Schedule

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Inauguration Day Mass

9 – 10 a.m.
Linehan Chapel

Inauguration Day Mass will be celebrated in Nazareth’s Linehan Chapel, a significant space of grounding and reflection for the University’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, for whom this Mass will be offered. President Finney, a practicing Roman Catholic, will begin the day with Mass to ground herself before the inauguration ceremony. All are encouraged and welcome to attend regardless of faith tradition or familiarity with Catholic liturgy, although space is limited in the 420 seat chapel.

Investiture Ceremony

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Beston Hall (second viewing location: Callahan Theater)

Investiture is the formal ceremony itself where the new president is given the authority and symbols of office. With historical precedent based on medieval traditions, the word comes from investire (Latin for "to clothe"), symbolizing the bestowing of the official responsibilities and regalia of an office. All members of the Nazareth community — and the community beyond Nazareth — are invited to attend. Attendees will be seated on a first come, first serve basis in Beston. If and when the space reaches capacity, attendees will be seated in Callahan Theater. All guests will receive a ticket via email prior to the event which indicates their seat location.

Inauguration Reception

1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Upper Lobby, Arts Center

A reception for all guests, featuring refreshments and music, will be held immediately following the Investiture Ceremony.

Scholarship Gala: "Investing in Momentum"

Irondequoit Country Club

After a day of celebrating leadership and vision, the Scholarship Gala will provide the University community’s first opportunity — with President Finney at the helm — to illustrate that vision through collective investment in students. This exclusive, limited seat event, with an individual ticket price of $350, will launch a renewed commitment to scholarship support by inspiring guests to become partners in expanding access to a Nazareth education and to invest in Nazareth’s students and their dreams and in the power and prowess — and lasting impact — of the Nazareth experience. Additional Gala details »

Thank you to our Scholarship Gala co-chairs, trustee Anne McCaffrey '89 and her husband, Chris McCaffrey '87.

Inauguration FAQ

Inauguration Events

What is a presidential inauguration?

The inauguration is a distinguished ceremonial occasion that formally commemorates the appointment of the university president, paying homage to the institution’s enduring traditions while signifying the beginning of a new chapter in its leadership.

When and where will the inauguration take place?
  • Inauguration refers to the entire series of events surrounding the formal ceremony of a new president. Inauguration activities will be held on October 24, 2026.
  • Investiture is the formal ceremony itself where the new president is given the authority and symbols of office. The investiture of Maureen Finney, Ed.D., PA-C as the 11th president of Nazareth University will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at noon in Beston Hall in the Glazer Music Performance Center.
Is the inauguration open to the public?

Yes, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends are invited to take part in the celebration activities. Some events may require a purchased or free registration ticket for entry.

What is the morning mass?

Mass will be celebrated in Nazareth’s Linehan Chapel, a significant space of grounding and reflection for the University’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, for whom this mass will be offered. Dr. Finney, a practicing Roman Catholic, will begin the day with a mass to ground herself before the inauguration ceremony. All are encouraged and welcome to attend regardless of faith tradition or familiarity with Catholic liturgy. A printed program will be available that will include commentary to explain the elements of the rituals and their significance.

What about interfaith voices at the inauguration ceremony?

These prayers and blessings will represent a range of religious traditions and will ask for guidance, wisdom, and well‑being for the University and its community, and are intended to reflect the SSJ charism of Connecting Neighbor to Neighbor Without Distinction. Reflecting Dr. Finney’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and community understanding, local faith leaders from Rochester will be invited to offer invocations and benedictions to begin and close the investiture ceremony.

Investiture Ceremony

Is RSVP required to attend the investiture ceremony?

Yes. The investiture is a free, general admission event open to members of the campus community and the public, but registration is required and will be available soon.

Faculty are invited to join the academic procession. Registration is required, and all participants in the procession must wear academic regalia. Information on registration, regalia, assembly, and arrival will be shared in the coming weeks.

What is the proper attire for the investiture?

For the investiture, attire will be determined by your role at the ceremony.

Processional participants: Wear your regalia attire to the ceremony.

General Audience: Business casual attire is the recommended dress code.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends (not participating in the ceremony): Business attire is also recommended, but feel free to showcase your Nazareth pride by wearing purple and gold! It’s a special occasion, so dress accordingly while embracing your school spirit!

Where may I park on the day of the investiture ceremony?

Starting at 7 a.m., Saturday, October 24, designated lots will be available for inauguration parking only. All other vehicles must be removed.

Is the event accessible?

Parking: Accessible parking is available.

Seating: Accessible seating is located on both sides of Beston Hall.

Restrooms: Accessible restrooms with grab bars are available on the west side of Beston Hall.

How long is the investiture ceremony?

Approximately 90 minutes.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed?

Yes, it will be livestreamed. A link will be posted here by the morning of the investiture.

A recording of the ceremony will be posted on this webpage within a week after the event.

How can faculty participating in the academic procession order regalia?

Faculty are invited to participate in the academic procession. Please note that academic regalia is required for all participants in the procession.

Further details about participation in the procession will be shared in the weeks leading up to the event.

Do media outlets need a press pass?

All invited media will be asked to RSVP in advance.

Accommodations

Where can I stay during the weekend of inauguration?

For your convenience, a block of rooms has been reserved at the following hotels.

Courtyard Penfield
1000 Linden Park, Rochester, NY 14625
(4.5 miles from campus)

  • Rate: $149 per night (rate available for 10/22, 10/23, and 10/24)
  • Reservation Deadline: Thursday, September 24
  • To make a reservation: Call 585-385-1000 and mention Nazareth Inauguration or reserve online.

Woodcliff Hotel and Spa
199 Woodcliff Dr, Fairport, NY 14450
(8.2 miles from campus)

  • Rate: $189 per night (rate available for 10/23 and 10/24)
  • Reservation Deadline: Wednesday, September 23
  • To make a reservation: Reserve online

The Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Hotel and Spa
41 North Main Street, Pittsford, NY 14534
(0.8 miles from campus)

  • Rate: $239 per night (rate available for 10/22, 10/23, and 10/24)
  • Reservation Deadline: Saturday, September 26
  • To make a reservation: Call 585-381-9900 and mention Nazareth Inauguration or reserve online.

Share Congratulations

Nazareth community, please send a message of congratulations to Dr. Finney as she begins her tenure as the 11th president of Nazareth University.

Share a message

Messages from the Community

Congratulations and welcome to Nazareth University, President Finney! It is an honor to have you as our eleventh University President, and we are excited about the impact your outstanding leadership will make for our flagship institution in the years ahead.

— Cheryl Anonymous, EdD; Associate Dean

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