Nazareth celebrates the Inauguration of 11th President, Maureen F. Finney
Nazareth University celebrated the Inauguration of Nazareth University’s 11th President Maureen Finney, Ed.D., PA-C, on Saturday, Oct. 24, formally commemorating her appointment as president. Finney, a physician assistant and the first female PA in the U.S. to become a college president, began her new role on July 1, 2026.
Prior to her appointment as president, she joined Nazareth University as provost in 2022, where she transformed key aspects of the University’s academic and student life programs. She has driven initiatives that strengthen student success, elevate academic excellence, and position Nazareth for a promising future. Full bio.
The day began with a special Inauguration Day Mass to ground President Finney — a practicing Roman Catholic — before the inauguration ceremony. Mass was 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 the Mass was offered.
Inauguration Day’s focal point was the Investiture Ceremony — during which Dr. Finney was formally installed as president. The ceremony began at noon in Beston Hall at the Glazer Music Performance Center on campus. The word investiture comes from investire (Latin for "to clothe"), symbolizing the bestowing of the president’s official responsibilities and regalia. Guests attended a reception afterwards in the Arts Center Upper Lobby.
The day of celebration, leadership, and vision for President Finney culminated Saturday evening with a Scholarship Gala: Investing in Momentum at Irondequoit Country Club. The elegant black-tie event celebrated the transformative power of a Nazareth education.
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
