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The lawyer Eduardo Peñalver, son of a Cuban emigrant, has been appointed as the 49th president of Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution in the United States, reported Telemundo 51 citing an official statement from the university. Peñalver will assume office on July 1, 2026, becoming the first Latino of Cuban descent to lead one of the country's most prestigious universities.
I am deeply honored to have the privilege of being the next president of Georgetown, the scholar expressed in statements reported by the American media, following the announcement of his appointment.
Peñalver, who currently serves as the president of Seattle University, will succeed Robert M. Groves, the interim president of Georgetown over the past year.
Before taking on that position, he was dean of the Law School at Cornell University, where he made history as the first Latino dean at an Ivy League law school.
Born and raised in the state of Washington, Peñalver is the son of a Cuban who emigrated to the United States in 1962 and a mother of Swiss descent. His career also highlights his work as a legal assistant to Judge Guido Calabresi of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, and to Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.
In a video published on the Facebook profile of Georgetown University, Peñalver expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and emphasized his commitment to the Jesuit tradition and the academic excellence of the institution.
"Since my days at the Catholic school in Washington, I have benefited from a Catholic education. […] I am profoundly honored to have the privilege of serving as the next president of Georgetown," he said.
A leadership with historical weight
Founded in 1789, Georgetown is much more than a university. It is one of the most influential academic institutions in the world, recognized for its role in shaping political leaders, diplomats, and scholars. Among its alumni are figures such as former President Bill Clinton, King Felipe VI of Spain, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
Being the president of Georgetown means leading a community with more than two centuries of tradition and a strong commitment to social justice, critical thinking, and public ethics, which are the cornerstones of Jesuit education.
In this context, the selection of Peñalver represents a symbolic milestone for the Cuban diaspora and for the Latino community in general: a child of a Cuban immigrant leading an institution that has shaped the intellectual and political history of the United States.
With his appointment, Eduardo Peñalver not only breaks barriers in the academic field but also embodies the story of thousands of Cuban families who, after leaving the island, bet on education and hard work as pathways to success and integration.
Frequently asked questions about Eduardo Peñalver and his appointment as president of Georgetown
Who is Eduardo Peñalver and what is his new position at Georgetown University?
Eduardo Peñalver is a Cuban-American lawyer who has been appointed as the 49th president of Georgetown University. He will assume office on July 1, 2026, becoming the first Cuban-American to lead this prestigious institution. Prior to this appointment, Peñalver served as president of Seattle University and as dean of the Cornell University Law School.
Why is Eduardo Peñalver's appointment significant for the Latino and Cuban community?
The appointment of Eduardo Peñalver represents a symbolic milestone for the Cuban diaspora and the Latino community in general. As the son of a Cuban emigrant, his rise to the presidency of one of the most influential universities in the United States symbolizes the breaking of barriers in the academic field and reflects the efforts and integration of thousands of Cuban families who have sought success through education.
What challenges will Eduardo Peñalver face as president of Georgetown?
Eduardo Peñalver will face the challenge of leading a community with over two centuries of tradition at Georgetown University. This includes upholding the commitment to social justice, critical thinking, and public ethics, which are the pillars of Jesuit education. Furthermore, he will need to manage the institution within a context of constant changes in the global educational landscape.
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