In March 2024, Andrea Chapdelaine was unanimously appointed to serve as Connecticut College’s 12th president by the Board of Trustees, beginning July 1, 2024. She previously served as president of Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, where she was also a tenured faculty member in the psychology department, teaching social psychology at the graduate level. A strategic leader and compassionate community builder, Chapdelaine has more than 30 years of experience in higher education as a professor, dean, provost and president.
“President Chapdelaine is a proven higher education leader and an administrator with a passion for and commitment to the mission of liberal arts colleges. In this pivotal moment for Connecticut College, she inspires enthusiasm for what our College can do as we build on our 113-year-old mission and more recent achievements. She has the vision, experience and management capabilities to lead our College community forward.”
- Former Board of Trustees Chair Debo P. Adegbile ’91
Save the date for the inauguration of Andrea Chapdelaine on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11 a.m. in the Athey Center for Performance and Research at Palmer Auditorium
Shain Library The Inauguration Exhibit highlights the history of Connecticut College through a display of student art and posters, as well as faculty, staff and alumni publications.
Monday, April 21
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Earth Day Kick-off
Larrabee Green Earth Week kicks off with events on Larrabee Green featuring food trucks and tables with information from TEI, the Goodwin Niering Center, CTRides and entertainment by Conn’s MOBROC bands.
Tuesday, April 22
All Day | Chapswap
President Chapdelaine and one lucky student exchange places for the day. A student will assume presidential duties, including attendance at important meetings and even the opportunity to walk First Dog, Koda, alongside President Chapdelaine. Then, President Chapdelaine will join the student to attend class, work at their on-campus job, meet with clubs or other activities and eat in the dining hall!
Wednesday, April 23
6 - 8 P.M. | Earth Week Craft and Movie Night
1962 Room at Crozier-Williams Enjoy an evening watching earth-friendly movies and helping to create beautiful Lego floral arrangements to be featured at the Inauguration dinner.
Thursday, April 24
2 - 5 P.M. | Earth Week Thrift It Thursday
Students will create fabulous outfits for Floralia and the Coast Guard Academy Gala with donations from the community.
Friday, April 25
9 A.M. - 2 P.M. | Arbor Day Celebration
Tempel Green Arbor Day events include educational displays on Tempel Green, tours of Campus Trees, the Caroline Black Garden and the Native Plant Collection, as well as a tree planting demonstration at noon, arboriculture equipment display and a tree climbing demonstration.
Tempel Green A host of adorable animals will be on hand to pet and cuddle including rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets.
12:30 P.M. | "Indoguration" of Koda
Join us as we “indogurate” the amazing Koda as Connecticut College’s first dog. “Sicut canis, qui fluminibus aquae vivit et est puella valde bona quae gaudium affert.” Translation: Like a dog who lives by rivers of water and is a very good girl who brings joy.
3:30 P.M. | Arbor Day Presidential Tree Dedication
Outside Blaustein Join us as we dedicate a tree to honor the inauguration of President Chapdelaine.
4:00 P.M. | ChapChat with the President
Hood Dining Room Get to know our new president with a conversation between Bella Castellanos Palacios ’25, SGA President, and President Chapdelaine, offering a fun and engaging opportunity to learn more about Conn’s 12th president. Students have been polled and their questions will be answered. Refreshments will be provided.
6 P.M. | Arboretum Photo Contest Award Winner Announcement and Reception
33 Gallows Lane
Saturday, April 26
11 A.M. | Investiture Ceremony
Athey Center for Performance and Research at Palmer Auditorium Installation of Connecticut College’s 12th President, Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Please be seated by 10:45 a.m. A live stream of the event will be available on this page for those unable to attend. An overflow viewing option will be in Evans Hall at Cummings Art Center.
Community Picnic on the Green
Tent on Tempel Green After the investiture ceremony, please join us on Tempel Green for a community picnic. Enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, games and live musical performances as we celebrate the inauguration of Connecticut College’s 12th President, Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D.
6 P.M. | Spring Choral and Orchestra Concert: Totally 80s Talent Show
Evans Hall, Cummings Art Center Enjoy a blast from the past as our talented students show off their singing and dancing skills. You’ll also have the chance to vote for your favorite performance.
Sunday, April 27
12 P.M. | 18th Annual Walk to End Homelessness
New London Parade Plaza A collaborative event with the Holleran Center for Community Action and the New London Homeless Hospitality Center. In its 18th year, the Walk is a powerful reminder that the battle against homelessness is ongoing. The New London Homeless Hospitality Center (NLHHC) isn't just an emergency shelter – it addresses homelessness from every angle by connecting people with services and federal programs, promoting job readiness, running a housing resource center and even providing some permanent housing. Don't miss your chance to be part of a community that cares deeply about making a difference. There will be food, live music and opening remarks at Parade Plaza. Other local non-profits will also be present to inform you about their work. Check-in begins at 11 AM. Opening Remarks at 12 PM, with the walk starting shortly after.
7 P.M. | POCA Fashion Show
1962 Room at the College Center at Crozier Williams Students hit the runway in clothing of their own design as part of the POCA (People of Color Alliance) Fashion Show.
Map and Directions
Join us on Connecticut College’s spectacular arboretum campus at 270 Mohegan Ave., New London, Ct, 06320. Visiting Campus
Overnight Accommodations
A hotel block has been set up at the Springhill Suites in Waterford, CT. Please call directly to book: (860) 439-0151 and reference the “CT College-Presidential Inauguration” room block. Additional lodging options can be found at: campustravel.com/university/Connecticut-College/
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