Inauguration Celebration
The Board of Trustees of Hartwick College announces the inauguration of Laurel Bongiorno, the 13th president of Hartwick College.
Quick Links
Save the Date
Friday, September 25, 2026, at 4 p.m.
Hartwick College will celebrate the formal installation of Laurel Bongiorno as President of Hartwick College.
President Laurel Bongiorno
Laurel Bongiorno, Ph.D., was named the 13th president of Hartwick College by the Board of Trustees and assumed the presidency on June 1, 2026. She has served as vice president for academic affairs and provost since 2022, leading academic strategy and strengthening Hartwick’s distinctive Life Balance College model, which integrates academic rigor, career preparation and well-being.
A nationally recognized expert in early childhood education and strengths-based leadership, she is a frequent speaker and published author. She holds a doctorate in education from Walden University, a master’s from Boston University and a bachelor’s from Gordon College.
She and her husband, Chuck, have called Oneonta home since 2022.
Schedule of Events - September 25, 2026
President Laurel Bongiorno Inauguration Celebration
4 – 5:00 p.m.
Frisbee Field Tent
President’s Welcome Celebration
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Stack Lounge, Dewar Union
Information for Delegates & Guests
We are delighted that you will be joining us for this important moment in the life of the College. Your presence will add to the meaning and tradition of the day, and we look forward to welcoming you to Hartwick and Oyaron Hill.
Delegates
Delegates participating in the academic procession should bring their own academic regalia. Robing will take place in Yager Hall, where members of the procession will gather before the ceremony.
If you arrive on campus early, we invite you to make yourself comfortable in our hospitality suite in Larson Lounge in Bresee Hall. It will be available as a place to relax and connect with fellow delegates before robing and the procession.
For those traveling to Oneonta, information about accommodations and other resources for visitors is available through WeGoOtsego and Cooperstown & Otsego County Tourism.
Following the ceremony, we would be delighted to have you join us for the President’s Welcome Reception as we continue the celebration with members of the Hartwick community and our guests.
Guests
Attire- A president’s inauguration is a festive solemn event that warrants attire similar to what is worn for a graduation or commencement ceremony: e.g. business casual attire is appropriate. Students living residence halls and Pine Lake or on athletics teams may want to coordinate to wear t-shirts that identify them as members.
Seating- Will be available under the Tent on Frisbee Field. Staff will be available to assist guests who may need special accessibility accommodations.
Livestream- If you are not able to attend the ceremony, it will be livestreamed. Visit this webpage on the day and time of the event for a livestream link.
Sign language- A sign-language interpreter will be present at the ceremony. To request a special accommodation, please email [email protected].