10/17/2025
Dear Descendant Community,
We write to share an important and historic announcement from Georgetown University. The Board of Directors has named Eduardo Peñalver as the 49th President of Georgetown University.
President-elect Peñalver brings a distinguished record of leadership, scholarship, and service. A graduate of Cornell and Yale Law School, and former Dean of Cornell Law School, he is a devoted educator and public servant who has worked to expand access, equity, and academic excellence.
As descendants of those enslaved by the Maryland Jesuits, we recognize the importance of this moment in Georgetown’s ongoing journey toward truth, reconciliation, and justice. Leadership transitions offer renewed opportunities for continued partnership and accountability in the shared work of remembrance and repair.
The GU272 Descendants Association looks forward to engaging with President Peñalver and the University community as we build on the progress made and reaffirm our shared commitment to a future rooted in truth.
To read the full announcement from Georgetown University, visit:
👉 https://www.georgetown.edu/news/49th-president-penalver
Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved - DSLUE Dialogue on Race Louisiana S. Epatha Merkerson Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation Julie Hawkins Ennis Houma, Louisiana Donaldsonville, Louisiana North Iberville Bears Grand Coteau, Louisiana Georgetown University
Eduardo M. Peñalver, the president of Seattle University and former dean of Cornell Law School, will be the next president of Georgetown.
