The Inauguration of President John L. Hoffman
For those unable to attend the ceremony in person, a live stream will be available via Zoom. Join the ceremony via webinar at https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/94879064729; no passcode is required.
During the week of October 7 – 14, 2022, Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College will be celebrating the inauguration of our President, Dr. John L. Hoffman. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and friends of the University and College are invited to participate in the festivities, culminating in an investiture ceremony on October 14 at 2 p.m. We look forward to sharing in the start of this new chapter in our history, legacy and leadership with you.
Meet the President
From senior leadership roles in the Concordia University System and the University of Minnesota Crookston, to his appointment as President of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College on July 1, 2022, Dr. John L. Hoffman has spent the past two and a half decades making a positive impact on students across the country.
Signature accomplishments have included implementing multi-faceted student success programs credited with increasing student success and retention rates, reducing the first-year retention rate disparities between Black and Indigenous students, and students of color and their white counterparts and increasing performance on two-thirds of core learning outcomes for all students during their first year of college. Other accomplishments include overhauling enrollment management functions which, pre-COVID, increased new student enrollment, increased yield, reduced summer melt and increased proportions of students of color, low-income students and first-generation students.
Read More About President Hoffman
Inauguration Week Events
BSU Men’s Hockey vs. Arizona State
Friday, Oct. 7 | 7:07 p.m. | Sanford Center, Bemidji | All Are Welcome
President Hoffman will be recognized during the BSU Beaver Hockey men’s home opener against Arizona State. Come out and support your Beavers as they kick off their season!
BSU Football vs. Concordia-St. Paul
Saturday, Oct. 8 | 2 p.m. | Chet Anderson Stadium, BSU campus | All Are Welcome
President Hoffman will be recognized during BSU’s football home game against Concordia-St. Paul. Go Beavers!
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Announcement of Institute for Indigenous Education & Practice
Monday, Oct. 10 | 12 p.m. | Beaux Arts Ballroom | All Are Welcome
President Hoffman will announce BSU as home of Minnesota State’s new Institute for Indigenous Education & Practice. A presentation by Dr. John Gonzalez, “Two Sides of the Same Coin: Race Relations, Economics, and Education,” follows. Learn more on the BSU calendar.
National Coming Out Day
Tuesday, Oct. 11 | noon | Bemidji State arch, Deputy Hall | All Are Welcome
President Hoffman will be giving remarks to celebrate National Coming Out Day.
Breakfast Reception
Wednesday, Oct. 12 | 7:30 a.m. | NTC campus | By Invitation Only
President Hoffman will host a breakfast reception for Foundation board members and NTC donors.
Lunch with the President
Wednesday, Oct. 12 | noon-1 p.m. | NTC Commons | NTC Students
President Hoffman will host a luncheon for NTC students.
Cider with the President
Thursday, Oct. 13 | 1:30–3 p.m. | Crying Wolf Room, lower Hobson Memorial Union
President Hoffman will meet with BSU students over a fall snack of cider and caramel apples.
BSU Alumni Foundation Donor Reception
Thursday, Oct. 13 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge on Lake Bemidji | By invitation only
President Hoffman will host a reception for Alumni Foundation donors.
Inauguration Ceremony of President John L. Hoffman, Ph.D.
Friday, Oct. 14 | 2–3:30 p.m. | BSU Gymnasium, Physical Education Complex | All Are Welcome
Join us as we formally inaugurate President John L. Hoffman as Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College’s next President. The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m., with the Academic Procession. For those unable to attend the ceremony in person, a live stream will be available via Zoom. Join the ceremony via webinar at https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/94879064729; no passcode is required.
Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College welcome delegates serving as designated representatives of their institutions and organizations for the inauguration of John L. Hoffman, Ph.D., as our president.
Those interested in attending the inauguration as a delegate may register now using the delegate registration form.
Reception After Ceremony
Friday, Oct. 14 | immediately following Inauguration | BSU Gymnasium Lobby | All Are Welcome
Meet our new President! Light refreshments will be served.
Schedule of events is subject to change.