Eduardo Peñalver has recently assumed the presidency of Georgetown University, the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution, bringing with him a strong foundation shaped by his Catholic upbringing. Raised in a devout family in Puyallup, Washington, Peñalver credits his faith with giving meaning to his work and guiding him through professional challenges.
Peñalver’s academic journey began at All Saints elementary school, followed by Henry Foss High School in Tacoma. He graduated magna cum laude from Cornell University in 1994, later earning his law degree in 1999. His career notably included clerkships for Judge Guido Calabresi on the United States Court of Appeals and for Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, where he later honored Justice Stevens at a memorial service in 2022.
His teaching career kicked off at Fordham Law School, where he discovered his passion for both teaching and engaging with students. At Fordham, he began specializing in property law, publishing numerous articles in prestigious law journals, and authoring two notable books on the subject. Peñalver’s insights are often informed by Catholic social teaching, which has positioned him as a leading scholar in progressive property theory.
Peñalver was appointed dean of Cornell Law School in 2014, a time when U.S. law schools faced declining enrollment amid the economic recovery from the Great Recession. Under his leadership, Cornell doubled its financial aid spending, significantly increasing student access. By the end of his deanship, over 40% of students graduated without debt, a substantial increase from 12% when he started. He fostered an inclusive environment by improving application quality and diversity, launching new degree programs, and establishing several clinical programs.
In 2021, Peñalver became the president of Seattle University, where he made significant contributions, including the establishment of the Cornish College of the Arts and the creation of the Seattle University Museum of Art through a monumental art donation. He championed sustainability initiatives aligned with Pope Francis’ ecological vision.
As Peñalver transitions to Georgetown, he aims to leverage his experiences to enhance the academic community, emphasizing a holistic approach to education. He shared that Jesuit institutions strive to help students navigate deeper existential questions, nurturing their overall development.
His attraction to Georgetown lies in its prestigious role as an R1 research university, its commitment to student formation, and its Jesuit values. Peñalver’s commitment to fostering a thriving community aligns with the university’s mission to address pressing societal issues.
Excited to return to Washington, D.C., where he and his wife, Sital Kalantry, began their careers, Peñalver views this transition as a full-circle opportunity. He looks forward to engaging with the Georgetown community during a pivotal time of growth, which includes expanding the Capitol Campus and focusing on innovative solutions to complex challenges.
With Peñalver at the helm, Georgetown University is poised for a transformative period of academic excellence and community development, reinforcing its rich Jesuit tradition enfolded in a commitment to serving society at large.