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English Department Rings in the Obama Administration
On January 20, the English department gathered in Denney 311 to observe Barack Obama's historic inauguration. Despite some technical difficulties owing to the number of people streaming the live web broadcast of the event, the gathering watched the opening prayers, the performance of the inaugural quarter, and finally Obama's anticipated inauguration speech and the closing prayer in rapt attention. Over 80 people attended the event, packing Denney 311 to the extent that there was standing room only.
For me, the gathering was a marvelous way to watch the changing of administrations: great colleagues and students, a marvelous sense of hope and optimism and relief, and the understanding that we can be, as a collective, much more productive and effective than we are individually. It feels like the 60s again, in the best possible way--and I'm a big fan of the 60s!
--Cindy Selfe, Faculty
--Cindy Selfe, Faculty
Thanks to the people in the department who provided space, food, company and provided video coverage.
--Kate Parker, PhD Student
--Kate Parker, PhD Student
It feels good to have a president who gives me hope about the direction our country is headed in, and whose ideas are at once proactive and idealistic. President Obama stands for so many things that I think our nation was intended to stand for, and I feel very optimistic about the next four years. It was especially nice to be able to share this moment with a room full of enthusiastic and joyful people.
--Anne Jansen, PhD Student
--Anne Jansen, PhD Student
Thank you to Les Tannenbaum, Harvey Graff, Maura Heaphy, Ashley Byock, Marlene Longenecker, Ray Cashman, Amy Spears-and many others-who helped organize the event and provide the refreshments. It was a very fun and moving experience which was a pleasure to share with friends and colleagues.
