“Once every four years we have the opportunity to come together as a political and social community to celebrate both change and continuity in our national leadership. We welcome the opportunity at the University of Maine at Presque Isle to invite people of all political persuasions to come and join us in watching President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration,” President Don Zillman said. “It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on change in our society and the energies of the political processes, and to consider the very substantial challenges that all of us face, but particularly our major elected leaders, in confronting the challenges that are ahead.”
National televised coverage of Inauguration Day festivities begins at 10 a.m. eastern time, and President-elect Barack Obama must be sworn in by Noon. With that schedule in mind, the University will begin its event at 11 a.m. with a welcome and introduction by President Zillman, followed by a short talk by Joy Cushman, who served as a deputy field director for Obama’s presidential campaign team.
Cushman, who resides in Presque Isle, worked in Georgia, South Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Florida during the 2008 presidential campaign. She will speak about the opportunity she had to participate in the political process and the roles everyday people play in shaping the future of our government.
All are invited to attend this event. Wieden Auditorium will be open starting at 10 a.m. for those who want to watch more national coverage of the Inauguration ceremony.
For more information about this event, contact the Media Relations Office at 768-9452.