President-elect Barack Obama will swear in as the first African-American president of the United States at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, and Otterbein College students will be there for the historic event. Students that are interested in attending the Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. are being asked to sign up for a lottery and 85 names will be drawn to join in a bus ride to Washington D.C. to experience the historical moment. Chris Hempfling, the Assistant Director for the Center for Community Engagement will be on the bus to D.C. In addition to the 85 students on the trip, there will also be numerous Otterbein faculty and staff. Hempfling described the event as a "collaboration." The Center for Community Engagement, Student Affairs and Academic Affairs are just a few that have helped to organize and plan the event. "With the collaboration of the different groups we were hoping to keep the cost of the trip to a minimum for students." said Hempfling. "Our goal was to keep it affordable." The cost of attending hasn't been set yet, but is predicted to be between $50 - $75 for what Hempfling describes as a "ticket to be a part of history." Claire Tinkler, a self-described devout Obama fan, has already added her name to the lottery. "I have been a supporter of Barack Obama since the primaries," Tinkler said. "I think it is an important moment in our country's history." Though tickets to the official inauguration are no longer available, it is hoped that the group attending will set up camp on Pennsylvania Avenue where the festivities can still be seen and heard. Marsha Robinson, an assistant professor of history and political science, is the current interim director of black studies here at Otterbein. Robinson has been described as the "brains of operation" of the bus trip to D.C. Robinson lived in Washington D.C. for four years and stood on Pennsylvania Avenue 16 years ago for the Clinton/Gore Inauguration. "The peaceful change of power...that is the magic of America." Robinson said. "America, at that moment, is something college students have not seen." Robinson commented strongly on the "marker between generations." She explained that this was the current generations cue to take over. Efforts are also being made for students to be able to experience the days history here on campus as well. Robinson said students should "stay tuned" because plans haven't been made official yet. Tinkler admitted that she would be disappointed if her name isn't drawn from the lottery, and plans to be "paying attention from Ohio" if she isn't picked. A form has been emailed to Otterbein students and is also available on the intranet site on Otterbein website. This form must be turned in to the Campus Center Office by Friday, Nov. 21. The drawing for the 85 spots will be held at noon that day. As of Wednesday Nov. 19, Kate Porubcansky, the assistant dean and director of the center for student involvement, says there haven't been 85 students to enter the lottery, so there is still room on the bus. "This is a great opportunity for college students...this is what college is all about," she said. t&c;
Watching history in Washington
More
