Elon University is one of more than 30 colleges and universities represented in the nation’s capital this month with students attending a two-week program hosted by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars in the lead-up to President Barack Obama’s swearing-in ceremony.
Students and faculty will convene in Washington, D.C., from Jan. 12-22 and participate in a series of discussions, site visits and guest lectures that will culminate in public inauguration events.
“The inauguration and swearing-in ceremony is such a symbolic tradition for our country,” said Mike Smith, president of The Washington Center. “Every four years Americans tune in to the coverage of the inauguration and a lucky few watch from the parade route. Elon students will not only learn about the transition of political power, they will be a part of historic inauguration events, live, as they happen.
Students will hear political leaders and White House news correspondents share personal stories of presidential campaign trails, elections and national policy. Historians and renowned professors will host interactive discussions on political appointments, congressional confirmations and policy agendas.
A few of the speakers include:
Ken Walsh, Chief White House Correspondent, U.S. News & World Report
Scott Horsley, White House Correspondent, National Public Radio
Janet Hook, Political Reporter, The Wall Street Journal
Steve Scully, Senior Executive Producer/ Host, C-SPAN
Ben LaBolt, Senior Advisor, Presidential Inaugural Committee
Rodell Mollineau, President, American Bridge 21st Century
Eugene Kang, Special Projects Coordinator/Confidential Asst. to the Office of the President
Owen Ullman, Editor, USA Today
Tavis Smiley, Host, The Tavis Smiley Show, PBS
Frank Fahrenkoph, Co-Chair, Commission on Presidential Debates
Michael McCurry, Co- Chair, Commission on Presidential Debates
Don Ritchie, United States Senate Historian
For more information on Inside Washington 2013 academic seminars, visit www.twc.edu/inauguration.
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is an independent, nonprofit organization that serves hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries by providing selected students challenging opportunities to work and learn in Washington, D.C., for academic credit.
The largest program of its kind, The Washington Center has more than 50,000 alumni who have become leaders in numerous professions and nations around the world. It was established in 1975.