A group of more than 30 UTC students will be attending the 57th Quadrennial Presidential Inauguration commemorating the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, in Washington, D.C. The trip is part of a learning opportunity about civic engagement and the political process.
A bus will leave Lansing Court for the nation’s capital on Saturday, Jan.
19 at 10 p.m. The students will attend the inauguration on Monday, Jan. 21. They will also visit iconic destinations including Smithsonian Natural History Museum,Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S National Archives.
The idea for the trip was initially conceived by students who worked with UTC faculty and staff to make it a reality.
“The ability to offer these unique learning experiences strengthens our efforts to provide students with distinctive learning opportunities that enhance their formal academic training. We have framed the trip as a rich, hands-on learning opportunity for students, and have used our Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Think-Achieve model to ensure that the event is grounded as a thoughtful, engaged, and active academic experience,” Dr. John Delaney, Vice Chancellor of the Office of Student Development, said.
To be considered, applicants were asked to identify their involvement with the sponsoring departments on campus and explain why they were interested in this trip and what they hoped to gain from this experience. GPA, grades, and disciplinary records were also considered. More than 160 students applied and 32 were selected.
During the trip, students will define civic engagement and reflect on the personal responsibility of contributing to a community greater than one’s self. Students will also research multiple political perspectives and frameworks of historical significance in the context of the U.S. presidential inauguration.
UTC sponsors include the Office of Equity and Diversity, The Office of Multicultural Affairs, The Women's Center, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and Student Development.