For three DePaul students, the event struck them on a personal level; two actually witnessed it in D.C. and one watched it on television back in Chicago. Here are their stories.
Family, educational ties
DePaul Law student Frank Gainer was in D.C. Monday and Tuesday to witness the Inauguration festivities. The event hit home for him for two reasons.His father Terry Gainer, who earned his Juris doctorate degree from DePaul in 1980, was part of the swearing-in ceremony as U.S. Senate Sergeant of Arms. Gainer escorted Barack Obama toward the Capitol Building at the beginning of the event and then to his car for the parade.
"It's pretty spectacular that he gets to be such a big part of this moment in our history," Frank said.
In addition, the student’s undergraduate studies prepared him to appreciate the enormity of the event. He majored in sociology with a minor in African-American studies at Virginia Tech.
"Since then, I have always tried to educate myself and my friends on the negative way this country treated an entire community of people for so long," he said. "I know we're still far from an equal society, but the election of Obama is a huge step in the right direction."
"This is an incredible step for race relations in the United States, and I am hopeful that we as Americans can continue to take more steps toward equality," he added.
A technology revolution
DePaul sophomore Devon Blandin also attended Tuesday's event. He flew to D.C. Monday night and flew back to Chicago Tuesday evening, so he would not miss any classes.Blandin saw Obama's election and Inauguration as a major victory for the advancement of technology in the United States.
"I am very excited about Obama's interest in technology and what that means for the future," said the interactive media major and computer science minor. "I believe that this government, utilizing available technology, will be far more accessible and transparent than the public has seen in decades."
Additionally, Blandin has been impressed by Obama's use of social media during the campaign. Obama frequently utilized tools like text messaging, emails and phone calls to get his message out.
"I can only dream of how he will expand upon that astounding success," he said. "Obama's Inauguration is a stride toward a proud, united and connected nation."
Political inspiration
DePaul junior Jennifer Aguilar watched the swearing-in ceremony live at the university’s Lincoln Park campus. The political science major said this event had a special significance to her.“It’s the first president of color in the history of the U.S., and it’s so historic. And it’s very important to me as a Mexican-American,” she said. “I aspire to reach office too. I want to be a senator.”
Aguilar said Obama’s story is particularly remarkable.
“His dad was an immigrant from Kenya, and most people when they come to poor communities they don’t aspire too much and he made it,” she said. “He’s a great inspiration to many people who come from nothing.”
During his speech, Obama’s strong language toward terrorists especially impressed Aguilar.
“We’re going to be a new America, and we’re going to do what we were meant to do,” she said.
“He brings up hope in all of us,” she added. “For people who have given up, who don’t believe in America anymore, he brings them back.”
