In the middle of all the excitement in Washington, DC today is Syracuse University football student-athlete Kevyn Scott. As part of the 2009 University Presidential Inaugural Conference (UPIC), Scott and the other invited participants are immersed in all aspects of the Inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama. Scott has attended seminars, lectures and workshops that focus on politics and the world, and enjoyed social activities that include a wide array of figures from the world of politics, entertainment, media and sports.
Today Scott and all of the UPIC participants are exclusively invited to take part in the traditional ceremony of the inauguration itself, as they will witness the official swearing-in of the President of the United States, and view the inaugural parade as the President, Vice President and their families make their way from the U.S. Capitol to the White House.
"So far the most interesting thing about the conference was listening to Colin Powell's speech on Leadership," Scott said on Sunday evening. "So far what has made me say WOW was the inaugural opening ceremony, which featured stars such as Jamie Fox, Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Beyonce, Usher, and last, but not least, the President himself. This was also the most fun event thus far."
Held every four years in January following the presidential election, the UPIC provides inaugural scholars with a unique experience as they take part in and share firsthand in the excitement and ceremony of the inauguration of the President and Vice President of the United States.
On Monday, Scott attended a few seminars, including one presented by James Roosevelt, Jr., the grandson of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
"He discussed the Legacy of FDR and the New Deal," Scott said. "This was a very interesting seminar. After the seminar we received a keynote address from former Vice President of the United States Al Gore. He spoke about Global warming and other alarming environmental issues. At our hotel, I had the opportunity to socialize with several of the celebrities, including Patti LaBelle and Emmitt Smith."