And...we're off!

Submitted by r-alexander on Sat, 08/16/2008 - 6:12pm.

Who knew that the weather in Ohio would be better than that in Colorado?!  While Denver boasts 300+ days of sunshine, the last 2 days were not among them!  However, the weather forecast is looking good for the next 10 days! 

Only the faculy are here so far.  The students arrive tomorrow.  We had a wonderful orientation today...we learned a great deal about what the students will be doing while they are out here.  The Washington Center has set up wonderful programming.  Several governors and former governors will be part of the seminar series (including current Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and former presidential candidate, Mike Dukakis).  Also, the executive producer of the Democratic Convention will speak as well as one of the co-chairs of the Denver Convention Committee.  CBS anchor, Bob Schieffer will also speak.  There are many other great speakers as well.  I'm sure they will be discussed throughout our blogposts...

Additionally, The Washington Center appears to have procured a number of excellent fieldwork placements for students while they are out here.  We have yet to learn exactly what placements are ahead for our Polar Bear crew, but I am confident they will be first-rate!

Tom Cronin is the faculty director and he is not a stranger to ONU.  When I mentioned that he was the faculty director, President Baker told me to say "hi" to him.  They are friends from both the political science community as well as the college president community.  Professor Cronin was pleased to receive President Baker's salutations...he then went on to tell me about his experience at ONU nearly 20 years ago...he was brought to ONU as a speaker by my predecessor David Saffell.  He spoke warmly of ONU and especially of Dr. Saffell.  Its a real pleasure to work with Professor Cronin as I have used his book in class and have used his work prominently in lectures regarding the presidency (he's widely regarded as one of America's top scholars on the subject).  I'm especially pleased that our students will get to see him in person.  This will be a wonderful opportunity for all...

I am anxiously awaiting what unfolds over the next couple of weeks.  It promises to be an unforgettable experience!

Until next time... 

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