Twenty-two lucky Loyola Marymount University students are in Washington, D.C. today celebrating the inauguration of our nation's 44th president, Barack Obama.

The opportunity was made possible by The LMU Institute for Leadership Studies, directed by political science Professor Michael Genovese, in conjunction with The Washington Center, an independent, nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for students to work and learn in Washington, D.C. Genovese is the Scholar-in-Residence for the center’s Presidential Inauguration Program, which welcomed more than 750 students from universities across the country.

“LMU’s job is to provide students with opportunities to shine, to grow, to be challenged and to pursue excellence,” Genovese says. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Cristina Fard, a political science sophomore, says she is “overjoyed” at the opportunity to attend the inauguration of our nation’s first African-American president. “There’s never been a more exciting time to be in Washington, D.C!” she says.

The Washington Center arranged to have speakers from government, the media and the incoming administration to address the students. Genovese’s book, “Memo to a New President” (Oxford University Press, 2008) is the text for the program -- a point of pride for the LMU students who will be in attendance.

“We get to say [to other students], "That book you're reading … that's our teacher,” Fard says.

Students will attend various additional events throughout the week. Genovese says he is pleased that they can be part of something truly historic. “I hope students are inspired to think about public service as a career.”