Published: January 21, 2009 10:40 am      

Brenneman calls in report from the scene

As President Barack Obama stepped to the podium to take his oath of office Tuesday, the electricity that flowed through Goshen College was palpable.

There, at the Umble Center, students, faculty and community members gathered to watch the historic inauguration of our 44th commander in chief. By the time Obama raised his hand to be sworn into the office, it was standing room only.

A variety of school officials and professors took the stage before the lights were turned down and the television sound turned up. They discussed the content of previous speeches by Obama and other presidents, a bit of civil rights history and comments from Goshen College President Jim Brenneman.

Brenneman sent a letter in his stead as he and his son Quinn were seated just 100 yards from the platform at the Capitol Building.

“When I was his age, I had experienced life as a child living in the deeply segregated south, where our theaters, restaurants, drinking fountains and beaches were blatantly divided between ‘whites’ and ‘coloreds.’ ” Brenneman’s letter read. “So, to be standing here today in a sea of people from every race, culture, age and creed, together bearing witness to the inauguration of President Obama sends shivers up my spine — and not just from the cold out here.”

Just before ceremonies began, Brenneman called GC Director of Public Relations Richard Aguirre, who held his cell phone to the microphone while Brenneman described the scene.

“It is a great experience,” Brenneman told the crowd. “I wish you could all be here.”

His voice was nearly drowned out by cheers of “O-ba-ma! O-ba-ma! O-ba-ma!” coming from revelers near him.

The auditorium, which had been full of excited chatter and giggling, fell silent as the inauguration began, but when President Obama uttered the words “so help me God,” the audience exploded.

Everyone in attendance was on their feet, cheering and clapping heartily for the nation’s newest leader.

Response to President Obama’s inaugural speech was less exuberant but favorable, with random bouts of clapping or solitary whoops breaking the silence as his words resonated with attendees.

After a discussion period regarding the day’s historic nature, many attendees made a final stop in an adjoining room to have a snack before continuing on. They were still talking about the inauguration as they left.