Fairfield’s campus was abuzz Tuesday as students gathered in multiple locations to watch the 44th President of the United States take the oath of office. Students watched the scene from Washington, D.C. in the Quick Center, the Dimenna-Nyselius library and the Barone Campus Center.
Despite the varying political affiliations among students present, one theme rang clear; the need for change, and the hope that Barack Obama can deliver it. The question of the day then became: ‘Despite your political affiliation do you feel that this is a success for America?’ Answers were mixed.
Sarah Baroody, ’09 said, ‘Absolutely. I think it’s a huge step forward because we are one of the few nations out there that hasn’t had different types of presidents. We just have old white malesand I think it’s the right step forward.’
A graduate of Fairfield, Evan Berard ’07, said, ‘Absolutely, I think that it’s a milestone for America in terms of racial equality. I also feel that it’s a success because President Obama represents a pragmatic and intellectual approach to public policy and a break from partisan politics.’
An international undergraduate student, Anne Nieuwenhuis ’11 of the Netherlands said, ‘It’s important because I live here, but his policies will not really have a direct impact on me here. Everyone at home (Holland) was mostly for Obama in the hopes that he will change the relationship between the United States and Europe. I found myself pro-Obama even though most of my Fairfield friends are Republicans.’
‘ ‘ ‘ The level of knowledge that students’ possessed about the new President was also reflected in their answers, a few admitted to not knowing much about his policies and upcoming agenda. When asked about their main source of information, the general answer was, ‘friends, Internet, magazines.’
Michelle Onofrio ’11 is a business major and is most concerned with Obama’s economic reform policies. She said she is, ‘not necessarily excited nor looking forward to his presidency, just more interested to see what he actually does.’ She also mentioned her feelings about race being more of a factor in the results of this election than it should have been.
Devon Porrino ’11 found herself impartial to the day’s events. Regardless of political affiliation, she ‘hates politics,’ and just hopes the economy turns around. ‘Honestly I’m ignorant,’ she said.
With two unemployed parents at home, Porrino added, ‘I don’t care who’s in office, as long as things change.’
The spotlight of his entire campaign was put on change, and now the world is waiting to see if Barack Hussein Obama can truly back his ambitious agenda.
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