O
n Oct. 17, 14,000 people descended upon the College Green of Ohio University’s campus to be a part of history. For the first time since 1964, a sitting president was visiting Ohio’s beautiful campus. And, of course, this wasn’t just any commander-in-chief. The university was hosting Barack Obama, the nation’s first African-American president. The day attracted people of all ages from all over the region. They stood elbow-to-elbow under the elms to listen to their president talk of national and international affairs, and even a few points of local interest. “I came here today because I heard you’ve got a pretty fun football team to watch,” President Obama said from the West Portico of Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, as the crowd burst into laughter and applause. “Undefeated, if I’m not mistaken. A shot at the MAC Championship. Maybe a BCS bid. “I just want to point out that I was pushing for a playoff system — we got a playoff system. One more promise kept, for those of you who are following college football,” he said with a smile. “But it is outstanding the Bobcats are doing so well, so I want to wish you guys luck in the upcoming season.” For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness history and to celebrate the democratic process, no matter one’s political affiliation. For those behind the scenes, the ones who made it happen, the experience involved seven arduous days of coordinated efforts, sleepless nights and a common goal — keep the president safe and the energy positive. By all accounts, that was achieved. All parties, including the student volunteers, the campaign and White House staff, Secret Service members, university employees and even the weather, cooperated to mark the memorable occasion.
Sunday, Oct. 14
THE RIGHT VENUE? GO WITH HISTORY The story of how President Barack Obama’s campaign stop in Athens came together begins with Nicholas Tuell, a campaign field organizer at the time and now a junior studying political science. The president wanted to visit Ohio University, his boss told him on the night of Oct. 10, and the College Democrats had the opportunity to sponsor it. It wasn’t a done deal yet, so Tuell had to keep it quiet but get the ball rolling. Tuell immediately informed his fellow students and best friends Marika Bresler (also a field organizer) and Shannon Welch (the president of Ohio University’s College Democrats). “We started screaming; it was really amazing,” says Welch, recalling the moment Tuell told her the news. Not wanting to delay a moment, Welch called Vice President of Student Affairs Ryan Lombardi later that night to request permission for the university to host the event. “I was very excited at the potential of hosting a sitting president on our campus, and immediately recognized the historic potential here,” Lombardi says. President Roderick J. McDavis agreed. “I knew the opportunity to see the President of the United States of America on our College Green would be a definitive, momentous occasion for students of all backgrounds and political affiliations,” McDavis says. “I cannot think of a better way to enrich our studentcentered learning community.” Lombardi reached out to the university’s Event Services staff just as they were preparing for one of the biggest events of the year (Homecoming). Dustin Kilgour, Event Services executive director, went into overdrive after hearing the news of the possible presidential visit. For the next seven days, he and his staff, Jeremy Schaffer and Caitlin Barnhardt, would become consumed with attending meetings, communicating with the Secret Service,
Monday, Oct. 15
Wednesday, Oct. 17
9:59 P.M.
12 P.M. • Free ticket distribution for the event
visit begins. • Helicopters stage a trial landing.
• One minute before the requested
deadline, the president’s team selects a venue for the event: College Green with the Convo as a back-up.
4 A.M. • Attendees reportedly
start lining up.
spring 2013
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