Ohio State to commemorate Inauguration Day with a slate programs and events

The Ohio State University is preparing to commemorate the inauguration of the country's 44th president on Jan. 20 through a variety of events. For a number of students, the historic moment will be experienced in the nation's capital.

Following is a list of Ohio State activities planned through Tuesday (1/20).

Marching band to perform in inaugural parade – The Ohio State Marching Band will participate in the three-mile long, Presidential Inaugural Parade on Tuesday (1/20). This will be the fifth inaugural parade for the largest all-brass and percussion band in the world. The 225-member band will depart at 7 a.m. Sunday (1/18) from Ohio Stadium, Gate 10.

Student organizations to attend inaugural – A number of student organizations will take part in a full weekend of academic enrichment experiences and activities.

•Mundo, a residential learning community focused on social justice and cross-cultural understanding, will do sightseeing and meet with faculty and staff at George Washington University over the weekend to discuss issues related to race and politics. The group includes 30 students who will depart at 12:15 a.m. Saturday (1/17) from the Hale Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave. CONTACT: Julius Mayo, University Housing, (614) 247-2527.

•About 50 students from the John Glenn Learning Community and the John Glenn Leadership Council will travel to Washington for Tuesday's inauguration. The students, which share interests in leadership and civic engagement, will depart at 8 a.m. Saturday (1/17) from College Road at 12th Avenue. The trip will include a visit to the Glenn School's internship office in Washington, sightseeing and participation in a public service project. CONTACT: Doug Eck, University Housing, (614) 292-2350 or deck@studentlife.osu.edu

Campus Inauguration Viewing Sites

•A public telecast of the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama will take place at the Wexner Center for the Arts in Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St. Admission is free and open to the public. The doors will open at 10:30 a.m. and seating is first come, first served. Parking is available at the Ohio Union garage at 1780 College Rd. CONTACT: Karen Simonian, (614) 292-9923 or simonian.4@osu.edu

•The Hale Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave., will open its doors to university faculty, staff and students, beginning at 11 a.m. CONTACT: Larry Williamson, director, (614) 292-0074.

•An inaugural luncheon will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ohio State African & African American Studies Community Extension Center, 905 Mt. Vernon Ave. For reservations and ticket information call (614) 292-3047.

•The Moritz College of Law will begin airing the ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in the Saxbe Auditorium located on the first floor of Drinko Hall, 55 W. 12th Ave. CONTACT: Barbara Peck, Moritz, (614) 292-0283.

•Faculty, staff and students of the John Glenn School of Public Affairs, 1810 College Rd., will watch the ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m. CONTACT: Laure Sipe, events manager, (614) 247-6369.

•The North Campus housekeeping staff and residents of Taylor Tower, 50 Curl Dr., will watch the oath of office together. Approximately 50 staffers will join students in the lobby just before noon. CONTACT: Barb Kefalas, Housing Education, (614) 247-4664.

•The College of Social Work will watch events in Stillman Hall, Room 115, 1947 College Rd.

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