Faculty in the News
In the News
Faculty, staff take in historic Obama inauguration
Publication date: Feb. 2, 2009
Source: The Oread
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The Oread, the faculty and staff newsletter at the University of Kansas, quoted Andrew Torrance, associate professor of law, in an article about faculty and staff who attended the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Jan. 20
The Oread wrote:
Torrance had a relatively close spot to watch the new president take the oath of office.
"It was wonderful," he said of the experience. "I had a really nice ticket relatively close to the proceedings. I could see the president and those around him. The atmosphere was truly amazing. There were a lot of tears of joy when he took the oath."
Torrance was invited to attend the inauguration after serving on an advisory committee during the president's campaign. The committee advised then-candidate Obama on issues regarding technology, the media and telecommunications. Torrance was invited to advise on intellectual property law.
Torrance said he wasn't about to miss his first chance to see a president take office. He was left with a strong impression of a president with a chance to accomplish great things.
"I think this marks a sea change in who Americans believe they can choose to lead them," Torrance said. "This election shows there's a thirst in the U.S. for change, and not just cosmetic change, but real change in the way Americans choose their leaders."