One of the joys of being president of Northeastern Illinois University is representing the University at important events. I am pleased to report that NEIU sent a delegation to the Inauguration of President Obama. Carla Knorowski, vice president for institutional advancement; Suleyma Perez, director of government relations; my husband Billy and I traveled to Washington to participate in various events surrounding the Inauguration. Of these, the Inauguration itself was the most impressive. The volume of people was amazing; it was surely the largest group of people I've ever been a part of. Standing on the National Mall on that lovely, cold, sunny day, I felt a clear sense that all of us were sharing an important moment in history.

Simply getting to the Mall was an adventure. Many bridges and streets were closed, the Metro trains were packed, and stations were closed or opened unexpectedly as the crowds increased or decreased. Despite the lines, the cold, the wait, and the crowd, the event was spectacular.

The two days preceding the Inauguration on Tuesday were busy and exciting. Sunday evening we attended Mayor Daley's reception. Present were a number of friends of the University. Monday morning Senator Durbin hosted a coffee at the Library of Congress. Later, at noon, our delegation hosted a luncheon for NEIU alumni in the D.C. area. While the turnout was modest, the enthusiasm for Northeastern was wonderful. Joining us were Trustee Grace Dawson and her sister and IBHE member Francis Carroll, and their family, as well as Don Pitman, Sheena Glover, Murrell Duster, and their guests. We were also honored to have State Senator Iris Martinez, Representative David Miller and NEIU alumnus Alderman George Cardenas as guests. Although this was our first alumni event in Washington, it had the same positive feeling that I've experienced at similar events closer to home. Our alumni value their time at NEIU.

Monday night we attended the Illinois Ball. Tuesday evening, following the Inauguration, we attended the Home States Ball. The highlight, of course, was the arrival of President and Mrs. Obama and, later, Vice President and Dr. Biden. The Home States Ball was for people from Illinois and Hawaii, President Obama's "home states." I pondered for a moment—how often do those two states share a common factor that sets them apart from the other forty-eight?

The Inauguration of President Obama represents many things to many people. For us at NEIU, the most diverse university in the Midwest, the Inauguration of the first African American president is an affirmation of our work, our values, our reason for being. It was an honor to represent our University at this historic event.

This is a critical moment in the history of our nation. We are passing through a time of uncertainty—and opportunity. I share the President's belief that we will meet the challenges before us. Education will play a key role. The faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of Northeastern are ready to help our students meet these challenges.