FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 20, 2009

Webster University Celebrates Presidential Inauguration Jan. 20

ST. LOUIS, January 12, 2009 – Webster University is hosting a free inauguration watch party for the community, Tuesday, Jan. 20, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the University Center, 175 Edgar Road, Webster Groves, Missouri. Two large screens will be available for the live broadcast. A panel discussion will be held at 6 p.m. to discuss the impact of the election and inauguration on the African-American community, and, particularly what the inauguration of Obama means for African-American men.  The day will culminate with a free concert beginning at 8:30 p.m. featuring St. Louis bands Illphonics, Red Card Royal, Saxifrage and C. Jay Conrod.

The watch party and celebration are sponsored by Webster University’s Multicultural Center, International Students Affairs, One Webster, Student Government Association, LGBTQ Alliance and College Democrats.

Webster University students, staff, faculty, and community members will gather to watch the historic inauguration of our country’s first African American President.  Throughout the day, organizations will honor this historic day and celebrate a new era in American politics.   Festivities will begin at 10:30 am in the University Center as the Webster University community gathers to watch the inauguration on two large screens

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities. The University’s core values include excellence in teaching, joining theory and practice, small class sizes, and educating students to be lifelong independent learners, fully prepared to participate in an increasingly international society.

Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.