Subscribe to our newsletter by emailUCI Libraries Hosts Donors and Friends at President Obama's Commencement Speech
On June 14, the UCI Libraries hosted a small group of supporters and friends to view President Barack Obama’s inspirational commencement speech from a private suite at Angel Stadium. UCI’s 2014 commencement included a special all-graduate ceremony in honor of President Obama’s visit, and the event was held at Angel Stadium in order to accommodate all of the graduating students, their families, and select members of the campus community.
This event was the second visit to UC Irvine by a sitting US President (the first was President Lyndon Johnson’s 1964 visit to dedicate the location of the UCI campus). President Obama’s participation in the 2014 commencement ceremonies placed UCI directly in the spotlight for substantial regional and national attention. This special ceremony also served as a kick-off to UCI’s 50th anniversary celebration. As a result, there was a high demand for tickets, and few tickets were available to individuals beyond graduating students and their immediate families.
Given this limited availability, the Libraries were delighted to have the unique opportunity to extend an invitation to view President Obama’s speech, and the entire commencement ceremony, to loyal partners and potential new partners. While the day was sunny and hot, and attendees were asked to arrive well before the start of the ceremony, our guests remained comfortable in a spacious and shaded private suite with a great view of the President and other dignitaries. Guests also enjoyed complimentary breakfast, lunch, and beverages in the private indoor lounge and outdoor seating area.
University Librarian Lorelei Tanji, who was among the dignitaries invited to watch President Obama’s speech from the commencement stage, said: “While I was not able to welcome our guests to the suite due to my other commencement duties, I was very happy to extend a token of our gratitude to our partners and friends by offering them the opportunity to witness this historic event. We are thankful for their generosity and their ongoing interest in and support for the Libraries.”
For further information, please contact Kevin Ruminson, Assistant University Librarian for Administrative Services at 949.824.4440 or ruminson@uci.edu