Reflecting on Inauguration Day

01/22/13 00:03 AM

(Full Inauguration Blog coverage here. Twitter hashtag: #SMUinDC) By Julie Fancher / jfancher@smu.edu I just got back from the 57th Presidential Inauguration and what an experience. I woke up at 5 this morning and after four and a half hours of sleep, I was surprisingly energetic. I bundled up in my scarf, gloves, hat and coat and was on my way. I found out late last night that I was able to be in a seated section, and jumped at the opportunity to get those seats. Thank you so much to the amazing people I met at the California inaugural ball for setting me up big time! The slight downside, I had to pick them up this morning at the Washington Court hotel so I left earlier than my colleagues. I made the trek over to find that the city was deserted, except for the...

Preparing for the Inaugural Ball

01/21/13 18:29 PM

(Full Inauguration Blog coverage here. Twitter hashtag: #SMUinDC) By Katelyn Gough / kgough@smu.edu The Inaugural ball may not start for another few hours, but operations are in full swing here at the convention center. Both the Inaugural Ball and the Comander-in-Chief balls, both hosted by President Obama, are taking place at the Washington Convention Center. Special effect lighting is in place and musical sound checks are going on. Artists set to perform tonight at at the two balls include Alicia Keys, Usher, John Legend, Katy Perry, Brad Paisley, Stevie Wonder, and more. The Commander-in-Chief's Ball is an invitation-only celebration for members of the Armed Forces. Tickets were free for those attending. The Inaugural Ball, held downstairs from the...

Storify: Post-Inauguration coverage

01/21/13 14:18 PM

(Full Inauguration Blog coverage here. Twitter hashtag: #SMUinDC)

Storify: Live coverage of the Inauguration

01/21/13 10:48 AM

(Full Inauguration Blog coverage here. Twitter hashtag: #SMUinDC)

The Pre-Inauguration Scene

01/21/13 09:53 AM

(Full Inauguration Blog coverage here. Twitter hashtag: #SMUinDC)

 

SMU students' latest updates from the Capitol:

VIDEO: Inside the gate

01/21/13 09:32 AM

SMU student journalists report from the Capitol standing-room area.

Inside the gate from SMU-TV on Vimeo.

VIDEO: Heavy lines forming early in D.C.

01/21/13 08:03 AM

(Full Inauguration Blog coverage here. Twitter hashtag: #SMUinDC) SMU-TV's Kelsey Charles reports that lines are thick at the U.S. Capitol for this morning's Inauguration festivities. Lines at Inauguration from SMU-TV on Vimeo. ...

An event-filled second day in D.C.

01/21/13 00:13 AM

(Full Inauguration Blog coverage here. Twitter hashtag: #SMUinDC) By Julie Fancher / jfancher@smu.edu Today has been a crazy day! I don’t think I have stopped since 8 am this morning. This morning we went to the National Cathedral to hear famed political historian Michael Beschloss speak about President Obama’s upcoming second term. Next Kelsey, Katelyn and I went to the MLK Jr. Memorial statue to work on our respective stories. We teamed up to interview visitors, and I could not believe the crowd that had gathered at this memorial. Park Ranger Mike Townsend said it was the busiest day to date, only second to the day it opened in October 2011. Then we had a meet and greet with several SMU alumni who are working here in D.C. But the day was not done yet. The crew then...

Performers rock the Black Tie and Boots Ball

01/20/13 10:55 AM

(Full Inauguration Blog coverage here. Twitter hashtag: #SMUinDC) By Katelyn Gough / kgough@smu.edu President Obama's decision to scale back the number of official Inaugural balls this year to just two doesn't seem to have influenced the state societies to making similar choices. Two days before the public swearing-in, celebratory balls are in full swing throughout the DC area--one of the largest being Texas State Society's Black Tie and Boots Ball. With an entertainment line up of more than 30 artists and talent acts, the event drew attendees not only from the capital but also from the state itself. Many Texas residents flew in for the festivities, showcasing their authentic cowboy boots beneath full-length gowns and tuxedos. With five stages set up throughout four...

California Inaugural Ball celebrates Obama's second term

01/20/13 10:45 AM

(Full Inauguration Blog coverage here. Twitter hashtag: #SMUinDC) By Julie Fancher / jfancher@smu.edu Last night I attended the California Inaugural Ball, while the rest of my colleagues covered the scene at the Texas State Society’s Black Tie and Boots ball. It was such an incredible experience from the very beginning of the night. The ball began at 9pm and was held at the Washington Court hotel, which is just blocks away from the Capitol building. When I arrived, I was extremely nervous. I was all alone and realized I didn’t know anyone there. I was directed into a room where I was given a wristband and told there were free hors d'oeuvres and drinks. As I scanned the room I realized I was only one of maybe a dozen people there. And then I saw House...