Semester at Sea Celebrates Inauguration Day

Earlier today, millions of people around the world tuned in to watch Barack Obama be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America. Things were no different aboard the MV Explorer, roughly four hundred miles away from Nassau in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Students, staff, and faculty gathered together in the Union and classrooms as a live webcast of the inaugural festivities was broadcast on televisions throughout the ship.

Students erupted into cheers and applause as Michelle Obama, Vice President Biden, and President Obama came onto the screen. People here across the political spectrum recognized the event as a momentous day in our nation’s history and that the peaceful transition of power embodies the greatest ideals of the United States.

The words of President Obama inspired faculty and students alike. One of the most memorable parts for Kate Shields, a student from Cleveland, Ohio, was when Obama stated, “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” Kate felt that Obama’s speech offered a “renewed sense of hope, and real change.” Her twin sister, Sarah, also a student on this voyage, remarked that she was very excited to have this opportunity to travel the globe and see for herself what other countries thought about America. Similarly, Hadley Mick, a student from Colorado believed that President Obama would bring a “newfound respect for us as a country.”

We capped off the celebrations here with a reception in the Union following the last student orientation session. It featured brief remarks on the day’s events by Les McCabe, President of the Institute for Shipboard Education as well as this semester’s Executive Dean and cake for all!



Photo #1 by SAS Photographer John Weakley