News Alert! Pitzer NRS Students Head To D.C.

Pitzer College New Resources Students to Attend 56th Presidential Inauguration


On January 20th, 2009 President-Elect Barack Obama will make history by becoming the 44th president of the United States of America. This momentous occasion will be documented by many news crews as well as a group of unique students from Pitzer College.


This group of students is comprised of members from Pitzer’s New Resources Program. This program was designed for non-traditional age students 25 and older returning to school to complete their undergraduate degrees. The idea for the trip began the day after the presidential election, when two students were so inspired by Barack Obama’s election that they began asking other students if they would be interested in joining together and organizing a trip to witness the inauguration. Shortly after, fifteen students started the NRS Goes to DC Committee. As a group, they contacted their local and state and national congressional members for assistance with tickets and tours of the Washington D.C. area. This group of exceptionally driven students, worked diligently on organizing this special trip.


The five students who will be attending the event are: Nicole Aragon, Heather Halk, Jennifer Julian-Johnson, Scott Phillips, and Zaellotius Wilson. By utilizing the various Pitzer social clubs and programs, the students were able to raise enough money to fund their trip. While raising the money, the idea expanded from simply going on the trip to actually filming a short documentary on the inauguration and capturing the American people during this historic event. Together each student brings unique perspectives and majors that will create a well-rounded documentary.


The students begin their journey on Saturday, January 17th, and return Thursday, January 22nd, 2009. After returning to Claremont, the students are scheduled to edit their footage and carry out several seminars, workshops and community involvement projects. Their intent is to continue the spirit of change and hope created by President-elect Obama's campaign.