KINGSTON, R.I. — January 16, 2009 — After joining with community members to view the historic inauguration of the nation’s 44th president, Barack Obama, four University of Rhode Island professors will offer analysis of the event and the new President’s inaugural address.

The panel discussion will take place after all view the inauguration on a large screen in the Memorial Union Ballroom starting at 11 a.m. The oath of office will be administered at noon, followed by Obama’s speech. The University is providing four other venues for viewing the inauguration on the Kingston Campus, and two on the Feinstein Providence Campus.

The panel members and their areas of expertise are: Brian Krueger, associate professor of political science, new technologies and political behavior; Celest Martin, associate professor of writing and rhetoric and chair of the URI Faculty Senate, Obama’s rhetoric and his work as an author; Richard McIntyre, professor of economics and director of the Honors Program, Martin Luther King’s legacy and “Obamanomics,” and Nasser Zawia, associate professor of pharmacy, the impact of the new administration on research and health care.

Community Gatherings

* Memorial Union Ballroom: “POTUS” (President of the United States) sheet cake and Hawaiian punch to be served. Panel discussion to follow inauguration speech. Gathering to begin by 11 a.m.

* Roosevelt Hall Great Room: “Presidential” cookies to be served, gathering to begin by 11 a.m.

* Hope Commons Rhody Market: “Presidential” cookies to be served. Rhody Market is open all day Jan. 20.

* Chafee Social Science Center, Room 271, gathering to begin by 11 a.m.

* University Library, Galanti Lounge East, third floor, open at 9 a.m.

* Feinstein Providence Campus, Room 242 and 207 from 11:30 – 1:30 p.m.