On Tuesday, the United States will swear in its new president, and one Oklahoma State University student will not be one of the millions watching it unfold on television.

Journalism senior Alex Elliott has a ticket to the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, and will fly out today to witness history firsthand.

Tickets to the inauguration are hard to get, as state legislatures only have so many to give to constituents. Rep. Frank Lucas had ten requests for every ticket that he had available, Elliott said.
“I first thought that I might have a ticket the Sunday before Christmas,” Elliott said. “I was telling my mom how Bruce Springsteen was going to be playing at the inauguration and she had this big grin on her face.”

Elliot received his ticket from Lucas as a result of a chance luncheon seating arrangement which placed David Bosserman, OSU vice president for administration and finance, next to Lucas. Bosserman asked Lucas if he knew of any way to get one ticket for a student (Elliott) who had been more excited about this election than anyone he has ever known. Lucas said he would try. He not only tried but succeeded.

“When I found out that I was going to get to go my heart stopped,” Elliott said.
Bosserman had Elliott in mind for the ticket the whole time.

“He told me the story of how he had gone to see Kennedy’s inauguration, and how being able to give me the chance to go would be his chance to pass on the torch,” Elliott said.

Bosserman said, “I probably wasn’t as excited as Alex but I could hardly contain myself to be a part of making his dream come true. This country needs young people to get excited about public service and our government. Alex will fill that role and represent OSU and Oklahoma with pride and dignity.”

Elliott will pick up his ticket in Lucas’ office at the capital building in Washington D.C.
Elliott was an avid Obama supporter and could not be more excited.

“Bruce Springsteen will be there with Bono and Martin Luther King III will read before the ceremony,” Elliott said, “It’s all happening.”

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