This article appeared in The University Register, Thursday, February 10, 2005 - Volume 17, Issue 15, page 1
click here to read the article on The University Register website
Ronald Reagan's birthday celebrated on campus
Students get together to reflect on Reagan and enjoy some jelly beans
by Nathan Swanson, Staff Writer
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Ronald Reagan was the embodiment of the American Dream. His journey into the annals of American history started with humble beginnings in Dixon, Illinois and directed him to California, where he landed a successful acting career. Reagan later morphed from actor and Screen Actors Guild president into a politician whose vision led and inspired a nation. In honor of the extraordinary life of former President Ronald W. Reagan, members and guests of the University of Minnesota, Morris College Republicans Chapter gathered on Monday, February 7, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Television Lounge of the Student Center to the celebrate what would have been his 94th birthday.
Although President Reagan passed away in June of 2004, many felt that the day of his birth could not go unmarked by the nation he loved so dearly and served so admirably. This sense of remembrance and honor found its way to the campus of the University of Minnesota, Morris. In the final weeks of last semester, several members of the College Republicans Chapter expressed interest in hosting a campus-wide celebration of the President's birthday. After brainstorming ideas and receiving some information from The Leadership Institute, a non-partisan educational foundation based in Washington, D.C., event organizers Megan Fowler and Nathan Swanson planned an informal party for February 7. The party activities included the viewing of the A&E and History Channel tributes to the President, free pizza, and other snacks, including Reagan's favorite candy, jellybeans. Memorable quotes from "The Great Communicator" also adorned posters around the TV lounge. In addition, party guests were invited to peruse several books and magazines featuring famous speeches of or articles about President Reagan. Approximately 20 students from across the political spectrum and the campus community attended the celebration and garnered a deeper knowledge of and respect for President Reagan and enjoyed the company of their fellow students.
Club officers and event organizers plan to hold a similar event every February 7 in the years to come.
Nationally, no large scale celebration or ceremony took place, but family and friends did gather at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California and the non-profit group Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) held an event at the Reagans' ranch and their headquarters, Rancho del Cielo in Santa Barbara County, according to the Associated Press. The Associated Press also reported that President George W. Bush sent a wreath honoring Reagan to his gravestone; US Marines placed the wreath there on Monday. |
