Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Bush Supporters Celebrate Victory

As the District slept, young Republicans celebrated the inauguration of George W. Bush in style Thursday night.

The Inaugural Event of Georgetown, a private party held in the historic City Tavern Club, drew more than 400 White House staffers, Bush supporters and Georgetown students celebrating the inauguration of the president. Congressmen, Bush administration officials and other VIPs also attended the event.

Many of the attendees came to the event to unwind after attending some of the nine official inaugural balls that took place throughout the night in locations around the D.C area.

According to event coordinator Fritz Brogan (COL ’07), the night was meant to honor Bush and join in solidarity with fellow supporters.

Brogan said the City Tavern Club was picked for the evening because it was the oldest building in Georgetown and has hosted numerous presidents, ambassadors and other dignitaries since its construction in 1796.

“It was great to see President Bush inaugurated today,” Brogan said. “He seems very dedicated and confident. This is a celebration so we can honor the president.”

Steve Paulick (MSB ’04) worked at the event as a host and said that it was “all about celebrating democracy and appealing towards the younger generation of people.”

“Most of the other stuff going on is very different from what we’re doing,” he said. “We wanted something appealing towards the youthful collegiate set. This is a large event if not the largest event of that nature.”

Young Republicans, including numerous Georgetown students, packed the club, dancing to the beats of prominent D.C. band – Soul Generation – and excitedly discussing the next four years.

Some students said they had been strong Bush supporters and had volunteered at inauguration events throughout the day. Caitlin cQuilling (SFS ’07) worked at the inauguration parade in the morning but said she still had energy to “have fun and support our man.”

“It was cold this morning but a lot of fun at the parade and everyone there had a lot of energy,” she said. “Everyone was so excited to be there and I’m very excited to be here this evening. This is just about taking part in a celebration and having a good time.”

Craig Warznack (MSB ’06) watched the inauguration ceremony on television and viewed the event as a time to “unwind and have fun with others who support the president.”

“It’s good to celebrate the re-election of President Bush,” he said. “We need to get behind him so we can be sure he finishes the good work that he started, especially in Iraq.”

But while some students arrived ready to celebrate Bush’s re-election, others including professed Republican Dennis Hannan (MSB ’08) said they had come primarily for the open bar.

“I wanted to go to an inauguration party so this is pretty fun but the open bar is always nice,” he said. “I’m having a good time and I wish the best for George W. Whatever happens will happen and it’s just fun to.be here and mingle with these cool people.”

Most students, however, took pride in supporting the Bush administration. Paul Rowsey (COL ’06) said he had been waiting for the Inaugural Event for days.

“I was kicking it at home watching what was going on all day and just waiting for this evening to support President Bush,” he said. “It’s wonderful to be here with people who I have something in common with. It’s just time to have a good time and support the future of our country.”

The event was organized by Brogan’s company, 2401 Entertainment.

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