The University Presidential Inaugural Conference (UPIC) is a historic event, providing the Inaugural Scholars who take part in it with a unique and extraordinary experience.

On January 20, 2009, Inaugural Scholars will be present for the swearing-in of the President and Vice President and witness, firsthand, the hallmark of democracy in action with the peaceful transition of power to the 44th President of the United States.

The Inaugural Conference, held in Washington, D.C. from January 17 to 21, 2009, features exclusive and private inaugural events and activities with world-renowned keynote speakers, government leaders, prominent VIPs and political experts, as well as a Black Tie Gala Inaugural Ball.  Inaugural Scholars will also have the opportunity to attend public ceremonial events, such as the official swearing-in ceremony and the inaugural parade, as the President and Vice President proceed down Pennsylvania Avenue from the United States Capitol Building to the White House.

During the Conference, scholars will have exclusive access to keynotes and panels delivered by sought-after personalities and political experts including Lance Armstrong, Chairman and Founder of the Lance Armstrong Foundation; Senator John Edwards, 2008 Candidate for President, and Elizabeth Edwards; James Carville and Mary Matalin, Co-Authors of All’s Fair: Love, War and Running for President; Erik Weihenmayer, Filmmaker, Mountaineer and Author of To Touch the Top of the World: A Blind Man's Journey to Climb Farther; and a Point/Counterpoint featuring Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson.

This unique opportunity is available to all Golden Key members who are enrolled in a post-secondary program at the time they attend the Conference.  To learn more about this opportunity and to view a more detailed Schedule of Events, please visit www.inauguralscholar.org/gk.