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Alex Chung—Grateful for the Opportunity
Alexandra Chung was only three days away from her graduation from LSU. She had plenty to celebrate since she was graduating with college honors and receiving a bachelor of arts degree in political science from one of the most prestigious research universities in the South. The occasion was particularly momentous for the obvious reasons and because President George W. Bush was scheduled to be LSU's commencement speaker. Graduation could not have been more exciting until Alex learned that she was the LSU student chosen to greet the president of the United States when he landed at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport that Friday morning. On the Tuesday prior to graduation, Alex received a phone call from a representative with the U.S. Freedom Corp, a coordinating council housed at the White House that provides resources, opportunities, and encouragement for Americans to start volunteering. The president wanted to personally thank Alex for her long-term commitment to service programs such as Reading Friends at Highland Elementary School, Boys Hope Baton Rouge, and Conversational English classes through University Baptist Church. Throughout her career at LSU, Alex had devoted her spare time and leadership talents to those and many other service organizations on campus.
The president was even aware of her plans for after graduation. Alex will study Comparative Ethnic Conflict at Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland through a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship. Alex will also serve as a Goodwill Ambassador and has a number of speaking engagements scheduled in and around Belfast, where she will share her experiences of LSU and Louisiana culture. “I didn't expect him to know all that about me,” remarked Alex. “When he congratulated me on my graduation, I thanked him for making it so memorable.” After their talk, Alex was placed in a vehicle with other White House officials and driven to her college graduation in the presidential motorcade. Alex's college career was complete that day. “Just being at LSU had allowed me to be in that position on my graduation day,” said Alex. “When I came to LSU, I was expecting to be a face in the crowd, but LSU opened a door for me to new activities and experiences. For the University to give me this chance, it made my whole college experience complete.” I call upon our fellow citizens to serve our country by helping somebody in need. And by doing so, this society will change, one heart and one soul at a time...the strength of this country is the fact that we're a nation full of compassionate, decent, honorable, loving citizens. President George W. Bush Contact Robin Dunkin | LSU
University Relations Related Links 2004 Commencement—Spring 2004 Special Event |
What
does it feel like to graduate from college and meet the
president of the United States all in one day? “The best word
is humbling,” said Alex. “It was all so surreal. He
shook my hand and really talked to me. He read about my volunteer
activities and told me how much it meant to him to see the dedication
I put forth in my volunteer work.”
