A seat at the President’s table four years later

Posted by [email protected] | Aug 22, 2017 | History | 0 |

[David Kramer enjoying the Obama Special. Soup and Grilled Cheese sandwich. Photo: Kevin Huggins, Magnolia’s staff. Photos on the wall are of the visit. 8/21/17]

In keeping with our Presidential Visits series (BELOW), on August 22nd, 2013, President Barack Obama had lunch at Magnolia’s on Park Avenue. In A seat at the President’s table three years later and At a seat from the President’s table two years later, and At a seat from the President’s table five years later, we looked back at the visit.

This year we have the pleasure of a reflection from a woman who was there, Evalyn Gleason. You met Evalyn in Getting to know Evalyn Gleason; An Accomplished Philanthropist Working From The Heart

President Barack Obama meets with college students former college students, and parents for lunch at Magnolia’s Deli & Café, during the college affordability bus tour in Rochester, New York, Aug. 22, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy) This photograph is provided by THE WHITE HOUSE as a courtesy and may be printed by the subject(s) in the photograph for personal use only. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not otherwise be reproduced, disseminated or broadcast, without the written permission of the White House Photo Office. This photograph may not be used in any commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.

Photos provided by Evalyn (in green) See Getting to know Evalyn Gleason; An Accomplished Philanthropist Working From The Heart

In August of 2013 I was a young, fresh college graduate from the University of Rochester with little direction of what I was looking to do in life. I knew only one thing for sure and that was that I wanted to help people. As a Political Science major I was drawn to policy reform, particularly in the education system. So when presented with the opportunity to sit on a panel to discuss the cost of college, I immediately said yes. Little did I know that that would sweep me up into one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Photos provided by Evalyn (in green) See Getting to know Evalyn Gleason; An Accomplished Philanthropist Working From The Heart

The morning of August 21 2013 I learned that the panel discussion was, in fact, to be a lunch discussing education with the President of the United States. I still remember every detail of the phone call and the incredible 24 hours that was to follow.

Four years on and there are so many reflections that I have about that day and that lunch, especially given our current political climate. I still can’t believe that four years ago I sat across the table from President Obama suggesting what he should order from Magnolia’s Restaurant on Park Ave. I remember being absolutely terrified of meeting him and shaking as his tour bus pulled up to the restaurant. But the moment he shook my hand and introduced himself, that all melted away.
One of the most striking things that I remember from that day is how much he seemed to enjoy himself. He was and is truly just a man that wanted to make this country a better place. It was pretty clear to see that one of his favorite things was getting out and meeting people and hearing their stories. He took the time to shake hands and even poke fun at the little boy that was throwing himself around the floor as his mortified mother was trying to entertain him. He truly wanted to be at that table talking and listening to us. Hearing about our college experiences, what our visions were for the future and what our dreams of success were. He encouraged us, listened, offered advice and I think truly walked away with things to think about. It was clear that this was not a publicity stunt, but a way for the President to take time out of his schedule to connect with the everyday Americans that he represented.

Photos provided by Evalyn (in green) See Getting to know Evalyn Gleason; An Accomplished Philanthropist Working From The Heart

I’ve been reflecting on this experience a lot recently as I watch current events unfold. It still seems surreal that I was afforded this opportunity and how it put me on the trajectory that I am on. That day garnered immense respect for President Obama and how taxing the job of President is. I am so thankful to President Obama for taking that time to share with me any everyone else at that table and I doubt he will ever know what an impact it has made on my dreams. I will always be grateful to have had a seat at the President’s table and will forever look back on that experience fondly and in awe.

Evalyn Gleason

Photos provided by Evalyn (in green) See Getting to know Evalyn Gleason; An Accomplished Philanthropist Working From The Heart

THE FULL SERIES

The Presidential Visits Series in its entirety: James Monroe to Joseph Biden

SEE

Getting to know Evalyn Gleason; An Accomplished Philanthropist Working From The Heart

A seat at the President’s table three years later

At a seat from the President’s table two years later

At a seat from the President’s table five years later

About The Author

[email protected]

Welcome to Talker of the Town! My name is David Kramer. I have a Ph.D in English and teach at Keuka College. I am a former and still active Fellow at the Nazareth College Center for Public History and a Storyteller in Residence at the SmallMatters Institute. Over the years, I have taught at Monroe Community College, the Rochester Institute of Technology and St. John Fisher College. I have published numerous Guest Essays, Letters, Book Reviews and Opinion pieces in The New York Times, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, the Buffalo News, the Rochester Patriot, the Providence Journal, the Providence Business News, the Brown Alumni Magazine, the New London Day, the Boston Herald, the Messenger Post Newspapers, the Wedge, the Empty Closet, the CITY, Lake Affect Magazine and Brighton Connections. My poetry appears in The Criterion: An International Journal in English and Rundenalia and my academic writing in War, Literature and the Arts and Twentieth Century Literary Criticism. Starting in February 2013, I wrote for three Democratic and Chronicle blogs, "Make City Schools Better," "Unite Rochester," and the "Editorial Board." When my tenure at the D & C ended, I wanted to continue conversations first begun there. And start new ones. So we created this new space, Talker of the Town, where all are invited to join. I don’t like to say these posts are “mine.” Very few of them are the sole product of my sometimes overheated imagination. Instead, I call them partnerships and collaborations. Or as they say in education, “peer group work.” Talker of the Town might better be Talkers of the Town. The blog won’t thrive without your leads, text, pictures, ideas, facebook shares, tweets, comments and criticisms.