SEMO PROFESSOR TO TEACH WASHINGTON CENTER INAUGURATION SEMINAR

Dr. Peter Bergerson, chairman of the political science department at Southeast Missouri State University, will guest lecture this week in Washington as part of a program on presidential inaugurations.

The Washington Center program gives college students an opportunity to celebrate one of the greatest rituals in American political history. Amidst the inaugural festivities, the program will delve into the issues behind the pomp and circumstance. Students and faculty will meet national leaders, who will share their insights on the politics and the policies of President Clinton's second term.

"It's exciting for me," said Bergerson, adding he is one of about six faculty members selected to present guest lectures. "This will be a way to finish off the entire process for me, from the primary season and conventions to the election."

Bergerson said he will lecture on his areas of expertise, public administration and public policy, second-term presidents and the relationship between the president and Congress. Bergerson has been affiliated with the Washington Center for nearly 25 years. This is his second appearance as a guest lecturer for the seminar. He served as a guest lecturer in 1988 during the inauguration of President George Bush, he said.

"This is an opportunity to see the constitution at work," Bergerson said. He hopes to get a pass to attend the official swearing-in ceremony of President Clinton, along with the inaugural parade. "When you teach American government, it's exciting to be able to come back and tell students how it really works."