By Brandon Fey, Staff Writer
On Friday, Oct. 13, the Eisenhower Institute (EI) at Gettysburg College held a birthday party for President Dwight Eisenhower in the College Union Building. The party featured music, patriotic decorations and a large red, white and blue cake.
As they celebrated the 133rd birthday of the 34th U.S. President, attendees were encouraged to ask questions about EI’s upcoming programs and learn more about what they do on campus. The Institute was eager to share information about the Annual Blavatt Lecture on Nov. 1, which will feature guest speaker Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
EI student employee Vincent DiFonzo ’25 stated that he believed the party to be an effective way to engage with the student body as it was a lighthearted event in celebration of Ike’s legacy.
Partygoers also shared what democracy meant to them by writing on speech bubbles that were taped around the room. When asked about his answer to this question, DiFonzo stated, “To me it means maximum fairness and transparency, creating a society in which people feel secure with their government and in the classroom.”
Decorations and statements of what democracy means to students at Ike’s Birthday Party. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Attendees were encouraged to share these opinions on politics and current events by writing for Ike’s Anvil, the Eisenhower Institute’s blog for undergraduate perspectives on government and public policy.
Attendee Jessica Chernoff ’27 commented on the event, stating, “Events like these really establish the importance of democracy on campus and everywhere and the Eisenhower Institute has a research initiative.”
Students in attendance sang “Happy Birthday” to Ike while proudly displaying the EI’s iconic “I Still Like Ike” campaign buttons.
Senior Administrative Assistant at EI Anne Wofford shared her thoughts on the event: “Ike was our 34th President, and today is his 133rd birthday and the Eisenhower Institute is so happy to celebrate with our current and returning students. We’re so happy they all stopped by and helped us wish a happy birthday to Ike.”
Partygoers enjoy the first slices of Ike’s birthday cake. (Photo Adhara Ayndrila/Eisenhower Institute)
