School of Communication Associate Professor John McHale served as a press liaison at Monday’s Presidential Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C.

According to an ISU press release, international media teams were escorted by McHale around the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. He assisted them through security and was responsible for taking them to interviews and interactions with dignitaries.

McHale arrived at Washington, D.C. on Jan. 17 to undergo staff training. On Jan. 18, he was escorted through a security walk through so he would be familiar with the convention center.

“I am tremendously proud to be a part of the first man of color taking his oath for the highest office of the land on the 150th anniversary of the emancipation proclamation on Martin Luther King Jr. day,” McHale said in the press release.

“Providence works through history, and I am so proud to be an American citizen in service at this historic moment,” he added.

While training, McHale was also able to tour Stevie Wonder’s band setup.

In addition, he attended the swearing in ceremony thanks to a ticket courtesy of Republican Representative Aaron Schock from Peoria.