University of Chicago Creates Presidential Library Foundation
Establishing its competitive footing in its quest for the Barack Obama Presidential Library, the University of Chicago (U of C), announced last week the establishment of the Barack H. Obama Foundation, created to oversee planning for the university's possible future attraction.
“I strongly believe the Obama Presidential Library would be ideal for one of our neighboring communities on the South Side of Chicago,” said Robert J. Zimmer, U of C president.
Tasked with planning a presidential library that reflects President Obama’s public service values, creators of the Obama Foundation, are hopeful that a Obama library will spur economic development in the area and help develop strong relationships within the surrounding communities.
“Such a location would reflect the personal and professional lives of the Obamas, as well as their commitments to society, Zimmer said. It would bring cultural and programmatic opportunities for all of Chicago’s residents and visitors. The University of Chicago is committed to working in partnership with the City of Chicago, our neighbors, civic leaders, and cultural and educational institutions to develop a plan that benefits the city and the nation, Zimmer added.”
The Barack Obama Foundation consists of three founding board members including Martin Nesbitt, a longtime friend of President Obama who served as national treasurer for his two presidential campaigns and co-founder and co-CEO of The Vistria Group, a private equity firm. Nesbitt currently serves as a trustee of Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art and on the Board of Directors of the Noble Network of Charter Schools.
“I’m humbled and honored that President Obama has entrusted me to lead this effort,” said Nesbitt who will head the Barack Obama Foundation. “The President’s future library will one day serve as an important part of our nation’s historical record, and our mission is to build a library that tells President Obama’s remarkable story in an interactive way that will inspire future generations to become involved in public service.”
Kevin Poorman, is also a founding Barack Obama Foundation board member. He is currently president and CEO of PSP Capital Partners and Executive Chairman of Vi Senior Living. Additionally, he is the Chairman of Loyola University of New Orleans Board of Trustees and a director of The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Inc.
“As President Obama continues to lead the nation through a crucial period in our history, I’m honored to help establish a library that will chronicle his tenure and build on his work in office,” Poorman said.
Barack Obama Foundation founding board member Julianna Smoot, is a principal and co-founder of the Smoot Tewes Group--a Washington, D.C.-based political and public affairs consulting firm. She served in senior roles in President Obama's Administration and on both of his presidential campaigns.
“I am so proud to have served President Obama in the White House, on two historic campaigns, and now, on the board of his future Presidential Library,” said Julianna Smoot. “The breadth of interest in hosting the President’s future library has already exceeded expectations, and that is a testament to how deeply his values and priorities have resonated with Americans."
As plans move forward, U of C will work in partnership with the City of Chicago, neighbors, civic leaders, and cultural and educational institutions to develop a plan that benefits the city and the nation.
In addition to housing the archives of a president’s time in office, the Obama Library also will include a museum and possibly an education center and auditorium space, paid for with private or non-federal funds donated to the non-profit Presidential Library Foundation with some funding possibly from state and/or local governments.
Competitors for the Barack Obama Library include the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago State University, the city’s Bronzeville neighborhood, the state of Hawaii and Columbia University in New York, but the final decision in terms of where the Presidential Library will be located is up to President and Michelle Obama.
In partnership with members of the community, U of C reportedly is exploring a range of potential locations in neighborhoods across the South Side.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel reportedly is aiming for a unified Chicago bid, rather than have the University of Chicago and others make solo pitches.
"With President Obama's deep roots here in the city -- his hometown and where he launched his public life --Chicago is undeniably a natural fit for the Obama Presidential Library and Museum, said Emanuel. "Though we're excited to welcome the president home, we are not resting on our laurels and will put forward a competitive proposal so that his choice is an easy one."
The foundation expects to make a final announcement in early 2015.
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