President Barack Obama

The story of our 44th president begins with modest roots, as Barack H. Obama, II, grew up with a focus on education and the foundation of a close middle-class family. Born in Hawaii on August 4, 1961, Obama expediently learned the values of service towards each other. His maternal grandparents served prominently in his upbringing. His grandfather served under General Patton, and his grandmother prospered in local banking.

Upon high school graduation, Obama accepted his scholarships to Occidental College and Columbia University. His education continued at Harvard Law School, where he became the first African-American president of the “Harvard Law Review.”

During these post-secondary years, Obama had moved to Chicago where he involved himself in civic service with community churches and associations. A city in economic despair, he served vigorously in its revival. Obama taught at the University of Chicago, served as a community organizer, set up job training programs, set up college preparatory training, and he led voter registration drives.

It was during these pathfinding and maturing years that our 44th president espoused his calling for public service. A most natural vocation, Obama earned an Illinois senate seat in 1997. After serving three terms for Illinois, he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004.

His pre-presidential political career highlights include cutting middle class taxes, expanding health care, lobbying reform, weapons legislation, ethics reform, and a universal transparency for federal spending.

In 2008, Barack Obama won the office of presidency in a landslide victory. At the time of print, our 44th president is serving his second term as Commander in Chief.

His presidential career highlights include the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Affordable Care Act, creating the White House Counsel on Women and Girls, the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Repeal Act, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, appointing two female Supreme Court justices, and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

President Obama and his wife, Michelle, continue his rich legacy and are the proud parents of two daughters, Malia and Sasha.