"I consider attending LMU to be directly responsible for my career in Washington," says former Assistant Chief of Protocol Randy Bumgardner.
Bumgardner earned a Bachelor of Science in history and museum sciences from LMU in 1983. "Much of my time was spent at the Museum working under the guidance of Museum Director Edgar Archer. Georgia Baker, who was the University's alumni director, encouraged me to apply for an internship at the State Department. Once that door was opened, I met Ronald Reagan's Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Selwa Roosevelt. Little did I know that Ambassador Roosevelt was raised in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Bumgardner worked during the administrations of five U.S. presidents (see photos below). He also worked with under the Trump administration for eight months, but the opportunity for a photo never presented itself.
His duties as Assistant Chief of Protocol, US Department of State and General Manager, Blair House, allowed Bumgardner to witness history firsthand for 35 years. Blair House, the President's guest house, is a 109-room facility, and Bumgardner was responsible for all operations, including planning and oversight for all guest services for world leaders invited by the President to be guests of the United States. He also planned the schedule for the staff of 18, and oversaw maintenance, operations and historic preservation. Blair House is one division of operations under the Chief of Protocol for the U.S. As Assistant Chief, Bumgardner occasional greeted foreign leaders in the absence of the Chief, presented foreign leaders to the President in Oval Office meetings, escorted foreign ministers to meetings with the Secretary of State and presided over swearing in ceremonies for new U.S. Ambassadors appointed to serve in American Embassies throughout the world. He also planned special events including inaugurations, summits and state funerals.
Bumgardner enjoyed his days at LMU, and loves to reminisce about the activities and the people who prepared him for life after college. "Every day [at LMU] was an adventure but most of all, the friendships developed at LMU have lasted the test of time. Joining the Alpha Lambda Zeta and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternities were significant to me, and I remain friends with many of those members to this day.
"Georgia Baker was very important to me. Others who stand out are Edgar Archer, Gary Burchett, Jim McCune and Joe Suppiger."
Even as a student, Bumgardner realized the significance of alumni and Homecoming to the life of the institution. "I enjoyed the annual Alumni Banquet. It was fascinating to talk with alumni and hear their stories. Mildred Headley stands out as one amazing lady who was tireless in her support for LMU. Jessie Stuart was still living in those days and although health issues kept him from traveling, I exchanged letters with him and Mrs. Stuart. Don West attended several events, and Lincoln historian and artist Lloyd Ostendorf stands out in my mind."
While serving in Washington, Bumgardner never forgot his alma mater. He was instrumental in securing LMU's spring commencement speaker four years ago, calling upon his friend Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. He accompanied Bales to campus for the ceremony. He recently had the good fortune to buy a collection of embroidered handkerchiefs that belonged to Mary Todd Lincoln, and he donated two of them to the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum.
Hopefully retirement will allow Bumgardner to visit LMU more, enjoy his favorite hobbies, history and travel and spend time with his godchildren Rosaline, age 3, and Liam, age 2.