Melodie Toby took classes with President George Bush.

Thirty-three years ago, Dr Melodie Toby was a college mate of outgoing United States President George W. Bush.

The two never did lunch, nor did they study together, she only recalls him being in one of her classes at Harvard Business School in the US.

The gap which was there then, for the most part, remains the same today. Toby, a college professor, is a proud democrat. Born in Trinidad, she migrated to the United States when she was a teenager. These days, she spends her time lecturing in management, sociology and anthropology at Keane University in New Jersey.

Integral role

Despite their differences, she believes Bush played an integral and positive role in US citizens electing the first African-American president in their history.

"I think that we have to give him credit for exposing society to this type of leadership," she said.

His administration brought to the forefront powerful black leaders like Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell, among others. This bold step, she believes, elevated non-white, educated leaders and exposed the society to the possibility that leadership can come from this group.

"Everybody loved (Bill) Clinton but even Clinton's administration did not expose society that to, " she added.

So, it's congratulations, on at least one front, for the outgoing president who has had much criticism levelled against him. Meanwhile, she is anticipating Barack Obama's inauguration tomorrow.

"I can't sit still," said Toby, who will be travelling to Washington for the inauguration and to soak up the energy. While she won't be at the actual function, she'll be attending an event sponsored by the Harvard School Black Inauguration Fund in Washington where they'll all be watching the ceremony on television.

US President George Bush and his wife Laura. - AP