Phil Boerner was President Obama’s college friend and roommate. The two met at Occidental College as freshmen in 1979, their dorm rooms directly opposite each other in Haines Hall. During their two years at Occidental, Boerner and Obama attended many of the same social events, and had late-night philosophical discussions related to class readings or current affairs. In 1981, they both then transferred to Columbia University of their own accord to finish their undergraduate degrees, and again lived as roommates for a period of time. After graduating, Boerner and Obama exchanged letters and photos. The duo had not seen each other in person since 1985, but in 2011, Boerner had the opportunity to visit his friend in the Oval Office.