A sense of camaraderie brought many people to watch today's inauguration events on a giant screen at the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn.

"I just remember how great it was to experience everything together at the victory party in Grant Park," said COD freshman Ashley Winkiel of Lombard. "Watching here was the best fit for my schedule and it's the best chance for people my age to be here."

Denise Kruckenberg of Warrenville brought her 11-year-old son Mitchell to watch what she described as "the biggest moment in the history of the country."

Mitchell, who already had the day off from school, said it was "cool" to be watching with so many people, but admitted he'd rather have slept in or be playing video games.

The 800-seat theater slowly filled as doors opened at 10 a.m. College officials said it's the first time they've hosted an inauguration viewing party.

It wasn't just political science classes meeting in the theater. Freshman Matt Fleming's biology class was moved there as well.

"I'm going to stay for the whole thing," he said. "I'd be watching at home if I didn't have to be here."