Aurora University gathers for inauguration

Each of them applauding on cue, nearly 300 Aurora University students and staff watched a live feed of President Obama's inauguration Tuesday in the Crimi Auditorium.

Dozens more gathered around large-screeen televisions in Perry Theater and Spartan Spot, both in Stephens Science Hall.

Viewers sat quietly for the most part but applauded vigorously as Obama was sworn in and at pauses in his first presidential address. The video feed was slightly choppy, but the audio kept up.

"We're still hearing it as if we were there and the video feed is still better than what any of us would have seen if we were in D.C. today," said sophomore language arts student Henry Torres.

"This is a historic day, a once in a lifetime thing that you're going to see," senior psychology student Emily Whelan said. "That we elected our first black president will define this generation and I think every American should have made a point to see it live."

"I came to witness this historic event because I voted for change and I'm hopeful that we will now see it happen," said senior psychology and art student Julie Wenger "This is a very emotional time for the country as we watch the changes that have happened and those to come. Ultimately I'm very happy to be an American today."

Junior history student Oswaldo Hernandez said he heard, in Obama's address, "a man who is more ready than ever to take us where we need to be."

"We finally got to hear the direction we will take from the man as the president, not as the man waiting in the wings and trying not to overstep his bounds," Hernandez said. "I'm energized."