UT students watch Obama inauguration

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The first day of the new semester was met with plenty of excitement and anticipation as University of Texas students watched the inauguration of President Barack Obama. The Student Union Board Room watch party was standing room only.

Some students lined the doorways to get a glimpse of the action on the televisions, while other students decided to watch from the cafeteria on their laptops. Even the College Republicans at Texas, UT Chapter was celebrating the inguaration of the country's first minority president.

"It is a huge day for our country," said Daniel Earnest, vice president of College Republicans at Texas, UT Chapter. Still he said, “I can’t say I am a proponent of anything Barack Obama touts as his party’s platform.”

Andy Jones with University Democrats was also celebrating. “We made calls, we knocked on doors, we sent out flyers,” said Jones. The group worked hard to get Obama elected and was happy to see the effort pay off. “It’s a triumphant day for us because we have our first black President.,” said Jones.

Some attending the UT watch party were moved to tears, like Sociology Professor, Shannon Cavanagh. “It’s a moment in history where we needed something to believe in something bigger than ourselves.”