Inauguration sparks celebration at Averett

The inauguration of President Barack Obama on Tuesday sparked celebration at Averett University’s Student Center, inspiring one student to create a time capsule to mark the historic occasion.

Tunisa Bumphus, a senior from Roxboro, N.C., said she hopes to collect photos, newspaper clippings, CDs and other items to bury for posterity.

“I’m not sure what people are going to put in it yet,” Bumphus said after watching the inauguration on CNN in the student center’s television lounge.

The inauguration of the country’s first president of African-American descent is a breakthrough, she said.

“I feel like barriers have been broken,” Bumphus added.

The moments leading up to the inauguration brimmed with anticipation.

Meghan Scaife, a senior from Stafford, said she hopes Obama will take steps to improve the nation’s economy.

“Hopefully, he has chosen the best administration to help him in this process,” Scaife, wearing an Obama shirt, said Tuesday.

Scaife said it’s good the country now has a younger president for a more youthful generation to relate to.

Letreivia Penn, a sophomore from Martinsville, said she is excited because history is being made. Penn also hopes Obama will help lower college tuition and lift the country out of recession.

Anthony Galarza, a sophomore from Orange County, N.J., said he supported Obama for the competence, calm and strength of his message. Galarza said the nation needs change after the meaninglessness of the Iraq war.

“We got nothing out of it,” he said.

Galarza eagerly anticipated watching the inauguration. “I’m excited,” he said, “can’t wait to see him.”

About 30 students, staff and faculty, who gathered in the student center’s TV lounge, erupted into applause after Obama was sworn in as the nation’s 44th president.

Sarabeth Saypack, a senior at George Washington High School who will attend Averett next year, said she regretted being too young to vote for Obama, but expressed optimism that he will bring a more liberal social agenda, such as expanded abortion rights and gay rights, and more tolerance toward the Middle East.

Averett Director of Public Relations Susan Huckstep said Obama’s outlook also appeals to her.

“I like his message of hope mingled with responsibility,” Huckstep said.