NORMAL - Hundreds of students, faculty and staff watched Barack Obama become the nation's 44th president Tuesday after a campaign that drew young people's interest from start to finish.

After watching the inaugural address, via cable broadcast in Illinois State University's Brown Ballroom, seniors Kevin Parkinson and Amanda Lietza praised his oratory skills.

"I loved it. I was glad he put such a priority on global community - and higher education," said Parkinson, of Lockport. "There does seem to be a new energy among students, which is great, because higher education really is all about trying to make the best of the world. It's great to see students more interested here," he said.

"I thought it was an amazing speech," said Lietza, of Geneva. "I liked when he gave that sort of general reassurance that we can get past this hard time, and that we're ready for a big move forward."

The American Democracy Project-led event included free lunch.

Earlier, Ashley Parker, a junior, reflected on the first black president being seated: "This is just a historic moment in our country's history. There's so much positive energy, especially for young people. I was drawn to come here and be with everyone."

Freshman Kevin Cook of Lansing said that among many younger black Americans like himself, the president's racial background isn't the most important factor.

"What's more of an issue to us is whether he'd do a good job. And I'm pretty confident he will," said Cook.

Just down the street, Illinois Wesleyan University students sat in Beckman Auditorium to watch the inaugural day activities. Roger Kosson of Ames Library led commentary providing cultural context for each tradition-steeped moment.

Amy Cochran, an elementary education major from Naperville, said she was excited by the feeling of unity the inauguration brought.