OU students return to inaugural party

NORMAN — University of Oklahoma students have plenty on their minds during the first day of a semester — settling into new classes, figuring out where they are, establishing new routines.

Tuesday was such a day, although it coincided with the inauguration of President Barack Obama in Washington. Despite the challenges of a new semester, many students took the time to check out the events at the nation’s capital.

People gathered at Gaylord Hall for the inauguration watch party. Kevin Wolfe, a graduate student in the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication from Edmond, was among those watching the festivities.

"It was really well done; I enjoyed the ceremony to it,” Wolfe said. "I thought the chief justice could have done better.”

Obama and U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts had a bit of trouble with the oath of office, but they got through it with smiles.

The folks at Gaylord Hall also felt good after the ceremony, as Gaylord College provided free pizza and drinks.

The Honors College added its own special touch by including German historians, political scientists and students of American politics to join the OU students for panel discussions through an Internet connection. The Europeans were seen on a big screen in the Nancy Mergler Library at the Honors College.

The panel discussions took place before and after the ceremony.