OBAMARAMA

Ryerson is known for its diverse students - all of whom have various interests, schedules, and belong to different student groups. So it is really nice when so many Ryerson students come together for one event.

On January 20, it was to watch the Obama Inauguration live. Over 300 people gathered in a packed room in the Student Campus Center for the event organized by Ryerson's Tri-Mentoring Program, The Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Office, Ryerson Students' Union (RSU Events) and CESAR (Continuing Education Students At Ryerson). It's awesome that all these groups came together to pull off such an anticipated event! Interestingly enough, it actually started out as a small Tri-Mentoring event. That group then decided they should rent a bigger space, and then the idea of having a couple guest speakers came along. Then the RSU and CESAR got involved, and it was moved to the large room in the SCC.

Chairs were set up in rows but people lined the aisles to squish in. During Obama’s speech, everyone’s eyes were glued to the screen and the room was silent. When he was finished, the entire room applauded and people turned to strangers to share in the moment. One guy grabbed another student that he didn’t know just to talk about how amazing the afternoon had been. Outside the room, a gigantic poster of Obama was mounted on the wall, with his arm in the air and the word “BELIEVE” written in giant letters.

Students that tried to get in after the room was too full were sent down to the Ram in the Rye to watch, and the place was just as packed. One T.V. was set up for the Inauguration so everyone was crammed in to get a glimpse. Seriously, for a place that is usually hustling and bustling with students and always noisy, the Ram has possibly never been as quiet as it was when Obama was speaking. Everyone was so intent on watching and listening to his every word. Many more places on campus displayed the inauguration, like the 4th floor of the library and the Journalism Lounge, and each location brought many Ryerson students together.

Whether American or Canadian, it was clear to all that something big was happening and the Ryerson campus became the perfect portal for many students to enjoy this milestone together.