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While a crowd of more than 300 people gathered outside the South Quad to cheer Barack Obama’s victory as the 44th president of the United States, Marjie Wilburn was quietly celebrating at Late Night pizza in Thomas Hall.

“I believe he is going to make a difference, maybe not in four years, but he will initiate change,” said Wilburn, a sophomore art education major.

Wilburn said she is glad students were so involved this year and believes it was a huge turnaround from past years.

The crowd of Obama supporters in the quad chanted “Obama! Obama!” after Obama was projected to be the United States’ next president. Jillian Williams, a freshman political science major, was part of the celebration and joined in on the chanting.

“It’s overwhelming,” Williams said. “It’s a change, and I’ve been waiting for this my whole life.”

Williams said this is what she wanted not only for her, but also for her 78-year-old great grandmother.

“This is great for my great grandmother, she has waited” Williams said.

William Kendall, sophomore art major, also celebrated Obama’s victory in the South Quad.

“I voted for Obama because it’s the 21st Century, and we finally shook something up in the White House,” Kendall said.

Friends, Dominique Carr, freshmen theatre major, and Cesely Maxwell, a computer science major, were both excited for last night’s turnout.

“We are both excited,” Carr said. “We are excited because Obama won and McCain just couldn’t do it.”

For some students, views from both presidential candidates have been bigger factors than any other year.

Jessica Kius, a freshman political science major, believes this election has been extremely close because of all the popular votes.

“I voted for Obama because I agree with his stands and views and platforms than I did for the other candidate,” Kius said.

Corey Watkins, a clinical lab science major, agrees with Kius that this election has been very close, but differs with whom to vote for. However, he did not vote this year.

“I didn’t vote, because honestly, I didn’t register in time,” Watkins said. “I would probably vote for (John) McCain because I agree typically with his views rather than (Barack) Obama’s, but it has to do with his moral stands.”

Tyerra Harden, a freshman biology major, sticks to Watkins beliefs as well as McCain’s when it comes to his views. Harden would like to see McCain and Sarah Palin in office to make sure the American people are in good hands of the right candidates.

“I voted for McCain, because his position are more valid and realistic,” Harden said. “I voted today in Charleston to express my rights as an American.”

As some people may believe McCain is right for the office of being our next president, others think the other candidate is more suitable.

Lyndsi Lawler, a freshman English major, voted for the first time and felt she agreed with Obama’s plans and beliefs.

“It was really cool voting for the first time,” Lawler said. “I feel proud of myself.”

She voted for Obama because she believes he is the right person who will take the right steps in the time of problems we face today.

“I think it is important to vote because we have a lot of problems and I think young people are attracted to Obama and I am not sure why, but he is,” she said.

Ronaye Jackson, a freshman theater arts major, also believes Obama is the right candidate for the job.

“I voted for Obama because it’s time for a change, plus I believe in his views, and I am Democrat,” she said. “I like his views on health care, on the welfare programs and on day care centers.”

Jackson voted because she believes our world is in destructive and voices need to be heard through the voting process.

“We need to get our point and views across,” Jackson said.

Lee Broomfield, a freshman sports management major, agrees with Jackson, that with Obama in office, issues will change for the better.

“Elections are going as I planned it, Obama is going to be leading it,” Broomfield said. “I voted early with an absentee vote because I believe in what he stands for in health care, education and in bringing the troops home.”

Jacob Griffin, president of EIU Republicans, was disappointed with the turn out.

“I am disappointed with the American vote,” Griffin said. “I think America is going to see a decrease in capitalism and a rise in socialism and a rise in American prominence all over the world.”

However Chris Kromphardt, president of EIU College Democrats, is quite happy.

“I am very excited with elections,” Kromphardt said. “I am very pleased and hopefully the Democratic vote will reflect the electoral vote.”

Brittni Garcia can be reached at 581-7942 or at bmgarcia@eiu.edu.

Supporters of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., celebrate in the South Quad after election results were announced. Nearly 300 Eastern students celebrated with chants of ‘Obama!’ (Mitch Surprenant / The Daily Eastern News)

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