On January 20, President Barack Obama was sworn in as president of the United States. LSU sponsored an inauguration viewing party in the Cotillion Ballroom. Hundreds of students gathered for the event.

1. Vice President Joe Biden was sworn in before President Barack Obama.

2. The crowd in the Cotillion Ballroom stood as President Barack Obama took the presidential oath of office.

3. Students cheered, snapped photos and texted friends when President Obama said the final words, “So help me God.”

4. As President Barack Obama took the presidential oath of office, Kawanda Richardson began to cry. “I get overwhelmed just thinking about it [the inauguration],” Richardson said.

5. Kawanda Richardson and a girl clad in “Obama gear” listened to President Obama’s presidential oath of office.

6. A man and his son watch President Obama’s inauguration speech.

7. The audience sat on the edge of their seats as President Obama discussed his imminent plans for the future of American politics.

8. Two member of the US Army stood at attention as President Obama spoke. President Obama promised to “begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.”