Moments after Barack Obama was named president-elect, celebration broke out at the Holmes Student Center.

“It’s not just a celebration for us, it’s a celebration for everyone,” said Darshiara Barnes, a sophomore psychology major.

University Police were on the scene immediately, regulating the crowd as students swarmed to the streets, yelling, “It’s about time!”

“I’m so glad he won,” said Marvin Maldonado, sophomore industrial technology major. “I hope he keeps to his word that it’s time for a change.”

Many students said they were excited to be a part of history in the making. Some were even moved to tears.

“We’re a part of history,” said Sarah Rogers, freshman communications major.

Latoya Idleburg, sophomore finance major, agreed with Rogers. She said she was excited to see the first African-American president elected to office.

“It’s a blessing that we can have a black president,” she said.

Some were hesitant to believe that Obama would actually win the election.

“I didn’t think it was going to happen,” Rogers said.

Byron Neal, sophomore theater major, said he was excited to witness the historic night.

“This is one of those nights that will go down in history,” he said. “I’m a part of it; we all are a part of it. He was preaching change, and it’s time to see what change can happen now. He said it, now let’s do it.”

Students began parading down Lucinda Avenue minutes after their initial celebration. A line of honking cars full of screaming Obama supporters followed.

Editor’s Note: Sports Editor Jon Levanich contributed to this article.