E-mails detailing how University of Tampa officials would hand out the limited number of town-hall event tickets available for students didn’t stop them from filling the second floor of the Vaughn Center before the official line-up time of 12 p.m.
Finally, Nora Bugg, assistant director of Residence Life, told the packed group of students that they would all have to form a line downstairs in the lobby.
Screams were heard and a stampede ensued.
This will be the first time in UT’s nearly 80-year history that a sitting president will visit the campus. The only event closer occurred when President John F. Kennedy drove by the university in 1964.
Approximately 600 tickets for the town-hall meeting were given out to students who waited in line for more than five hours, some even longer. Earlier on Wednesday, 1,100 tickets were given to the public. Lines there began to form before the sun came up and tampabay.com reported that the tickets were sold out in less than an hour.
Speculation ran wild as to what Obama and Biden would be speaking about.
Reports finally came in that Obama would announce that Florida won part of the money allocated for a high-speed rail connecting Tampa and Orlando.
The announcement that The Bob Martinez Sports Center would be the venue for the town-hall meeting came Monday at 5 p.m., according to Eric Cardenas, director of public information.
Cardenas also said that White House officials only contacted the university on Friday to scout the location.
The Bob Martinez Sports Center was one of many venues scouted in the area but neither Cardenas or White House officials could confirm what the other locations were. 
Campus was abuzz once students, faculty and staff heard the news.
“I saw him [in person] pre-election and I am ecstatic to see him post-inauguration,” Alysha Otte, senior psychology major and member of the UT Democrats said.
For many like Otte, just seeing Obama would be a great honor and for some students it will be a great learning experience.
“It doesn’t matter what your political views are. It’s the President. This is a huge educational opportunity for UT students,” Nathalia Pirela, a junior Government major said.
Kassie Monsees, a sophomore electronic media arts and technology major also sees Obama’s visit as a great opportunity and as inspiration for the future.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for the school because we as college students are getting ready to lead the nation,” Monsees said.
Some students weren’t very thrilled to have the President come to campus for various reasons.
“It’s not compelling me to go, but I don’t have that much interest in it…..What they have to say isn’t always what matters, it’s what they do,” Kaneesha Heath said, a sophomore communication major.
Another student didn’t see a personal attachment to the event.
“For me it isn’t a big deal that he’s coming because I am not an American. He doesn’t represent the same thing to me. I’m indifferent,” Misti Cartwright said, a junior biochemistry major.
Since Obama’s visit will create a unique experience for UT students, administration canceled classes on Thursday until 5 p.m.
“I’m excited that classes are canceled, I think our school should be honored that Obama is coming,” said Katie Bowlby, a junior elementary education major.
Another student had the same feelings and it was even better for him since his Thursday classload is rather full.
“I have a fairly busy schedule and already have to miss class, so I am not happy to miss class on Thursday,” said David Massengill, a junior international business major.
Some students began their short break early by skipping class to wait on line to get a ticket. Some of those students didn’t like the way the ticket distribution was handled.
“The whole ticket situation is not the best because students have class, they can’t wait in line. A lottery would have been better,” said Marisa Brasile, a senior advertising and public relations major.
“I’m excited, but just wish I could be guaranteed a spot. Not all of us have the luxury of waiting in line for five hours,” said Stefany Sanchez-Smith, a freshman biology major with a minor in marine biology.
White House officials said that the usual format of a town-hall meeting begins with opening remarks by the President and then he opens it up for questions.
The media affairs official also stated that Obama will choose which audience member to ask the questions and usual goes in a guy to girl or girl to guy format.
Driving on campus on Thursday won’t be an easy task. The West Parking Garage will be shut down at 4:30 a.m. on Thursday morning and will not reopen until 5 p.m. North Boulevard will be closed in between Kennedy Boulevard and Cass Street.
Parking will be available at the Howard Johnson and a shuttle can be taken from there to campus. Parking can also be found at the Ferman lot located at 1300 W. Kennedy Boulevard at the intersection of Kennedy Boulevard and Willow Avenue. A HART bus can be taken from there to campus. The public is encouraged to park in the public parking garages in downtown Tampa.
The doors open for those who have tickets at 10:30 a.m. and the event will begin at 12:30 p.m. Security will be handled by the Secret Service and it will be tight. Attendees are encouraged not to bring bags of any kind to the event.
Classes will resume on Thursday at 5 p.m., according to the Global Message that was sent out earlier this week.
Word Craig, word.
I hope Dr. Vaughn was listening to the State of the Union speech last night when President Obama said that colleges need to “get serious” about reducing tuition. UT has raised tuition 3-5% each year regardless of inflation or economic situations. Students are graduating with $100,000 in debt, and Dr. Vaughn gets a pay raise every year, earning nearly double what he did 7 years ago. Wake up UT!