Gov. Sarah Palin’s trip to Elon lasted a little less than an hour, but the Alaska governor’s visit generated buzz around campus for days.
<
p>The Republican candidate for vice president came to the university just19 days before the election in a year when North Carolina has emergedas a battleground state.
Students, faculty and staff streamed into Latham Park when the gates opened at noon. Many attendees lined up even earlier to secure spots near the stage.
Stephanie Clarke and Sarah McKenna, both sophomores, strolled into Latham Park at 1:30 p.m. to the sounds of The Wells Family Band playing in the background.
“I’m from Pennsylvania, and a lot of people up there know about Elon, but I think the odd thing is not everyone in North Carolina knows about us,” Clarke said. “This is a really good way for people in the local community to hear more about us.”
Both women said they didn’t want to miss such a huge event happening in their own backyard. Still a few hours away from the speech, they said it would have been smart to bring a book. Just the same, there was enough action to keep them entertained.
Male students with “Palin” painted on their chests weaved through the crowd.
iPods plugged into portable speakers blasted music above the chattering crowd.
Revelers in left field used the extra time to pick up an afternoon tan on the unseasonably warm October afternoon.
In the infield, Jenny Ruggieri, assistant director for Graduate Admissions, listened to North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole speak as the official program began.
“This is a unique privilege to hear one of the four major candidates. No matter what happens in the election, we’re going to have a first — either a woman vice president or an African American president,” she said. “I’ve felt so engaged in this election and it’s really neat to have a little piece of it here at Elon.”
Closer to the stage, Cameron Jackson, a sophomore, wore a Barack Obama T-shirt in a crowd of “You Go, Girl!” buttons and McCain/Palin hats.
“This is a great thing for Elon,” he said. “If you look back at all that national media here, they’re going to help people learn about us. This is really good with the Ever Elon campaign starting.”
Taylor Martin, a freshman from Georgia, stood nearby. His support also lies with the Democratic ticket, but he’s interested to listen.
“Even though our vote is secure, we want to hear what she has to say,” he said. “The great thing about college campuses is even if people don’t always agree, this is a great way to start discussion.”
Thirty minutes before Palin arrived, Hank Williams, Jr. took the stage to rouse the crowd. McCain/Palin campaign signs turned into makeshift fans and digital cameras snapped away at the country singer-songwriter.
In the outfield, Jerry Tolley, mayor of the Town of Elon and Director of the Elon Society chatted with Elon staffers and other friends.
“This means a lot for the town, of course. We had Bill Clinton here a few months ago for the other side,” he said. “What matters though, is anytime you can bring people together like this, I think it’s a great thing.”
