Andy Parise was sitting in the HUB-Robeson Center watching the big television screen when he first learned that Colin Powell announced his resignation as secretary of state.

"I'm surprised; I don't know what to think," Parise (senior-mechanical engineering) said. "If it has to do with his family, an emergency or a valid reason, then it's probably good."

President George W. Bush accepted Powell's resignation yesterday in a letter dated Friday, catching many students off-guard. "Everyone in the community admired him, I think history will judge him well," College Republicans Chairman Andy Banducci said. "He certainly did a lot in the Middle East and in promoting freedom and democracy in the world."

Although students disagreed about whether they supported Bush, most had positive things to say about Powell and his character.

Centre County Democrats Chair Bob Shepherd agreed with several of the students.

"He's certainly one of the best guys from the other side," Shepherd said. "He's one of the few that I respect and admire."

Andrea Scalfani (senior-psychology) said that although she did not support Bush, she admired Powell.

"He's strong, dedicated and has a compassionate side to him, unlike a lot of political figures," she said.

Justin McCullough (senior-agricultural science) was very disappointed with the announcement.

"I thought he was a good leader because he showed a different aspect in the Cabinet," McCullough said. "He was more calm than the others and didn't get too excited about things."

McCollough said Powell was very convincing in determining whether to go to war with Iraq or not because he was convinced himself with the facts he was given.

Joshua Bennicoff (senior-agroecosystems science) said the resignation came "out of the blue."

"From what I've heard and seen, he's been very active in the administration and always performed his given duties," he said.

Parise said Powell was a successful secretary of state who helped Bush a lot. "For the most part, he did a good job, other than sticking his neck out there concerning Iraq and during the U.N. meetings," Parise said.

Scalfani said she would like to see more women and possibly Democrats in Bush's cabinet and said National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice, who Bush is likely to select to replace Powell, was not necessarily a good choice.

"There's definitely division in the country now," Scalfani said. "[Bush] needs to work harder to get people's trust and support back."

McCullough, however, said he thinks Rice is perfect for the job.

"She's intelligent, a good adviser and can communicate with world leaders well," he said.