Posters littered the walls of Thomas Building Thursday night directing students to the convention-watching party held to commemorate the acceptance speech of Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

Local speakers, including a Penn State football coach, player and a local state representative were invited to address the crowd of about 300 who gathered in 100 Thomas.

"This is a moment in this country's history that you'll remember for the rest of your life," quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno said.

Obama addressed a stadium at Invesco Field, the home of the Denver Broncos, in Denver last night to accept the Democratic nomination for the presidency. He is the first black man to receive the nomination for a major party ticket.

"With profound gratitude and great humility, I accept your nomination for presidency of the United States," he said to a packed stadium.

Obama spoke out against the Republican Party and said "On November 4th, we must stand up and say eight is enough."

Paterno said he broke with Republican tradition in his family by backing Obama. "They have their opinions, which are wrong, and I have my opinions, which are right," he said.

Paterno said he anticipated a successful speech in Denver.

"He is gonna knock this one outta the park tonight," Paterno said before Obama's address, which began at about 10 p.m.

Cornerback Lydell Sargeant also addressed the crowd in the large, darkened lecture hall.

Sargeant said that when he graduated from high school his father was unable to attend because he was serving in the Middle East.

He also expressed concern over the state of the economy and college tuition before he spoke to the gathering of students and locals.

"I think that he has the base work and the right mind frame to change that," he said.

Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, encouraged those present to register to vote and register their friends.

"We need you to vote straight Democrat this year," he said.

Conklin said Democrats need to win Pennsylvania and the state is key in the upcoming general election.

"You know you are going to elect the first African American president of the United States of America," Conklin said.

An Obama supporter, Tarun Chawla (senior-electrical engineering) said a friend brought him to the event.

"I cannot vote because I'm an international student," he said.

Chawla said he believes in most of Obama's issues, including his foreign policies.

He said that he is drawn to the candidate because Obama is a man of Christian faith.

"That obviously matters a lot," Chawla said.

Camille Curtis (junior-photography) is interning with Barack Obama's campaign and volunteered at the event.

Curtis said she likes Obama's education policy and believes that he would "genuinely make a great president."