College student voting at the 2024 polls. Photo by: Grace Christopher

News of Donald Trump’s decisive presidential re-election caused different levels of emotion on the Utica University campus Tuesday night and into Wednesday afternoon. 

As projections were made later Tuesday evening, The Tangerine staff walked around campus looking for students watching election coverage and could not find people gathered in Strebel Student Lounge or main lounges on campus. However, several were not afraid to voice their opinions by Wednesday morning. 

Many were not surprised the former president will be the nation’s 47th president, while others were shocked, dismayed and worried about the future of the country among other issues. 

For some, Trump winning a second term was welcomed with a positive response. 

“Personally we all knew that Trump was going to win based upon voters’ reactions to Kamala’s campaigns and how awful we have been doing economically,” said Katelyn Potasiewicz, a senior. “The people have spoken with red across the board and it’s a beautiful day.”

For others, the news was met with strong reaction and repudiation. Many expressed concerns about women’s health and human rights. 

“As a woman I’m mad because a man who doesn’t give two (expletive)  about women’s rights is the country’s president,” junior Dee Graves said. “At least Kamala is a woman who knows how to protect women’s rights. But both candidates weren’t the best fit anyways, so we were (expletive) no matter what.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Political Science Professor Luke Perry held an election analysis discussion in the Willard Conference Room, which was attended by around 50 students and staff members, addressing the results, Perry’s insights and what might happen in Trump’s second term.  

Perry distributed a 2024 election fact sheet and highlighted Trump’s strength with voters in the economy, populism and nativism. He answered questions, and pointed to many unorthodox issues that have surrounded the former president. Perry said he felt Trump would focus on a handful of goals once he officially becomes the 47th president, these include imposing more tariffs, increasing isolationism and preventing himself from being prosecuted. 

On a positive note, Perry said “it was a free and fair election and in terms of democracy that is good.”

Many students asked questions about Project 2025 and the possibility of the United States withdrawing from NATO. Perry did not want to speculate without evidence but said “a more conservative government (will likely form) in a variety of ways.”

Despite the uncertainties that a second Trump term might bring, some Utica University students took more of a neutral stance on his re-election.

“I wasn’t surprised, whoever won Pennsylvania was going to win the election,” sophomore Cal Crews said. ”I am not really a political guy and I don’t pay attention as much as I should but I think it was a good turnout. I was surprised at how much he won.”

Kyle Mitchell, a senior, said on one hand, it was encouraging to see such active civic engagement since voter turnout reached historic levels, which is a positive sign for democracy. 

“On the other hand, the level of division in the country, with stark ideological divides and deepening distrust in the electoral process, was troubling,” he said.

He said it was interesting how various demographics varied in their choices, which proves how younger generations are changing the outlook of our country.

Xavier Acevado, a junior at Utica University felt both candidates were weak when compared to former candidates. 

“I’m conflicted on my feelings,” Acevado said. “I just hope for the best for this country and all the individuals in it.”

Students from CMM 261 – Media Writing contributed to this story.