The presence of several armed Champaign police officers lining the intersection of Green and Wright streets didn’t stop a mob of University students from celebrating Barack Obama’s presidential victory in front of the Alma Mater early Wednesday morning.

Several students climbed on top of the Alma Mater, chanting “O-BA-MA, O-BA-MA, O-BA-MA” and “USA! USA! USA!” with the crowds that encircled it. The face of the Alma Mater was covered by a paper photo of Obama’s face, and those standing on the monument popped champagne and sprayed it on the crowds.

Carl Newman, senior in Business, was among those who celebrated atop the Alma Mater.

“There was a party on Green Street, and I didn’t want to be left out,” he said. “I’m a registered democrat, so I talk about democrats; I use the word ‘we’, and we won big tonight.”

Meanwhile, other students lit sparklers, hit drums or danced in celebration.

“Obama! It’s Obama!” said Marshawn Lyles, a freshman in LAS who was dancing. “We won the election, so we celebrate!”

Despite all the excitement, the Champaign Police Department reported no major problems.

Previously in the night Obama supporters gathered in the intersection of Sixth and Green streets after their candidate was announced as the president-elect of the United States. The students and community members chanted “Obama!” and waved flags in celebration.

Champaign Police blocked the intersection from traffic.

Maddie Ryan, junior in Education, came out with a group of about three or four people.

“We’re excited. We heard screaming and we wanted to come outside and check it out,” Ryan said.

Three guys were also running around in boxers.

“Whatever way they want to celebrate – that’s wonderful,” said Tracey Colin, junior in LAS.

Katie O’Brian, sophomore in LAS, said outside was comparable with when Illinois defeated Ohio State last year in football.

“The group of people were singing and chanting,” O’Brian said. “The singing isn’t good, but the celebration is amazing.”

Officer Chad Shipley from the Champaign Police Department said that they started receiving calls about the celebration at 10:30 p.m.

“It isn’t real bad yet other than the fact that they’ve taken over the street,” Shipley said.

Andrew Maloney contributed to this report.