UNC’s annual University Day celebration took place yesterday in Memorial Hall, commemorating UNC’s 224th year as a public university.

Governor Roy Cooper, a UNC alumnus, delivered a keynote speech in which he commented on the polarizing nature of Donald Trump, the great strides taken by UNC students and alumni, and staying optimistic in difficult times.

“It is easy to get discouraged but I’m not, and I’ll tell you why,” said Cooper. “So much of my optimism for North Carolina is founded on this place.”

Cooper was also the first speaker of the day to acknowledge the Silent Sam protestors in the crowd who were holding signs reading “Silence Sam”.

“I dream of students who are engaged in the world around them and who burn to make it better, who help solve problems, who protest, and who vote,” said Cooper.

A large group of student protestors also walked out midway through the ceremony.