University of South Carolina President Dr. Harris Pastides says that the new Earnest F. Hollings Special Collections Library will lovingly be called “The Fritz.”

Bipartisan fun: Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham laughed along as Hollings picked on fellow Democrats

In true Hollings style, the 88-year old senator, who helped secure $14 million of the $18 million for the construction of the library, kept the audience of over 1,100 laughing and shaking their heads at his frank remarks.

AUDIO: Hollings speech at library dedicated in his honor (17:44)

Vice President Joe Biden, who served with Sen. Hollings for 32 years in the Senate, was the keynote speaker

“I learned what not to say from Fritz Hollings,” says Majority Whip Jim Clyburn.  “I learned both,” says Vice President Joe Biden.

Biden, who is known for occasionally putting his foot in his mouth, says he was mentored by Hollings in many ways–including his rhetoric. As much a roast as a tribute, Biden and University leaders launched a few zingers at Hollings. But in a library filled with hundred of political dignitaries, the event honored the former senator and governor who led the state through desegregation, instituted the state technical education system and introduced environmental conversation into national debate.

“He is still relentless,” says Biden, who claims the senator who served for 47 years regularly calls him in Washington, D.C. to demand explanations of ”what is going on up there.”

“Damn Joe, what the hell are you folks doing?” is how Biden describes the beginning of a Fritz Hollings phone call.

AUDIO: Selection of Biden speech about Sen. Hollings (18:00)

In his speech, Biden called him,”The most significant national figure to come out of this state in the breadth and scope of what he has done.”

Hollings and Biden (L-R) kept the audience in stitches the entire ceremony

Biden says it was Sen. Hollings and his wife, Peatsy, who “changed his life” after Biden’s wife and child were killed. “She put her arms around me, literally and figuratively.” Then, when Biden met his current wife, Jill, the Hollings officially welcomed her to D.C.

When Hollings took the podium he invited Senator Lindsey Graham to join him on the stage. This gesture prompted a standing ovation. He quipped,”We integrate minorities–and majorities.”

And in a friendly jab to the Vice President, Hollings said, “Today is a big blinking deal.”

More details and a slideshow of the new library

Don Fowler, former national chairman of the Democratic Party, escorts in Congressman John Spratt at library dedication

Today at noon, Vice President Joe Biden will speak to an expected crowd of 1,200 at USC for the dedication of the new Earnest F. Hollings Special Collection Library, named after Biden’s old friend and mentor, former U.S. Senator Earnest “Fritz” Hollings.

The new library, which is connected to the current Thomas Cooper Library, houses three departments: The Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, Political Collections, and Digital Collections.

South Carolina’s most notable Democrats are in attendance–a “Who’s Who” of the party that once was in power in South Carolina–including Supreme Court justices, senior legislators, former and current members of Congress, one of whom is South Carolina’s John Spratt.

Biden will attend a fundraiser for Spratt immediately after the event, as Spratt now faces a challenge from Lancaster Senator Mick Mulvaney for his seat. Spratt chairs the House Budget Committee and has been under fire from the GOP spearheading many of the Obama Administration’s fiscal tactics.