PRESIDENT OBAMA VISITS NC STATE

9/2011

President Barack Obama sought support for his American Jobs Act during a speech at NC State. “I came to talk about how America can get back to a place where we’re creating good, middle-class jobs again,” he said at Reynolds Coliseum. “Jobs that pay well. Jobs that offer some security. Jobs that are available for all the young people who are going to be graduating from NC State. I know that’s what the students are thinking about.” NC State students, who made up a large share of the audience at Reynolds, greeted Obama warmly. Seeing Obama speak was “electrifying,” senior English major Patrick Holt said.

Speaking before Obama, Chancellor Randy Woodson said it was “most fitting” that the president chose NC State as the venue for a discussion of job creation. “From our founding 125 years ago, NC State has a proud tradition of economic development as part of our core mission,” he said. “We create new knowledge through research. We educate students. We develop partnerships to drive innovation and improve the lives of our citizens. And we create jobs.” Woodson noted that more than 80 startup companies have roots at NC State, including software developer SAS and LED lighting manufacturer Cree.

To read the full article and see photos from the event click here.

Photos courtesy of North Carolina State University