Arizona State University graduates as President Barack Obama addressed students and families during commencement
Obama addresses student job concerns
Phoenix Business Journal - by Erica Rodriguez
Erica Rodriguez/Phoenix Business Journal

Unemployment was heavy on the minds of many Arizona State University graduates as President Barack Obama addressed students and families during commencement Wednesday night.

“What are all of us are going to do about getting jobs out there,” asked 23-year-old Elsa Fernandez, who graduated with her bachelor’s in psychology. “That’s what I really want to hear about.”

Obama was in touch with the issue, saying this historic economic downtown “rippled out of Wall Street and Washington.”

“Perhaps you’re still looking for a job, struggling to figure out what career path makes sense in this disrupted economy,” Obama said. “Maybe you have student loans — no you definitely have student loans and credit card debit. You are wondering how you will pay it all off.”

A new, stronger foundation is needed for the economy, he said, rethinking health care, the environment and education will be key.

Obama also thanked ASU for attaching his name to the new scholarship program for incoming students. “The notion of opening doors of opportunity to everybody, that is the core mission of this university,” Obama said. “It is also the core mission of my presidency”

“It was very inspirational,” said 27-year-old Travis Venson of the president’s speech. Venson graduated with a bachelor’s of science in mechanical engineering. “He basically challenged us graduates to do something. He made it clear that he needs the help of graduates to make changes needed. We are all on one team working together. No one gets that. He does.”

Twenty-three-year-old hairstylist Calynn Colceri, who came to see a friend graduate, said Obama’s speech was awesome. “It was really good, Colceri said. “He hit on really good points. You shook your head in agreement.”

ASU graduated about 800 education majors, 500 engineering majors, 300 social work majors, 170 art and performance majors, 160 journalism majors, 150 nursing majors, 144 law majors and 85 architecture majors.

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