ASUNews

I know this sounds cheesy, but it’s hard not to get caught up in the moment. President Crow’s introduction of President Obama was a detailed outline of the journey our president went through in his career as a teacher and now president. President Crow asked how do you introduce someone who has touched the lives of so many people, and brought hope to a country at a time when we needed someone to take stand a create change? It is nearly impossible, but I think Crow’s speech expressed the greatest appreciation of ASU toward President Obama for taking the time to be here with us.

President Obama received a standing ovation and congratulated all of the graduates on their accomplishments. He also apologized for “stealing” Janet Napolitano from our state. He also mentioned the elephant in the room, that being the entire honorary degree fiasco. He joked about not picking the Sun Devils for his NCAA basketball tournament pool, and now auditing Michael Crow. The president said that he agrees that he has not done enough in his career.  President Obama said that there is always more to be done and achieve. He used this to relate to graduates that they as well “can’t rest.” They have much more to achieve in their careers.

Our leader talked about graduates entering a market that is suffering. He mentioned that many are trying to find jobs while dealing with the burden of student loans. To all of these problems the president responded by saying working together to change this country will be the key to our success as a people.

I never realized what a powerful and eloquent speaker President Obama is. He barely looked down at his speech, and spoke with such fervor for change and a bright future.  I think he inspired everyone in his presence. The president closed by calling out each degree and telling them how they can inspire change. I think his presence and candidacy alone already accomplished that.