What a thrill to have President Obama speak at U.B. today! He began a two day bus tour of Western NY and Pennsylvania to promote his new initiative to address the rising costs of higher education. He said, and we agree, that college is an imperative, not a luxury, and it should be accessible to everyone. The average debt of college grad is $26,000! Our older sons are still paying off their debts. It took us many years to pay off our share. Colin has no debt, but only because he had the GI Bill.
It was move in day for the freshmen, so the UB campus was already bustling with activity. The audience went wild when he entered the auditorium. Rebecca was there and so was our friend Cathy U. I wish we could have seen him in person, but we watched the whole event from the landing of Air Force One to the motorcade out of the city.
Our own college campus is also very busy. When we walked through today, we spotted people washing dorm windows, raking out the dirt along the new sidewalks, taking down the fences and the walkway to Houghton. Some students have already returned, but most will arrive this weekend and our quiet little town will be transformed. The nightly march to the bars, endless rescue calls, loud parties, red cups strewn on lawns and sidewalks, such fun!
53.3 miles!
The last Miss Sue's Starburst
The retaining wall is complete! It divides the President's property from the new Houghton and the new science building.
Landscaping underway
