Obama makes light of ASU degree flap in address to graduates

After a well publicized controversy about ASU’s decision not to award the president an honorary degree, Obama told the estimated 65,000 people in attendance that “it was much ado about nothing, although I think we all learned an important lesson.”

“I learned to never again pick another team over the Sun Devils in my NCAA bracket,” Obama joked. “And your university President and Board of Regents will soon learn all about being audited by the IRS.”

The joke provided an entry into Obama’s message for the night: That he, indeed, has not achieved enough in his life yet. And neither, he said, have ASU’s graduates.

“Despite having achieved a remarkable milestone, one that you and your families are rightfully proud of, you too cannot rest on your laurels,” he said. “Your body of work is yet to come.”

The president acknowledged that previous graduating classes have entered the work in better times.

“Perhaps you’re still looking for a job, or struggling to figure out what career path makes sense in this economy,“ Obama told the graduates. “Maybe you’ve got student loans, or credit card debts, and are wondering how you’ll ever pay them off.”

That, Obama said, presents a challenge to those entering the workforce.

They can’t be content on just moving up the corporate ladder in the traditional sense, building achievements along the way.

“It is now abundantly clear that we need to start doing things a little differently,” he said. “In your own lives, you’ll need to continuously adapt to a continuously changing economy: to have more than one job or career over the course of your life; to keep gaining new skills -- possibly even new degrees; and to keep taking risks as new opportunities arise.”

His speech began about 8 p.m. and lasted 25 minutes. While the ceremony went on after his speech, many in the stands — including some graduates — took that as their cue to leave.

Large crowd gave Obama resounding cheer as he entered stadium

TEMPE (AP) — President Barack Obama was greeted with resounding cheers by a large crowd at Arizona State University’s commencement ceremonies.

The audience of thousands snapped photos and stood up as Obama stepped from behind a curtain on the field of Sun Devil Stadium.

He was introduced to students screaming his name and thousands of camera flashes.

Cloaked in a black-and-red gown, Obama waved and said “thank you” to the crowd.

After the national anthem was played, Obama sat down next to ASU President Michael Crow on the stage and waited to deliver his commencement speech.

Heat at ASU's graduation a little too much for some

TEMPE -- Five people have been transported from Arizona State University’s graduation to the hospital with heat related illnesses. Another roughly 65 have been treated on scene, a university spokeswoman says.

With temperatures around 100 degrees most of the afternoon and graduates and their guests arriving as early as 2 p.m., the heat has been too intense for some.

But ASU spokeswoman Julie Newburg said the 70 heat related incidents are out of an audience of 65,000 to 70,000 people.

“I think people are realizing that they need to drink water and get in the shade,” she said.

The ceremony — with President Barack Obama as the commencement speaker — begins at 7 p.m.

Alice Cooper: ASU grads must embrace the Internet

Rock star Alice Cooper’s advice to college graduates: Master the Internet.

As for himself, the rock legend and Phoenix-area resident doesn’t go near a computer.

“It seems to me like the Internet is taking over everything,” Cooper said in an interview with reporters before the start of Arizona State University’s graduation ceremony, where he will be performing.

“If you’re not involved in that part of the world, whatever it is, you better get involved in it,” he said.

Cooper, though, has shunned the computer.

“If I didn’t have a 15-year-old daughter I wouldn’t know how to turn my computer on,” he said. “And I’m proud of it.”

He mused that when he’s on the road with his fellow band members, they’re on the computer constantly — and he’s not.

“I’m saying, 'guys you’re in Paris, go out,' ” he joked.

Cooper has strong ASU connections. His son is a communications major and a straight-A student, Cooper said.

“He’s on the dean’s list — certainly not my end of the family,” Cooper joked.

ASU students call Obama speech at commencement 'historic event'

TEMPE -- Thousands are pouring into Sun Devil Stadium at Arizona State University in preparation for President Obama’s commencement address.

And even with the temperature just shy of 100 degrees, the celebration is a cause for bipartisan celebration.

Jorden McBiles and Jim O’Connor both supported Arizona Sen. John McCain in last year’s presidential election. But both are also excited that the president is speaking at their college graduation.

“It’s a historic event,” said McBiles, a native Arizonan who said he didn’t even plan to attend the event until he found out Obama would be speaking. “It’s monumental to say the least. I want to be part of something to say I was there to see the president.”

O’Connor said “it’s a hell of a play” for Obama, since the president could put Arizona in play for Democrats in 2012.

Meanwhile, hundreds are cramming the surrounding streets and public transit as they slowly make their way into the stadium.

Many student delying putting their gowns on because the heat. Some even has their shirts off. And many in the casually dressed audience waited on long lines for food and drinks.

President Obama is schedule to speak about 8 p.m.

People brave heat to see President Barack Obama

Entry gates to Sun Devil Stadium looked more like airport terminals as hundreds waited in the afternoon heat to see President Barack Obama speak at Arizona State University’s graduation ceremony.

People waited at least 30 minutes to go through metal detectors and bag inspections.

Several people say they expected a longer wait and thought the process was well organized.

Inside the stadium, shady spots were filled quickly with people on rented seat cushions and drinking water provided by the university. Most people say seeing Obama was worth the wait and the high temperatures. ∫

The Associated Press

6 young people receiving assistance through the Obama Scholars Program.

The White House today released information of the 6 young people receiving assistance through the Obama Scholars Program.

Annalili Chacon: A native of Guadalupe, Annalili Chacón is the youngest of four children and comes from a family dedicated to education. A senior at Tempe’s Marcos de Niza High School with a 3.9 GPA, she dreams of graduating from the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. As an inaugural recipient of the President Barack Obama Scholarship, Annalili is one step closer to realizing that dream. Annalili’s family has instilled in her a strong sense of community and giving back. In addition to her business career, she will make it a priority to give back to her community by serving as a role model for the younger generations of Guadalupanos who aspire to achieve a higher education. During high school she has volunteered organizing activities for children at the East Valley Boys and Girls Club in Guadalupe and the Escalante Center in Tempe. One of her most memorable volunteer experiences was working at the Democratic Party Office in Tempe during the 2008 presidential election. Although she was not old enough to vote at that time, Annalili was energized by the campaign and excited to be part of an historic election. She has since turned 18, registered to vote, and is excited about participating in the next election. In the meantime, Annalili will begin her pursuit of higher education at ASU in the fall. On selecting a university she says, “It is very important to me that ASU prides itself in its policies to promote equal opportunities for all genders, races, and ethnicities.”

George Khalaf: George Khalaf was born in Lebanon and came to the United States when his parents fled the civil war in their country in 1996; George was five years old. Although he was a young boy and doesn’t have many memories of that time, he is very proud of his heritage. In his native country educational goals are difficult to achieve so he appreciates the opportunities he has as a US citizen. His appreciation for education has prompted him to work hard in school and it has paid off; He will graduate this spring from Dobson High School with a 3.79 GPA. In addition to being a scholar, George is also a leader. He was a member of Valley Teen Leadership Class XI and continues to volunteer and train young leaders through the organization. In the fall he will continue his educational journey and begin studying political science and finance at Arizona State University. While George has always known that college was in his future, he wasn’t sure how he would pay for it. As a President Barack Obama Scholar, financing his education is no longer a concern. He says, “I am grateful to be a part of the President Barack Obama Scholars Program as I will have the opportunity to further my knowledge and education at ASU without having to be worried about finances.”

Lysandra Frey: Lysandra was a typical sophomore in high school; she studied hard and participated in extracurricular activities. Then one day her father passed away unexpectedly. Shortly thereafter her grades began to slip and she had trouble sleeping. Fortunately her teachers noticed and supported her by talking with her and encouraging her to focus on her academics. It worked. This spring she will graduate from Mesa’s Skyline High School with a 3.39 GPA. The next chapter in her life will take her to Arizona State University where she will study biological sciences as a President Barack Obama Scholar. She hopes to one day work in the field of forensics solving crimes. In planning for college Lysandra knew that finances would be an issue as her mom was now the only source of income for Lysandra and her younger sister. She worked diligently applying for financial aid and scholarships. Upon hearing about being a President Barack Obama Scholar she said, “Knowing that I won’t have to worry about paying for school or housing on campus is a great relief. It is an incredible honor to be a part of this program.”

Raynetta Brown: Despite the odds against her, Raynetta Brown has always been determined to succeed. She lives with her single mother and is the third of four children. She will be the first of her siblings to graduate from high school and also hopes to be the first one to graduate from college. If her high school record is any indication of success, Raynetta will definitely accomplish her educational goals. A senior at South Mountain High School, she will graduate as valedictorian with a 3.96 GPA. In addition to her academics, she has excelled in sports as a member of the softball team and cheer squad. Raynetta will enter Arizona State University in the fall as a psychology major and participate in the inaugural class of President Barack Obama Scholars. She says, “I know I have to stay focused on my goals. I want to go to college and won’t let anything get in my way. I look forward to attending ASU and am honored to be a part of the Obama Scholars Program.”

Yobani Mejia-Lopez: Yobani Mejia-Lopez is a resilient young man who has overcome many obstacles. An orphan at the age of 8, his grandparents have raised him in a household of eleven. He currently works part-time to assist his family with household expenses. A senior at Mesa’s Westwood High School, Yobani was actively involved in sports until a heart illness prevented him from playing last year. After undergoing emergency heart surgery, he returned to school after a two month absence. Although he was no longer able to participate in sports, Yobani focused his energy on academics and will now graduate with a 3.25 GPA. The next phase of his life will take him to Arizona State University where he will major in biochemistry with an ultimate goal of becoming a dentist. Yobani was influenced by his first dental visit in the United States at the age of 9 and since then has continued to have conversations with his dentist about this career choice. He says, “I want to do something with my life that I will enjoy.”

Byron Smithson: Byron Smithson has had to grow up rather quickly. At the age of 14, both of his parents passed away within three weeks of each other. He now lives with his four siblings and his two older brothers are raising the younger ones. As the middle child he has had to take on additional familial responsibilities. In addition to these responsibilities, Byron has made it a priority to do well and be active in school. A member of his school’s lacrosse and DECA teams, he will graduate from Chandler High School with a 3.0 GPA and begin his studies at Arizona State University in the fall. He chose ASU because of the strong business programs in the WP Carey School of Business and hopes to major in marketing and entrepreneurship with a goal of starting his own business with his brother. Unlike his older brother, Byron did not have the assistance of his mother when it came to applying to college and scholarships. Fortunately he had counselors and ASU staff members to assist him with every step of the way. Having the President Barack Obama Scholarship means that he will have the opportunity to attend college without worrying about how he will pay for it. Byron says, “If it weren’t for the Obama Scholarship, I would not be going to ASU.”

The program more than doubles qualifying family income from $25,000 to $60,000 and more than triples the number of scholars from 500 freshmen this year to more than 1,600 freshmen entering ASU in fall 2009, according to the White House news release.

The Obama Scholars Program will allow students to participate in aspects of the undergraduate experience critical to their success such as living in residence halls on campus, which increases their likelihood of finishing college. They also will have the opportunity to participate in a mentoring program.

White House press office

ASU grads begin to fill stadium for Obama address

The first of more than 9,000 Arizona State University graduates are beginning to file onto the field at Sun Devil Stadium as they prepare to hear a commencement address from President Barack Obama.

A sea of white chairs fills the football field for them, and it is so hot that many aren’t yet wearing their caps and gowns. They’re using fans handed out by volunteers.

The president isn’t expected to make his address to an expected crowd of more than 60,000 until nearly 8 p.m.

The Associated Press

Obama heads West for Arizona commencement

High temperatures, not heated protests, were expected Wednesday when Barack Obama delivered his first commencement address as president at Arizona State University.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the president planned to “discuss the amazing opportunity that graduates have, the challenging world that they enter into, and — as he’s done in many commencements before — talk about the fact that the choices that you make leaving college about being involved in your community and serving a purpose higher than yourself is tremendously important.”

While some 9,000 students were to collect diplomas at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Obama wasn’t going to be one of them. University officials declined to give him an honorary degree, saying he had not yet accomplished enough to deserve the honor.

Officials later backtracked and instead named a scholarship in honor of the nation’s first African-American president. The President Barack Obama Scholars program will offer students up to $17,000 annually to pay for tuition, books, room and board.

Also on stage: rocker Alice Cooper, who planned to perform “School’s Out” for the expected 63,000-person crowd.

With the temperature expected to hit a high of 99 degrees, the day was shaping up to be a long, hot one. University officials warned people to expect up to a 90-minute wait to clear security checkpoints, which will be managed by U.S. Secret Service agents.

Obama was to fly to Albuquerque after the speech. The president planned to have a town hall-style meeting Thursday in Albuquerque on proposed restrictions on credit card companies before he returned to Washington.

The White House has announced Obama plans other commencement addresses at the University of Notre Dame and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Student protests were expected Sunday at Notre Dame over Obama’s support for abortion rights and embryonic stem cell research.

The Associated Press