Shortly after noon on Friday, the vice president's wife, Jill Biden, arrived on the campus of North Hennepin Community College. She greeted students and faculty before making her way to the courtyard to address a large crowd.
"I want to start by thanking everyone here at North Hennepin Community College for hosting me here today," she said as she began her remarks.
North Hennepin was the first of three stops in Minnesota to campaign for the president and her husband, Vice President Joe Biden. She used this appearance to praise the work of community colleges, calling them "a vital part of our present and our future."
"Community colleges are a cornerstone of our educational program," Jill Biden said. "The president has a plan to train two million workers through partnerships between businesses and community colleges so the workers can get the skills that they need to fill existing jobs."
A community college professor herself, Biden encouraged the North Hennepin students to get out and vote.
"We need everything you've got," she said.
Biden spoke for just under seven minutes, yet students who spoke with 12 News say they like what they heard.
"I love that they're supporting community colleges," said Jamie Ives, a student at North Hennepin.
"I love that she came and actually spoke to the students. And, she showed passion for what she serves, for what her husband serves, for Obama," said Jennifer Maldonado, president of the North Hennepin Hispanic Student Association.
"We're thankful that she came up and presented her agenda," said Awale Osman, president of the North Hennepin African American Student Association.
Osman is part of the group that got Biden to come to the campus.
"One of the students that goes here was working with the Obama administration over the summer, and that student suggested North Hennepin Community College," Osman said when asked how Biden came to visit the campus
However, some students did have one criticism of her brief appearance.
"I'm kind of disappointed that we didn't actually get a chance to ask our questions and have her answer them," Maldonado added.
Jill Biden was also scheduled to speak at the Depot Coffee House in Hopkins and at Macalaster College in St. Paul.
Delane Cleveland
dcleveland@twelve.tv
September 14, 2012