National Spotlight Shines on Edison State
Feb 11, 2009
Lee County -- The national media spotlight shines today on Edison State College. Edison State representatives opened and closed the question answer session of President Barack Obama’s town hall meeting in Fort Myers this afternoon (Tuesday, February 10, 2009). The first question went to Edison State’s Facility Planner and Code Administrator, Jyoti Naik. Ms. Naik asked the president about funding for higher education. “I was wondering how much stress you are putting in your economic stimulus plan for higher education, because vocational training helps lower unemployment,†Naik asked the President. President Obama responded saying he hopes to create an education tax credit, “In exchange for community service,†said President Obama. “The plan would cover nearly 2/3rds the tuition cost at the average public college and university or community college.†The closing question went to Edison State student Julio Osegueda. Mr. Osegueda is a full time student and 4 year employee at McDonalds. He asked the president about improving healthcare for employees. “No. 1, the fact that you are working, as hard as you’re working, at a job that I know that doesn’t always pay as well as some other jobs?†Obama told him. “I think that’s a source of pride for you.†The President complimented Osegueda’s enthusiasm at the event. "You sound like you've got good communication skills," Obama told Osegueda, who hopes to one day become a DJ or broadcaster. Both Naik and Osegueda were randomly selected from the crowd to ask questions of the newly elected president. Edison State College serves more than 20,500 students in 5 counties including campuses in Lee, Collier, Charlotte counties, a center serves Hendry/Glades and many classes are available on-line. For more information, please contact District Director of Communications and Marketing Catherine Bergerson at 239-489-9460.
Last Updated: February 11, 2009
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