Presidential hopeful visits packed UCCS lions gym

Date: 2008-07-02

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., visited UCCS Wednesday as part of his bid for the presidency of the United States.

In an invitation-only event at the University Center Gymnasium, Obama talked about his personal background and values and encouraged the audience to help him redefine service to the country. An estimated 400 people attended the event that began shortly after 11 a.m. and concluded shortly after noon.

“In America, each of us is free to seek our own dreams,” Obama said. “But we must serve a higher calling, our country.”

While complimentary of men and women in the armed forces, Obama called for an expansion of all Americans to answer a call to serve the country. He talked about expanding such programs as Americorps, the Peace Corps, foreign diplomatic service and creating what he termed a “civilian national security force.”

Using references to John F. Kennedy and Franklin Roosevelt and quoting Martin Luther King Jr., Obama talked about the joining of forces – government, private sector and academia – to create a social investment network that would spur innovation in the non-profit sector of the economy.

“I ask that you stand up and plant your foot firmly in history.”

Obama’s visit was unsolicited by the university. The Obama campaign rented the University Center Gymnasium and reimbursed the university for time employees spent assisting in set up.