Written in June 1996

Clinton's visit was the "most momentous event in the seventy year history of the college", said College President, Dr. John Davitt.

Glendale Community College was honored to play host to the President of the United States last Tuesday, June 11, 1996.

The President spoke for about thirty minutes in a far-ranging address, covering his plan to offer a $1500 tax credit for community college students and touching on a plan to require television networks to provide at least three hours a week of educational programming.

He proposed offering community college students a $1500 tax credit for the first year of post-high school education, with the same amount refundable the second year for those that maintain a "B" average.

He praised Glendale College for its leadership in the federally supported volunteer learning program and extolled the community college system in general as a means for individuals to help prepare themselves for the challenge of employment in the 21st century. He said that Glendale College was an "example of how higher education can strengthen the community".

"Ten years from now many of you will be working in jobs that don't even exist now", said Mr Clinton. "Why shouldn't we guarantee fourteen years of education?" so as to keep pace with our rapid technological change.

The President was interrupted briefly by hecklers, but he handled them easily, saying "We have a good record, so they have to try these radical crazy attacks."

The President was introduced, first by college president Dr. John Davitt, then by Associate Student Body President Hazel Ramos. Both spoke eloquently of Mr. Clinton's commitment to education and of the singular honor that he brought to the college by his presence.

After the address, the President walked along the back of the Administration building while shaking hands and talking to the estimated 2,500 invited students, staff and guests.

Later, he paid a surprise visit for lunch to the Rocky Cola restaurant in Montrose, north of the college.

by Dennis Doyle with Mike Eberts