Sen. Barack Obama visits the UC campus

On Thursday, March 20, the University of Charleston hosted Senator Barack Obama, D-Illinois. Obama, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for President, addressed an auditorium packed with area supporters, members of the press, and UC students, faculty and staff.

Notably, Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy kicked off his campaign for the West Virginia primary in the same auditorium on April 11, 1960.

The University was pleased to welcome many dignitaries, including West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin and Senator Jay Rockefeller, D-West Virginia. Senator Obama acknowledged Governor Manchin and his wife, Gayle, Senator Rockefeller and his wife, Sharon, and UC president Dr. Edwin Welch and his wife, Dr. Janet Welch, from the podium, before delivering about 30 minutes of remarks to an enthusiastic audience.

The event was so popular that an overflow crowd had to be seated in Eddie King Gymnasium. They heard a live audio feed of the speech, and Senator Obama stopped by to shake hands after he left the auditorium. 

Local TV coverage of the visit
courtesy of WSAZ-TV  >>

Photos from Sen. Obama's visit.
Courtesy of UC Staff Photographer, Randy Oney.