Representing students receiving financial aid nationwide, Michigan Student Assembly President Fiona Rose spoke to President Clinton in the Oval Office yesterday in support of direct federal student loans.
Rose was selected along with six other college students by the Department of Education to meet with Clinton and Secretary of Education Richard Riley.
"It was incredible," Rose said. "It was a wonderful experience to meet the president."
In addition to meeting with the president, Rose was chosen to be the group's spokesperson.
"We talked about student loans and the Hope Scholarship Program," Rose said.
Rose said she and Clinton share the same views on financial aid.
"He really is offering students a number of options," Rose said.
Associate Vice President for Government Relations Thomas Butts said Rose's performance as spokesperson was well received by the Department of Education.
"I talked with some of the department heads and they were very pleased," Butts said. "Fiona did an excellent job. She was asked to introduce the president with a few minutes' notice."
In addition to discussing student loans, Rose encouraged Clinton's daughter Chelsea to attend the University. She also invited Clinton to speak at commencement.
The Department of Education selected the group of seven students by word of mouth. Jill Riemer of the Department Education said the department chose exceptional students who receive financial aid.
Students from Colorado State University, Westland College, Harvard University, Georgetown University, Hope College and Heidelberg College also participated in yesterday's meeting.