By Griggs, Polly and Sheets

Pushing, shoving, moaning and waiting characterized the crowd Monday as thousands turned out to see President Bill Clinton addressed the topic of direct student loans and the future of education. But many who attented the event say the long lines were worth enduring.

Clinton spoke to a diverse crowd of more than 10,000, as students, parents and political activists from across the region spread out on the lawns behind Pulliam Hall.

Advertisement

Early in the morning, as people stood waiting in line or perched on others shoulders, confusion was apparent but most people said the wait was worth it.

Ron Beai, a speech spectator of Marion, said he was pleased with such a large turnout.

The crowd is just a minor inconvenience to see the president, Beai said.

I’ve waited longer for Great America rides, one student near the front of the line said.

Yeah, but they’re more fun, said the student standing next to him.

Mark Prost, a second-year law student from Kansas City, Mo., said he is in support of Clinton’s financial aid policies but does not think Clinton takes cutting the budget seriously.

I don’t like Clinton in person or in politics, Prost said. Clinton doesn’t stand by his convictions.

Advertisement*

Prost, like several other crowd members, carried signs expressing his views about political issues.

I’m trying to attract the attention of the president to solve problems in Cyprus, Nicholas Agrotis, a SIUC graduate student from Cyprus, said.

Agrotis carried a Justice for Cyprus poster when Clinton stepped to the podium.

Another sign carrier expressed his support for the Clinton administration.

David Morgan, holding a Five more years, then Hillary poster, said the poster stated his interest in seeing the president re-elected in 96 and his wife taking office after him.

He made a lot of good pointsthe importance of education, grants and student loans for Southern Illinois and the nation as a whole, Kim Grounds, from Harrisburg, said.

Sheila Kohring, an SIUC graduate assistant in anthropology, said the direct student loan program Clinton endorsed is a very good idea.

What am I going to do for my P.h.D?, Kohring said. He’s rightI mean how am I supposed to pay for my tuition.

Also agreeing with Clinton was Donna Rohlfing, a first-year graduate student from Ava.

He has the same views I do, Rohlfing said. You can’t cut the budget and expect youth to continue in school.