Statement by the Vice President on the Passing of Tom Menino

Jill and I were saddened to hear of the passing of our good friend, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. Tommy was our friend for a long, long time, and he was without a doubt one of the finest Mayors this nation has ever seen. His heart was always as big as the city he loved. And he was, to his core, the very definition of Boston Strong. Unyielding. Absolutely committed.

The poet R. G. Ingersoll could have been describing Tommy when he wrote:

In the days following the Boston Marathon bombing Tommy was heroic. He was calm in the face of uncertainty, and resolute as the whole world watched.

Even as he should have been in bed, Tommy stood tall, marching through the streets of Boston with a Louisville Slugger for a walking stick. He was determined to protect the people of his city, whether from high profile tragedies like the bombing or the everyday tragedies of gun violence as a leading member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

It was an honor to work with Tommy on the investments that improved Boston’s neighborhoods, schools, housing and infrastructure. The “Menino Way” is evident in every park, every school, and every corner of Boston that emerged safer, cleaner, and stronger than before.

His legacy will live on in the city he loved, and in the example he set for public servants everywhere.

Boston’s first Italian-American Mayor earned what my mother always said was the highest compliment we Irish can give: He was a good man.

First Lady Michelle Obama Announces Reach Higher Commencement Challenges

Today, First Lady Michelle Obama announced two commencement challenges via video as part of her Reach Higher initiative.  Schools choosing to participate in the challenges will create video submissions to capture their efforts to make attending and completing college a reality for all students.  Finalists could have the opportunity to hear from the First Lady at their commencement ceremonies in the spring of 2015. 

The Reach Higher initiative is the First Lady's effort to inspire every student in America to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university. In today’s economy, a high school diploma just isn’t enough. Students have to “reach higher,” which is why the First Lady is working to rally the country around the President's “North Star” goal — that by 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.

The FAFSA Completion Challenge

The First Lady’s “FAFSA Completion Challenge” video urges high schools to increase Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates among their seniors.

As the First Lady says in her video:

“Through FAFSA, the Department of Education provides more than $150 billion each year in loans, grants, and work-study programs that can help you and your family pay for college. That’s why I’m calling on every high school senior in America to complete their FAFSA form starting on January 1st.  And I want students, teachers, school counselors, and administrators to show me how your school is taking action to get more students to fill out their forms this year.  So fill out your FAFSA, make a video, and share it online.” 

Near-Peer Mentoring College Challenge

The First Lady’s “Near-Peer Mentoring College Challenge,” directed at college communities and institutes of higher education, urges them to increase and enhance near-peer mentoring and college immersion experiences on campus for high school students. Research has shown that students connecting with other students, or “near-peers,” can make a significant difference in motivating them to make higher education a reality.

As the First Lady says in her video:

“Last January, I spoke with college presidents from across the country about the importance of reaching out to more of our young people, especially those from underserved communities.  These students have so much potential, but they don’t always get the encouragement and support they need to go to college.  Today, I want to take that discussion to the next level.  That’s why I’m calling on people all across college communities – from student groups to admissions officers to college presidents – to take new steps to open up your campus…”

Statement by the President on the Passing of Zambian President Michael Chilufya Sata

On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I send our condolences to First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba-Sata and family, as well as the people of Zambia, for the loss of President Michael Chilufya Sata. The United States remains committed to our enduring friendship and partnership with Zambia, and strongly supports a peaceful constitutional transition of power as the country moves forward during this time of sorrow. We will continue to seek opportunities to enhance our bilateral relations, support Zambia’s democratic traditions, increase its development, and bolster its commitment to a free and just society.

Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny to discuss bilateral relations and U.S. support for the political talks in Northern Ireland that began October 16th between the parties represented in the Northern Ireland Executive. The Vice President commended the Irish and UK governments for helping to organize the talks as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, and stressed that the United States also stands ready to assist the parties in whatever way possible. In this regard, the Vice President and Taoiseach discussed the diplomatic role that Senator Gary Hart can play in facilitating the discussions, as the Personal Representative of the Secretary of State.