A back to school reception was hosted by Senator Sandra Cunningham on Thursday, September 5, in The Duncan Family Sky Room at Saint Peter’s University. Senator Cunningham came to Saint Peter’s to deliver remarks on higher education in the State of New Jersey, and to meet with students to encourage their participation in the community and city politics.
“I wanted to come by today and talk to you about what we are doing in Trenton,” she said. “We are not lost in terms of getting you the kind of aid you need.”
Senator Cunningham spoke about several issues facing college students in the city and nationwide, such as the DREAM Act and skyrocketing student loan debt costs.
“It’s simply alarming that national student loan debt has topped the $1 trillion mark – that’s more than all credit card debt!” said University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D. “We look forward to working with Senator Cunningham to help find a solution to this problem so that our students, and students throughout the Garden State, are able to receive a college education without the burden of drowning in debt.”
Sabrina Hidalgo ’17, a psychology/pre-med major, came to hear the senator speak about student loan debt because “it’s an interesting topic. I want to see what she has to say about it.”
Nursing student Fiorella Cacho ’14 agreed, saying, “It’s something that is happening right now and students should be involved and know what is going on in the state.”