President Obama to visit the Upper Peninsula

MARQUETTE - President Barack Obama will be in the Upper Peninsula Feb. 10.

Northern Michigan University is working with White House officials to arrange for the President’s visit to Marquette.

He is expected to be here Thursday.

Kristi Evans at NMU says the President is interested in highlighting the university’s use of technology.

“The most recent development along that line that the Obama administration expressed interest in is our WiMAX system which is 4G wireless service,” Evans said. “Students who have our university-issued laptop computers can be off campus. It covers a 40 mile range and they can tap into the university’s network wirelessly through the WiMAX that is built into their computers.”

Evans says it is big news for Marquette and should bring more attention to what the university is doing.

“The university and technology communities are well aware of what Northern has been doing are we’ve received national awards for it but the President’s visit is obviously going to enhance that exposure quite a bit,” she said.

Marquette City Manager Bill Vajda said he is thrilled to have the President visit Marquette.

“We’re thrilled not only for the change to show him all the great things we’re trying to do but we’re also thrilled with the spotlight he brings with him as a chance to maybe exercise some of the those bragging rights and let the rest of the country know the about all the good things that are happening in the city,” Vajda said.

This is not the first contact with the White House recently. The Peter White Public Library received the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service in December from Michelle Obama.

“Most importantly what comes from this is recognition and hopefully validation that some of the investments that we are making in the community help posture us as we move forward to seek that next set of goals,” said Vajda.

Details on the President’s visit to the U.P. is expected to be available Monday.