Taking refuge from the rain under the awnings of the Hub and Parks Library, students, including members of the ISU College Republicans, awaited the appearance of Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Gross. During an informal session, Gross said two of his concerns are affordable tuition and college graduates finding jobs.

Gross was scheduled to appear in front of the library at noon Tuesday. At about 10 minutes past noon, Gross and representatives from the ISU College Republicans scurried for the library awning where several students gathered.

“I haven’t really heard a lot about his issues and things,” said Molly Scherrman, senior in psychology and registered Democrat. “I want to see what he has to say.”

She and several other students were prepared to hear a formal speech, but instead got the opportunity to ask questions.

Tenna Rasmussen, member of the Iowa Federation of College Republicans, helped organize Gross’ appearance at Iowa State. She said the meet-and-greet was planned and provided benefits for students when compared to a speech.

Michael Dale, chairman of the ISU College Republicans, agreed.

“I’ve always been in favor of meet-and-greet format. It is more interactive than a speech,” said Dale, sophomore in liberal arts and sciences. “Today he’s talked to everybody here.”

Josh Garetson, senior in agricultural business, finance and economics, will graduate in December. He is registered to vote in Ames and was interested in hearing Gross’ plan for bringing jobs to Iowa.

Gross said he was prepared to address student concerns.

“There are a lot of good young people here who care about the future of our state,” he said. “Students are worried about affordable tuition and getting good jobs when they graduate. Those are two things I’m about.”

Gross said it is time to beef up Iowa’s economy, “or our ability to support public institutions will continue to decrease.” He said Iowa has a lot of job potential.

“The most important thing we can do is take what we do and do it better,” he said. “We need to make ourselves more competitive. Half of our jobs pay $12 per hour or less and you deserve better than that.”

Dale said he thought the turnout was good with 20 students in attendance, but would have been better with nicer weather.

“We want to get him back [to Iowa State] as much as we can,” Dale said.

Gross said he recognized the importance of campus to his campaign, but wasn’t sure when he would return.

“I take my schedule one day at a time,” he said.

Gross, a father of five, was raised in Defiance and has a cow-calf operation in Madison County. Debi Durham, of Sioux City, is running for lieutenant governor.

Rasmussen encouraged students to watch the next gubernatorial debate which will be televised from Sioux City on Oct. 9.