Granholm has stressed that Michigan can be the nation’s leader in the alternative energy industry given its topography and natural resources since her January State of the State Address. She espoused those same beliefs Friday at MSU.

“This is the breakthrough moment for our nation,” said Granholm, whose comments were directed to students. “This is a call to patriotism, a call to cutting-edge technology. What more important thing could you possibly be working on in this nation right now?”

She said also if she were given a second chance at college, she would pursue a degree in bioenergy.

“I didn’t go with the math and science route, I did political science. What the heck is that?” she joked with the crowd.

Craig Sherwood, a fisheries and wildlife junior, said the event makes a statement about the nation’s future.

“We need to make drastic changes in this state and nation,” he said. “This is the direction we need to head in.”

Jon Walton, GLBRC associate director, said Granholm’s presence showed the state’s seriousness about alternative energy.

Granholm, sticking with her plan outlined in January, continued advocating the effect the alternative energy industry could have in Michigan.

“We, as a state, have to make a commitment to renewable energy. Job providers will come once we do that. There are great jobs in this sector,” she said in an interview.

“It is critical to do everything we can to explore all kinds of renewables.”