Clinton makes stop at alma mater

(Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff)

Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton waits to be introduced by Maya Dolgin (left), head of Wellesley Students for Hillary, before speaking today at Wellesley College.

By Marcella Bombardieri, Globe Staff

WELLESLEY -- Hillary Clinton returned today to her alma mater for the first time as a presidential candidate, sharing fond reminisces of the campus where her political activism flowered and where she said she learned to compete with men in politics.

"In so many ways, this all women's college prepared me to compete on the all boys' club of presidential politics," said Clinton, whose campaign has accused her rivals of piling on during Tuesday night's debate.

"This was a place where you could try out all different kinds of leadership styles, where you could ask for critique and support from your friends and the faculty with whom you had an ongoing relationship. It was a place that truly did prepare women to make the best choices that we thought were right for our own lives," she said.

"I have to tell you, though, when I came to Wellesley, I never in a million years could have imagined I would one day return as a candidate for the presidency of the United States. Back then, I didn't even know for sure I would return for my sophomore year."

She joked about curfews and the strict rules about entertaining men, and recalled her 1969 commencement speech that marked her political transformation from Goldwater Republican to antiwar Democrat. Her graduation speech was recorded by Life magazine, which anointed her a voice for her generation.

Clinton is using her appearance at Wellesley and one scheduled later today at the University of New Hampshire to launch "Students for Hillary." Her campaign said there are already 120 campus chapters in 37 states. The initiative also has a website.

Clinton, who is battling Barack Obama in particular for the support of young people, praised what she called the growing activism of students, and encouraged them to help her.

"In the coming weeks, I need you to make the calls and knock on the doors and organize events," said Clinton. "That's exactly what I did back in 1968, driving from Wellesley to Manchester, New Hampshire, stuffing envelopes and walking precincts for Eugene McCarthy's presidential campaign. And I'm so grateful that so many of you here are doing that for me today."