Posted on 03/28/2009 11:08:05 AM PDT by Steelfish
Michelle Obama to address Calif. uni's first class
By GARANCE BURKE, Associated Press Writer Saturday, March 28, 2009
Fresno, Calif. (AP) --
Seniors at the University of California, Merced couldn't rely on a wealthy and established network of alumni to reel in a famous speaker for this year's commencement address.
That's because the UC system's newest campus has yet to graduate a full senior class and only has a handful of alumni.
But that didn't keep this year's seniors from landing one of the most sought-after speakers of the season, first lady Michelle Obama.
Since February, the 430-member founding undergraduate class has organized a nonstop campaign to draw the first lady to the campus in the heart of California's Central Valley, bombarding her office with letters, emails — even hundreds of Valentine's cards.
It set up a Facebook page to attract attention and help direct students' efforts. By Friday, the Facebook page for "The 'Dear Michelle' Campaign" had more than 540 members.
The campaign included pleas from students, faculty and local residents. One student even recruited more than a dozen family members to send letters of support, said Semonti Mustaphi, the first lady's deputy press secretary.
"Mrs. Obama was touched," Mustaphi said Friday, after the first lady announced she would speak at UC Merced's May 16 commencement.
"She's very committed and connected to these young people's drive and wants to recognize the leadership that they've already exhibited."
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
somebody wants aunt ester to speak? really? about what?
how to be an angry, mean, ugly, black woman in America and still be proud of your country... if they elect your husband president... otherwise, it’s ok to continue bashing at anything you find... like a child throwing a temper tantrum
She can speak to them of the glorious government job opportunities that await them in, um, community organizing.
“Hey all you green students, don’t expect a job when you get out there won’t be any”. Don’t forget to ask Michelle about the LETTUSES she is growing in her garden.
Opportunities for all!
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