After the launch of the ‘Dear Michelle’ Campaign in February by UC Merced’s 430-member founding undergraduate class, first lady Michelle Obama announced last week that she would address the seniors during their May 16 commencement.
The campaign began as a Facebook page that ultimately attracted more than 540 members and included pleas from students, faculty and local residents in the form of letters, e-mails and hundreds of Valentine’s Day cards.
‘Mrs. Obama was touched,’ Semonti Mustaphi, the first lady’s deputy press secretary, said in a statement. ‘She’s very committed and connected to these young people’s drive and want to recognize the leadership that they’ve already exhibited.’