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Michelle to California Grads: We Need You

First lady exhorts public service as 12K attend speech to 500 grads

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted May 17, 2009 10:34 AM CDT

(Newser) – While her husband’s commencement speeches were plagued by controversy, Michelle Obama received adoration from graduates at the University of California, Merced, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. During a 29-minute address on a 100-degree day, the first lady encouraged graduates to pursue public service careers. “We are going to need all of you,” she said. “Make your legacy a lasting one.”

“Dream big,” Obama told the 500 graduates of UC Merced, where half the students, like Obama herself, is the first of their family to attend college. “You inspired me,” she said, explaining why she chose the 4-year-old school. “This is going to give me material to paint forever,” said one artist. “There's never been anything bigger than this in Merced. Ever!”

[Images (8)]

[Videos (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

First lady Michelle Obama hugs University of California Regent Sherry Lansing. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

First lady Michelle Obama gestures as she gives the keynote speech at the graduation ceremonies at the University of California, Merced. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Nicole Juen, left, and Tina Cook, right, use a shawl to try to get some relief from the sun while attending the graduation ceremonies at the University of California. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

First Lady Michelle Obama, center, is greeted by graduating students of the University of California, Merced. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

First lady Michelle Obama, center, gives the keynote speech of the graduation ceremonies at the University of California, Merced. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

First Lady Michelle Obama Delivers the commencement speech at the University of California, Merced. (Getty Images)

First Lady Michelle Obama meets with graduating students of UC Merced prior to her commencement speech at the University of California, Merced. (Getty Images)

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Part 1 of Michelle Obama's commencement speech at the University Of California, Merced. (NewsPoliticsNews)

Part 2 of Michelle Obama's commencement speech at the University Of California, Merced. (NewsPoliticsNews)

Part 3 of Michelle Obama's commencement speech at the University Of California, Merced. (NewsPoliticsNews)

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Everything she said about struggling and motivation applied to myself. Sometimes I think, 'Man, I'm not going to make it.' Now, whenever I feel that way, I'll think about what she said. - Freshman Rogelio Grijalva

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Michelle to California Grads: We Need You