Faces of Change

Marcus Reed
21. Erika Amefi (right), and her brother celebrated with family and photographs after the Commencement ceremony. She was also one of the 18 students who met Michelle Obama before the Commencement ceremony.

Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed
19. David Cheng, a 19-year-old freshman from Hong Kong, scripted, animated, and directed the “We Believe” video sent to Michelle Obama.

Marcus Reed
18. David Do, a member of the Pre Law Society at UC Merced, said that he and his fellow students screamed when they heard Michelle Obama would come to their campus.

Marcus Reed
17. Jessica Julian worked on creating, addressing, and mailing the Valentine’s Day cards sent to Mrs. Obama.

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16. Cybill Navarro happily discusses her experience meeting Michelle Obama.

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15. Megan Machado, Cybill Navarro, and David Do are three of the 18 students who were able to meet Michelle.

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14. The crowd showed their enjoyment of the ceremony and disdain for the heat. Off in the distance, medical personnel move to assist attendees.

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13. Michelle Obama is all smiles on stage.

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12. Michelle spoke about the importance of higher education and the inspirational students of UC Merced.

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11. Michelle Obama begins her speech on the Commencement stage.

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10. Several guests showed their support for Michelle Obama and 2009 Graduates by making signs for the occasion.

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9. This guest thought ahead and brought a hat.

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8. Many other guests used Commencement programs and sunglasses to shield themselves from the 110 degree heat.

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7. An event attendee gets creative making a sunhat from a paper bag.

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6. Secret Service Officer, “Mark,” escorts the media to their appropriate places.

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5. Trained snipers are on the lookout for trouble from every campus rooftop.

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4. UC Merced Student, Thomas Rose shows his Bobcat pride by shaking paws with a bronze statue.

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3. A New University reporter waits away from the sun, in the breezeway of a campus building.

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2. A mariachi band entertained guests in the reception area prior to the event.

Marcus Reed
1. Sunset on the UC Merced Commencement green, the day before Michelle Obama arrives on campus and the 2009 class graduates.