Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following comments after learning President Barack Obama would deliver the commencement speech at the University of Michigan on May 1, 2010.  Congressman Dingell himself asked the President to take part in the commencement activities.

 “President Obama’s White House is filled with talented Michigan alumni, including one of his most trusted advisors and U of M law school grad, Valerie Jarrett.  He knows that when he stands before the crowd at Michigan Stadium he will be speaking some of the brightest young people in America.  He may inspire someone to become a future Senator, Supreme Court Justice or President.  We all benefit from having him come to campus.

 “Now I am hoping to convince the President to stick around for lunch.  I know he is fond of a good burger like a Blimpy Burger at Krazy Jim’s. Or perhaps he’d enjoy a good corned beef on rye from Zingerman’s.  I’m going to look for suggestions on my facebook page and see what we should get.

“Seriously, I look forward to the President’s visit and his speech.  It should be a wonderful experience for all the students, faculty and the President himself.  I look forward to being there for the festivities.”

Two other Presidents have delivered commencement remarks at Michigan Stadium - Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and George H. W. Bush in 1991.  Johnson used the speech to unveil his revolutionary ‘Great Society’ designed to fight poverty and racial injustice.

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