ASI Launches Campaign to Invite President Obama to CSU Dominguez Hills

It’s an amazing notion when you hear it for the first time – President Barack Obama at California State University, Dominguez Hills. When I tell people I am on an Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) committee that is determined to bring him to our 2010 commencement ceremony, I usually get a “Really?” often followed up by a “Here?”

Yes, there is a campaign to get President Obama to deliver the keynote address at commencement on May 21, 2010. And you know what? We deserve it.

In his acceptance speech a year ago this month, President Obama said, “I’m asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington…I’m asking you to believe in yours.” He has made volunteerism and public service a hallmark of his administration, and CSU Dominguez Hills has answered his call.

In fact, the Office of Student Life (OSL) and the Center for Service Learning, Internships, & Civic Engagement (SLICE) have partnered to make the 2009-2010 academic year the “Year of the Volunteer.” I spoke with Cheryl McKnight, director of SLICE about CSU Dominguez Hill’s long tradition of public service.

“I think it’s a great possibility that President Obama would visit our campus,” she said. ”We so strongly reflect the people across the nation and we are a model institution in the areas of civic engagement and public service to our communities.”

From nursing students volunteering at free clinics to student organizations helping the homeless on Los Angeles’s Skid Row or aiding to tsunami victims in the Philippines, CSU Dominguez Hills proves to be centered on public service. In these difficult economic times, particularly in California, Toros are there to assist those in need. The best thing is that public service does not cost anything - all it takes is time and a helping hand.

The effort to bring President Obama to campus for commencement this year began when Director of Government and Community Relations David Gamboa approached ASI about creating a committee for the purpose. Khaleah Bradshaw, director of legislative affairs, jumped at the opportunity to serve as chair. She and the committee came up with the “Obama to D-Hills” campaign, of which a key component is collecting personal letters written to President Obama. They have organized a slumber rally on Dec. 10-11 to help the cause.

“I thought a 24-hour letter writing drive would be a great way to get more letters,” Bradshaw said. “An event like this has never happened on this campus before and I am excited to be the first one to do so especially since it is for such a worthy cause.”

Students will begin gathering at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, and will stay in the Loker Student Union until 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. During the 24 hours there will be entertainment, including a film, “American Idealist: The Story of Sargent Shriver,” and a stroll competition by the Greek organizations on campus. There will also be focus groups meeting to discuss suggestions and strategies to improve student life on campus. Food and coffee will be provided throughout the event.

President Obama and his strategists revolutionized the way the Internet can mobilize a campaign. Following this example, we’ve taken “Obama to D-Hills” online as well. Join us on Facebook and visit the website obamatod-hills.com for more details.

To learn more about SLICE and opportunities for volunteerism at CSU Dominguez Hills, click here.

For more information on the “Obama to D-Hills” campaign, contact Khaleah Bradshaw at asileg@csudh.edu or Romel Edmond at redmond24@gmail.com.

- Romel Edmond

Romel Edmond is a senior majoring in English and political science. He is an intern in the Office of University Communications and Public Affairs, and serves as a Student-at-Large for Associated Students, Inc.

Photo above: ASI's Romel Edmond, student-at-large and Khaleah Bradshaw, director of legislative affairs, are on a committee to bring President Barack Obama to CSU Dominguez Hills for the 2010 commencement ceremony.

Photo courtesy of Romel Edmond