Media Advisory: Video released beckoning Obama to May 13 commencement

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign leading an effort to persuade former President Barack Obama to serve as commencement speaker at the May 13 ceremony have sent a video invitation to the former state and federal legislator from Illinois.

Within the span of 1 minute and 26 seconds, the university staff-produced video conveys the views of several students who relate the impact that Obama has had on their lives – and the further significance of his participation in the commencement ceremony.

A petition drive has garnered more than 2,100 signatures to date.

Editor’s note: Student contacts are Alex Villanueva, 863-258-1742; and Mark Schaer, 815-494-8799

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