We need your ideas, Michelle Obama urges students

Merced: First Lady Michelle Obama urged the first full graduating class at the University of California, Merced, on Saturday to help solve society's problems with the same creativity and resourcefulness they showed in wooing her to be their commencement speaker, and in pioneering the four-year-old campus in California's San Joaquin Valley.

"Why did I choose the University of California, Merced, to deliver my first commencement speech as first lady? ... the answer is simple. You inspired me. You touched me," Obama said, referring to the unusual campaign of valentines, letters and videos the students produced in inviting her to speak. "There are few things that are more rewarding than to watch young people recognise they have the power to make their dreams come true. And you did just that."

In a 22-minute speech she told them to devote their energies to public service. "We need your ideas, graduates. We need your resourcefulness. We need your inventiveness. And as the students who helped build this school, I ask you, make your legacy a lasting one. Dream big. Think broadly about your life. And please make giving back to your community a part of that vision."