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Media Contact:
Courtney Davis
Assistant Director for Public Relations
Prince George’s Community College
daviscl@pgcc.edu
Former First Lady Visits Prince George’s Community College for Intimate Conversation with Students from Across the Country
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Prince George’s Community College welcomed former first lady Michelle Obama to campus for “Becoming: Michelle Obama in Conversation” on November 9. The livestream event took place inside the College’s Center for Performing Arts.
“Grown-ish” actress and Harvard University student Yara Shahidi moderated the conversation. The former first lady joined Shahidi on stage with 14 college students from across the country, discussing her bestselling book, “Becoming.”
The intimate event was closed to the public. Participating students had the opportunity to ask Mrs. Obama questions, which focused on the challenges college students across the country face in terms of social justice and living empowered in a changeable world. The dialogue allowed for a deep connection, where Mrs. Obama was able to share her journey in response to the questions as a form of inspiration to students and viewers.
Prince George’s Community College was one of several community colleges in attendance at the event. Student Governance Association (SGA) president, Yasmeen Early, served as the College’s representative. Early, who will graduate from PGCC in the spring, noted, “I think this was one of the most valuable experiences I have had in my life.”
Early shared that the conversation was “refreshing” and gave her a refined outlook on her own life and how she will advocate for the student body during her time as SGA president. She added that the conversation encouraged her “to listen to my heart and take the necessary risks to pursue my dreams of having a career I am truly passionate about.”
“Prince George’s Community College was honored to host former first lady Michelle Obama, as she engaged in a fruitful conversation with college students from across the country,” said Dr. Falecia Williams, Prince George’s Community College president.
“The many challenges we continue to navigate in our world exist at a time when our students seek to discover who they are and can become. Mrs. Obama shared words of wisdom based on her remarkable journey, and everyone, not only our students, left the event empowered and assured that this battle is still one worth fighting – and winning,” she added.
In addition to the livestream event, the College’s Office of Student Engagement and Leadership held a viewing party for students and a post-event discussion. The College was able to give free copies of “Becoming” to students and employees.
“Becoming: Michelle Obama in Conversation” will be televised on BET Her at a later date.
About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 35,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enables PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands.
For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
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