University of Michigan lobbied grads Eugene Kang, Valerie Jarrett to land Obama commencement

“We enlisted the support of a lot of folks who are familiar with the university and are in a position to help persuade,” said Cynthia Wilbanks, U-M’s vice president for government relations.

“We are persistent and, I think, were helped by a lot of people along the way large and small. I can’t point to one person or one event that tipped the scales.”

Reached by cell phone, Kang, whose job means he’s always close to the president’s side, said press inquiries had to be routed through the White House press office.

But he said Obama’s decision was “exciting news.”

“I’m not the only Wolverine here in the White House,” said Kang, a graduate of Ann Arbor's Greenhills School who unsuccessfully ran for Ann Arbor City Council in 2005.

Wilbanks acknowledged Kang, a golf partner of the president, probably played a role.

“Eugene is a very energetic supporter of both the university and the president,” Wilbanks said. “And I have to say Eugene was certainly amongst the group that were hopeful and, I’m guessing, a bit influential.”

Political experts say that, among Obama’s team, Valerie Jarrett is a particularly influential player.

She was “part of the group that we actually enlisted for help,” Wilbanks said.

U-M announced Thursday Obama would become the first sitting U.S. president to visit the university since George H. W. Bush in 1991.

Obama will speak at U-M’s spring commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. May 1. He will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree. Ticket information has not been released, but the commencement ceremony at Michigan Stadium typically includes about 40,000 people, the university said.

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A White House spokesman confirmed the news today but declined to comment further. U-M President Mary Sue Coleman could not be reached for comment.

"President Obama has captured the imagination and enthusiasm of many students with his inspiring words of hope and change. We are honored to welcome a leader of his distinction and look forward to his message," Coleman said in a statement released yesterday.