Who scored tickets? Long list of dignitaries coming to hear Obama speak in Ann Arbor on Saturday

President Barack Obama delivers remarks Wednesday in Macon, Mo. He'll be in Ann Arbor Saturday.

Jeff Roberson | The Associated Press

"He really set forth the 'Great Society' he had in mind, so that was a pretty eventful day," said Guenzel, who 46 years later is set to retire after a four-decade career of public service in Ann Arbor.

Coming full circle, Guenzel will be among the dignitaries invited Saturday to hear President Barack Obama address U-M's Class of 2010 at Michigan Stadium. Early estimates suggest at least 80,000 people will be in attendance.

Jim Kosteva, a U-M spokesman, said near four dozen local, state and federal officials so far have confirmed their plans to attend commencement. That includes:

• Gov. Jennifer Granholm
• Former Ambassador and Gov. James Blanchard
• U.S. Sen. Carl Levin
• U.S. Congressmen John Conyers, John Dingell, Sander Levin, Gary Peters and Mark Schauer
• State Senators Liz Brater, Deborah Cherry and Glenn Anderson
• State Representatives Pam Byrnes, Alma Wheeler Smith, Rebekah Warren, Andy Neumann and Andy Kandrevas
• Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje and all members of the Ann Arbor City Council
• Washtenaw County Commissioners Leah Gunn, Kristin Judge, Mark Ouimet, Ronnie Peterson, Wesley Prater, Ken Schwartz, and Conan Smith
• Guenzel and incoming County Administrator Verna McDaniel

The university's government relations office arranged for their tickets, though some officials have been in direct contact with the White House.

"I got in," Guenzel said. "It's really exciting. I'm nonpartisan, but I'm a big fan of the president. I think it's a real opportunity to see him with a large crowd. And for me, I have a lot of memories of Michigan's commencement."

Guenzel, whose family bleeds maize-and-blue, has seen several presidents speak on campus over the years. Guenzel was there when George H.W. Bush addressed his youngest daughter's graduating class in 1991. Guenzel also was there 50 years ago when John F. Kennedy addressed students on the steps of the Michigan Union and proposed the Peace Corps.

"I've been to a lot, but this is probably the most exciting," Guenzel said of the opportunity to hear Obama speak on Saturday. "I do hope the weather's good. The county administrator has no control over the weather."

Mayor Hieftje said it will be his first time seeing Obama, who will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree from U-M on Saturday.

"I'll be there at the stadium," Hieftje said, though he's unsure whether he or any other VIPs will get to meet the president during his visit. "I think the access things are going to be decided at the last minute. But the president's a great speaker. I've never had the honor of hearing him in person and I'm very much looking forward to that. I expect him to be inspirational, and it's a thrill for everybody in Ann Arbor."

Council Member Carsten Hohnke, D-5th Ward, said he still has fond memories of the excitement surrounding the 2008 presidential election when Obama won. It also happened to be the year Hohnke was elected.

"I know that it's normal to expect local elected officials all up and down the chain to want to be there," Hohnke said. "It's a huge deal for me. I am a big Obama supporter and I think it's exciting that he's giving the commencement address and I think it'll be a wonderful piece of history to be a part of."

Kosteva said to his best knowledge, federal officials will be seated on the field, while state and local officials will be in the stands. Exceptions include the governor, who will be near the podium, and Heiftje, who will be on the field.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.