The Cal Poly Pomona community is invited to attend a virtual conversation with Michelle Obama on Tuesday, Nov. 9. The event, which is limited to just a handful of universities across the country, will be recorded and streamed live from Howard University in Washington. D.C.
In addition, a Cal Poly Pomona student will attend the conversation and participate by asking a question of the former first lady. The announcement of the selected student is expected in early November.
The event will be held at 10 a.m. (Pacific Time). RSVP by Nov. 5 at 8:59 p.m. (PT) to attend the virtual event.
"BECOMING: Michelle Obama in Conversation" will center around themes from Obama's memoir that resonate with college students, including support systems, learning to swerve, and challenges for first-generation and minority students. Similar themes are regularly discussed at Cal Poly Pomona, where about 58 percent of the student body are first-generation college students.
"This event will give our campus a unique opportunity to join together in person and remotely to be in conversation with former first lady Michelle Obama," said Terri Gomez, associate provost for student success, equity and innovation. "Mrs. Obama's life experience and journey is an inspiration. We are honored to be invited to this event and have a student be at the event representing Cal Poly Pomona."
Each academic year, the Cal Poly Pomona First Year Experience (FYE) Committee selects a Common Read book for FYE students to read. "Becoming" was the 2019-20 selection, and students, faculty and staff engaged in discussions throughout the academic year around the memoir's themes in an attempt to find a common ground for discussion about relatable and relevant topics.
Established in 2007, FYE is a growing community within the Cal Poly Pomona campus. Each college has an FYE-designated course, where both first-time freshmen and transfer students learn more about student life and opportunities for their major.
The Common Read is organized by the Office of Student Success and the First Year Experience Committee, comprised of faculty and staff across colleges and divisions.