Michelle Obama speaks at the GW Commencement with the Capitol building behind her.

In 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama challenged the university to complete 100,000 hours of community service, promising to serve as the Commencement speaker if her challenge was met. GW exceeded her challenge, and was thrilled to have her grace the Commencement stage. In the years since, the GW community has gone on to multiply efforts far beyond 100,00 hours of annual service.