President Obama delivered an impassioned commencement speech to the University of Michigan’s graduating class of 2010 on Saturday. The President challenged the graduates to move beyond the animosity of the current economic and political situation, see beyond their own beliefs, and contribute to their country to help preserve what America should hold most dear: its democracy.

“How will you keep your democracy going? At a moment when our challenges seem so big and our politics so small, how will you keep our democracy alive and vibrant? How will you keep it well in this century?”

President Obama highlighted the importance of understanding history and comically noted that, since our nation’s founding, politics haven’t changed all that much.

He urged everyone to educate themselves about the opposition, and that in a time where political opposition is so high, the only way a nation can compromise and move forward is to have the ability to understand where your opponents are coming from.

When the President spoke of participation in public life in front of the some 85,000 attendees, he was speaking directly to the graduates.

“Participation in public life doesn’t mean that you all have to run for public office–though we could certainly use some fresh faces in Washington. But it does mean that you should pay attention and contribute in any way that you can. Stay informed. Write letters, or make phone calls on behalf of an issue you care about.”

The speech wasn’t political: Sarah Palin, who was in Clarkston, Michigan addressing the Mt. Zion church while Obama was in Ann Arbor, wasn’t mentioned once. President Obama was, however,  distressed about all of the foul-naming that is overwhelmingly present in politics today–in both parties.

“But we can’t expect to solve our problems if all we do is tear each other down. You can disagree with a certain policy without demonizing the person who espouses it. You can question somebody’s views and their judgement without questioning their motives or their patriotism.”

President Obama’s speech was genuine and personal, yet comfortingly realistic. He kept the atmosphere light while recognizing the difficulty of graduating college in the present economy. Graduates were clearly inspired, not to mention excited, at the end of the speech. And though the graduates hadn’t been conferred, many members of the crowd left after Obama’s thirty minute speech.

Obama’s speech was the first of four he is giving this graduation season. On May 9, he will address Hampton University in Virginia, and, for the first time, President Obama will speak at high school graduation as part of the “Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge”.

Commencement Saturday began with clouds and rain, but the gloomy weather held off for the President’s speech. The sun found its way though, as Obama flew over the Big House to return to Washington.

Photos taken by Julia Mogerman, Kayla Stoler, and Kerryann Fingerle