The Oregon Students of Color Coalition, one of the three governing bodies of the Oregon Student Association, has launched a massive letter writing campaign inviting First Lady Michelle Obama to speak at the tenth annual Oregon Students of Color Conference in 2010.

Students from several of Oregon’s higher education institutions have already submitted hundreds of letters inviting Mrs. Obama to the conference, which takes place later this year in November. Well aware that the First Lady likely has a competitive schedule, students are trying to get a head start in their invitation.

“We’d hate to get beat out by some corporate event,” said Cristal Sandoval, a student of Western Oregon University and member of the OSCC.

Aside from the letters, the OSCC has also begun the launch of a Facebook page and has collected video testimonies from students, professors, politicians and more telling why Mrs. Obama would be perfect to speak at the conference. Sandoval feels the only person missing so far is Craig Robinson, current coach of the Oregon State men’s basketball team and older brother of Michelle Obama.

“I think he could definitely convince her.”

The OSCC describes its mission as to ensure Oregon’s communities of color have equal access to an affordable and quality post-secondary education, and leaders hope that an appearance and speech by the First Lady will be able to bring awareness to some of the current issues that face Oregonian students of color in the university system and in the state in general.

Said Sandoval, “I can’t think of anyone better equipped to address our concerns and raise awareness of our issues.”