LYNCHBURG, Va., Feb. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Liberty University is proud to announce that former
President Jimmy Carter will deliver
the keynote address at Commencement on Saturday, May 19, 2018. It will be Liberty's 45th Commencement and will include the
College of Osteopathic Medicine's inaugural graduating class.
The university has previously hosted two other U.S. presidents
for Commencement, both while still in office. George H. W. Bush spoke at the May 13, 1990, graduation. President Donald J. Trump spoke to the largest crowd ever
assembled for an event in Lynchburg,
Va.'s, history last year.
President Falwell said, "I did not meet President and Mrs.
Carter until early last year. I was so impressed with the
president's warmth, kind demeanor, and humility. It is one of the
greatest honors of my life to welcome President Carter to our
Commencement stage. I have tremendous respect for him as a
statesman and a true Christian. While Christians may disagree about
what role government should play in serving those in need, the
Liberty University community along with
all Christians worldwide are united in the belief that we, as
individuals, should provide food and shelter to the poor. President
Carter, both during his time in office and since, has followed the
teachings of Christ by serving the poor and loving his neighbors. I
am thrilled that he will be sharing the story of his life of faith
in action to our graduates and their families."
Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. Since
leaving office, Carter has written 31 books and has been a key
supporter and advocate for Habitat for Humanity. In 1982, Carter
and his wife, Rosalynn, established The Carter Center, a non-profit
organization focused on resolving conflict; advancing democracy and
human rights; preventing diseases; and improving mental health
care.
"I am pleased to speak at Liberty
University's Commencement," Carter said. "I look forward to
reaching out to this young generation of future leaders. I hope to
inspire them as so many have inspired me throughout my life."
About 18,000 graduates from across the nation will be receiving
degrees from both residential and online programs. Liberty's 2017 Commencement brought about 50,000
people to Williams Stadium, breaking all attendance records for
events at Liberty and in Lynchburg.
Liberty consistently brings notable
and popular speakers to campus who have made their mark in
politics, business, entertainment, faith and more. Previous
speakers include: President Donald J.
Trump, Sen. Bernie Sanders,
Mitt Romney, Secretary of HUD
Ben Carson, Jeb Bush, Steph
Curry, Chuck Norris,
Ben Stein, Shannon Bream, Mel
Gibson, and Rashad
Jennings.
SOURCE Liberty University