Liberty University remembers Jimmy Carter’s heart for others, impactful 2018 Commencement speech
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December 30, 2024 : By - Office of Communications & Public Engagement
Liberty University mourns the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, a man of faith who devoted his life to serving our nation with compassion and conviction. President Carter exemplified love, humility, and a deep care for all Americans, even those with whom he profoundly disagreed. His legacy as a servant leader and advocate for peace and human dignity will long endure. Our heartfelt prayers are with the Carter family during this time of loss.
When the late Jimmy Carter came to Liberty University in 2018 as the keynote speaker for Liberty’s 45th Commencement main ceremony, the 39th President of the United States shared what he described as the two loves in his heart: love for God and love for the person who happens to be in front of him at any given time.
Carter’s 100 years on earth ended yesterday, leaving behind a legacy that includes more than just his time in the Oval Office (1977-81). His decades of building homes through Habitat for Humanity, dedication to Christian service regardless of his political party, and creation of the non-profit organization The Carter Center prove that he will be remembered as someone who sought to build up present and future generations through his heart for God. President Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
As someone who professed faith in Christ, Carter shocked some in the political sphere when he won the nomination and presidency as a Democrat. Carter defied his own party to oppose federal funding for abortion. He taught Sunday school for decades in his humble hometown of Plains, Ga., even after his time as President.
One of the many groups excited to hear from Carter was Liberty’s Habitat for Humanity campus chapter, which completed a house build one week before Carter’s visit.
Leading up to his Commencement visit, Carter said he was coming with a desire to “(reach) out to this young generation of future leaders” and “inspire them as so many have inspired me throughout my life.” Even though he was 93 years old at the time, Carter walked all around Liberty Mountain, including the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre and Freedom Tower, and connected with students and their families with each step.
Carter stood in front of roughly 8,000 members of the Class of 2018 and thousands of their loved ones with a speech imploring them to go out into the world as believers who carry His love with them and treat others as fellow children of God. Doing this is a decision, Carter said, and he urged them to make it.
He also encouraged the new graduates to find their future “success” by following Christ’s example rather than pursuing what the world may want them to aspire to.
“Right now, you have the maximum opportunity to use the three gifts that God gives every one of us — life, freedom, and an opportunity to live a completely successful life, as judged by God,” Carter said. “We have a perfect example to follow if we are in doubt; we just have to remember the perfect life of Jesus Christ.”
During Commencement, Carter was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree.