Graduation season is in full effect, and students across the country will be listening to words of encouragement from their professors, fellow students and other influencers. Liberty University students will hear from a special guest: former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
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Earlier this year, the Virginia institution announced that the Georgia-native would serve as the commencement speaker for the 2018 ceremony, which takes place Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m.
"It is one of the greatest honors of my life to welcome President Carter to our Commencement stage," Liberty University President Jerry Falwell said in a statement. "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."
This isn’t the first time the school has invited a U.S. president to its campus. Both George H. W. Bush and Donald J. Trump have spoken at graduation services while still in office.
And Carter is thrilled to take on the role next.
“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.”
Take a look at the video below to catch Carter’s speech.
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