LYNCHBURG - Jimmy Carter and Donald Trump now have at least three things in common: both have been president, served as commencement speaker for Liberty University, and been awarded honorary doctorates by LU.
Carter, the 39th president, spoke at LU’s 45th commencement on Saturday, advising graduates to live peacefully, care for others, and follow the example set by Jesus Christ.
“We have the perfect example to follow if we’re in doubt, we just have to remember the perfect life of Jesus Christ,” Carter told the Class of 2018.
The Associated Press reported that Carter began his address by noting the crowd was even bigger than in 2017, when Trump addressed Liberty's commencement.
Carter said, "I don't know if President Trump would admit that." The remark harkened back to controversies over Trump's claim of a massive inauguration crowd exceeding 1 million, despite photographic evidence suggesting otherwise.
Carter, an outspoken Christian and former Sunday school teacher, served as president from 1977 to 1981. Prior to the presidency, Carter served as a naval officer, a Georgia state senator, and governor.
Since leaving office Carter has worked to advance human rights through the Carter Center, a nonprofit focused on conflict resolution, democracy, and health issues; written 32 books about his life and faith; and has been an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, among many other endeavors. Carter continues to volunteer on Habitat for Humanity construction sites at age 93.
Carter told graduates he previously considered growing wealth disparity to be the foremost challenge society faced, but now believes that is discrimination against women and girls, citing human trafficking as an example.
Carter also pointed to issues of inequality that have persisted throughout American history and continue.
"Even now some of us are still struggling to understand that we are all equal in the eyes of God," Carter said to strong applause from a full audience in Williams Stadium.
LU President Jerry Falwell Jr. introduced Carter as a man of deep faith and character, noting he first met him at a worship service prior to Trump's inauguration.
“President Carter’s life can be described as having the courage of conviction,” Falwell said before welcoming Carter to the podium.
For graduate Tyler Cypher of Pennsylvania, a member of LU’s Wind Symphony, this is the second straight commencement that he’s performed for a U.S. president. Cypher, a trumpet player, also performed last year when Trump spoke at Liberty’s 44th commencement.
Malene Robinson, who earned her master's through LU online, made the trip up from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. to participate in commencement. She said Carter serving as the speaker was “the cherry on top” of her graduation day.