Jimmy Carter to give commencement speech at Liberty University

Former President Carter will deliver the commencement speech at Liberty University in May, the school announced Thursday.

Carter will be the first Democratic president to speak at the Christian university in Lynchburg, Va.

Former President George H.W. Bush spoke at the 1990 commencement ceremony and President Trump delivered last year’s address. More than 50,000 people attended last year’s speech, the school said. 

{mosads}“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,” Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. said in a statement.

Falwell, who is a vocal supporter of Trump, praised Carter for his strong faith and humanitarian work. 

“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,” Carter said in a statement.

Carter, 93, served as president from 1977 to 1981. After leaving office, he and his wife established the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing democracy and human rights. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Carter was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, but announced he was free of cancer a few months later.