Sen. Jason Carter, President Jimmy Carter Share Historic Moment at Spring Commencement

President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter made a rare two visits to campus in May. Following the May 2 building dedication and statue unveiling at Georgia Southwestern State University’s (GSW) Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex, the Carters attended commencement on Saturday, May 4. GSW President Kendall Blanchard, Ph.D., served as master of ceremonies and introduced President Carter to 320 graduates.

“What a memorable moment it was for all of us,” Blanchard said. “As I told the graduates, they were extremely fortunate. Unlike most of us, they will never forget who spoke at their commencement exercises.”

Most often the person being introduced, President Carter was pleased to introduce someone else, one of his own descendants.

“Today, I have the honor of introducing my own grandson,” President Carter said. “The Carter family has been in Sumter County since 1833, and the speaker today is the sixth generation in our family.”

Sen. Jason Carter was elected to Georgia Senate District 42 on May 11, 2010 during a special election and is an attorney at Bondurant, Mixson & Elmore, LLP. Prior to joining this firm, Carter served as a law clerk to the Honorable Frank Mays Hull of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Also reflecting on the Carter legacy at Georgia Southwestern, Sen. Carter reiterated how significant the institution is to his family and the state of Georgia.

“It is a great honor for me to be here today, and thank you for allowing me to share this special day with you,” he said. “I am particularly glad that I’m giving my very first commencement address here at Georgia Southwestern. As my grandfather mentioned, this school is incredibly important to me and my family.”

President Jimmy Carter introduces his grandson, Sen. Jason Carter (right), during spring commencement.