VP Pence encourages grads
GROVE CITY — Vice President Mike Pence urged graduates at Grove City College Saturday to lead as principled and fearless disciples of freedom and excellence, and told them to look to him and President Donald Trump as examples of how to pursue their convictions with courage.
Pence, who spoke at the college on Saturday morning before a crowd of about 4,500, called the graduates “men and women of great accomplishment, character and promise,” but didn't stop with praise. He said the students' abilities mean they also have responsibilities.
“You leave here with a responsibility to lead,” said Pence. “All of you without exception are called to be leaders, no matter where you go from here.”
With the college's education in “principled leadership, grounded in faith and freedom,” at their disposal, Pence said graduates must seek to inspire those around them, be servant leaders and be men and women of integrity who rely upon their faith.
“If you hold fast to (God) … I know in my heart of hearts that you will not only persevere, you will prevail.”
Perseverance in the face of adversity was a recurrent theme in Pence's address. He referenced his own life story, saying he ran for a seat in the U.S. Congress and lost two times before winning on his third attempt. Pence told graduates to never forsake their dreams.
“You're going to face challenges in the days that unfold,” said Pence. “I want you to trust that dream that's in your heart. Never let it go.”
President Donald Trump was on Pence's mind Saturday as well — though he did not delve into the controversies swirling around the administration in recent weeks. While urging graduates to hold onto their dreams and confront challenges head-on, Pence called the president “an example of leadership and perseverance,” and conferred some of Trump's words to the class of 606 men and women.
“Nothing worth doing ever came easy,” Pence quoted Trump as saying. “Following your convictions … means you must be willing to face criticism from those who lack the courage to do what's right.”
Pence added to Trump's comments, calling on the graduates — Grove City College's largest class, college officials said — to embrace conflict and use it to grow.
“(D)on't fear criticism,” Pence said. “Have the humility to listen to it. Learn from it. And most importantly, push through.”
Pence's address received multiple ovations from the college's commencement crowd, but off the school's grounds the scene was less welcoming.
About 200 protestors organized their own event challenging Pence's visit to Grove City, with organizers saying they wanted to voice opposition to the administration's stances on LGBTQ rights and health care.
