George W. Bush Jokes, Defends Religious Liberty At SMU Commencement
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UNIVERSITY CITY (CBSDFW.COM) — Former President George W. Bush on Saturday delivered his first commencement address since leaving the White House.
During his speech to students at Southern Methodist University, George W. Bush covered a myriad of topics, including the defense of religious liberty. Amid debate over gay marriage legislation in states such as Texas, Indiana and Arkansas, Mr. Bush advised, "It is essential for the nation's future that we remember that the freedom to worship who we want, and how we want - or not to worship at all - is a core belief of our founding."
"You will learn that who you are is more important than what you have." George W. Bush @SMU #SMU2015 #quotes
— SMU (@SMU) May 16, 2015
Mr. Bush also cracked jokes, and even threw out some support for C students, "To those of you who are graduating this afternoon with high honors, awards, and distinctions, I say, 'well done.' And as I like to tell the C students: You, too, can be President."
Proud of my niece, a #SMU2015 graduate! "Go forth in confidence..." participate in society @TheBushCenter @SMU pic.twitter.com/IN2tKUKmGp
— Andrew Rubin (@AndrewRubinEsq) May 16, 2015
Saturday's ceremony marked the university's 100th commencement.
This was Mr. Bush's second time serving as speaker at S.M.U. His first was in 1999 when he led the state as governor.
S.M.U. is home to the 43rd president's library and museum.
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