Vice President Mike Pence delivers Hillsdale College commencement address

5/12/2018

Mike Pence at the conclusion of his commencement address to the class of 2018 at Hillsdale College.

The Blade/Jetta Fraser
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HILLSDALE, Mich. — Vice President Mike Pence told Hillsdale College graduates that their education taught them not what to do, but what to be.

“Today you will receive a diploma that’s been minted in independence and tempered with truth,” he said.

Mr. Pence delivered the commencement address Saturday at the private, conservative college’s 166th graduation ceremony where 366 students from 37 states and five countries received degrees. Eleven received master’s degrees, and two received their doctorate degrees in statesmanship — a first for the college in southern Michigan.

“You are now uniquely suited, and I believe you are uniquely called, to renew the fabric of our national life with your character and with your ideals,” he told the graduates.

It was Mr. Pence’s second visit to the campus he called a “beacon of liberty and American ideals.” In 2010 he spoke at the college, which refuses federal funding, about the presidency and the constitution.

On Saturday he delivered a message from another Hillsdale College fan.

“I bring greetings and congratulations from the 45th president of the United States of America, Mr. Donald Trump,” he said, to the crowd’s applause.

VIDEO: Hillsdale College graduates discuss the commencement address by Vice President Mike Pence

College officials estimated about 5,500 people were in attendance at the athletic center, where the ceremony was held. Security was tight, and local and national law enforcement were present.

Throughout his 20-minute address, Mr. Pence repeated the phrase “faith in America is rising again.” He said the White House has been “expanding freedom, cutting taxes, rolling back the regulatory state.”

He told members of the class of 2018 they’re beginning their careers at a time when the country’s economy is growing. He said businesses large and small are expanding, with the nation adding more than 3.1 million new jobs throughout the past 15 months and logging historically low unemployment rates.

“The America that awaits your energies and ambitions is experiencing a new era of opportunity and optimism,” Mr. Pence said.

He also touted the international policy of the Trump administration, which this week pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal and welcomed three American detainees freed from North Korea. A summit between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set for June 12 in Singapore.

“On the world stage you’ve seen America embracing our role as the leader of the free world, with actions this week on Iran, North Korea, and on Monday America will lead the world again when we open our new embassy in Jerusalem,” Mr. Pence said.

He praised the founders of Hillsdale College for establishing a welcoming and accepting institution of higher learning.

“In 1844 those men and women did what no other college had done. Hillsdale college prohibited any discrimination based on race, religion, and gender at its very founding,” he said to robust applause.

Not everyone agreed with those portrayals. Prior to Mr. Pence’s visit, the Human Right Campaign, a nonprofit that advocates for LGBTQ civil rights, characterized the vice president and Hillsdale College as hostile toward the LGBTQ community — adding the college has “one of the worst reputations in the country for the welfare of LGBTQ students,” based on a ranking from college admission survey company, the Princeton Review.

Both the vice president and his wife, Karen Pence, received honorary doctor of public service degrees Saturday, presented by Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn.

Mr. Pence, 58, is a Columbus, Ind., native. He received his bachelor’s degree in history from Hanover College in Indiana and his law degree from Indiana University. He was elected to Congress from Indiana’s 6th Congressional District in 2000 and served for six terms. In 2012, he was elected the 50th governor of Indiana.

Then-candidate Donald Trump choose Mr. Pence to be his running mate in July 2016, and the two took office as president and vice president Jan. 20, 2017.

Mrs. Pence, 61, has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from Butler University in Indiana.

Graduates Elise Clines, 23, and Dugan Delp, 21, both said they were honored to have the vice president deliver their commencement address.

“Some people would see it as a controversial thing because politics can always make things messy,” Ms. Clines, of Maumee, said. “But I think that what’s important to remember is that no matter what political party someone comes from, it’s really an honor to have the vice president of the United States here.”

Ms. Clines, who has accepted a teaching job at Toledo Christian Schools, said she was proud her classmates were respectful during the vice president’s speech, regardless of their personal political leanings.

Mr. Delp, a Holland native and Central Catholic High School graduate, said he was encouraged to hear the vice president talk about how a growing number of Americans are embracing their religious faiths. He plans to attend law school at the University of Notre Dame.

“I hope that is true,” Mr. Delp said of Mr. Pence’s sentiment that faith is growing. “With Hillsdale graduates, class of 2018, going out into the world, I hope that continues to happen, in some part because of us.”

In his closing remarks, the vice president reminded Hillsdale’s class of 2018 to have faith in themselves and in what they’ve learned.

“Right after we get done making this nation great again, your generation will make America greater than ever before,” he said. “Congratulations.”

Contact Sarah Elms at selms@theblade.com, 419-724-6103, or on Twitter @BySarahElms.