Former President Jimmy Carter will open the Fall 2014 Diversity Lecture Series at Grand Rapids Community College, according to GRCC President Steven Ender.
Carter’s lecture is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. on Sept. 22. The Diversity Lecture Series is normally held in Fountain Street Church, but will be moved to the Ford Fieldhouse to accommodate extra attendees.
“I am really excited that our students will have the opportunity to listen, ask questions and share the same space with a former president of the United States,” said Ender. “Accessibility to our leaders is a hallmark of America and I hope we all take advantage of this unique opportunity.”
Since his presidency ended in 1981, Carter has focused on diplomacy and health issues worldwide with his organization The Carter Center, and he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He’s the only U.S. president to receive the prize for actions taken after his presidency.
Ender invited Carter to speak at GRCC knowing about the extensive work The Carter Center has done to improve political stability and health around the world. The Carter Center observes elections, trains healthcare personnel and works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
The Diversity Lecture Series is hosted by GRCC and aims to expose attendees to diverse cultures and educate them about the issues that develop for people in those cultures.
