George W. Bush, the 43rd president of the United States, spoke on themes of faith and leadership before an audience of more than 1,000 at the sixth annual University of Mobile (UMobile) Leadership Banquet on Oct. 7.
Bush discussed “Faith in the Office” during the event, which raised nearly $400,000 for the UMobile scholarship fund. The gala evening at the Arthur Outlaw Convention Center in downtown Mobile also showcased performances by students in the university’s Center for Performing Arts, including the VOICES of Mobile vocal ensemble, a trumpet fanfare by members of RamCorps drum and bugle corps and a stirring performance by Shophar men’s vocal group.
“I love what the University of Mobile stands for,” Bush said. “I love the concept of educating people with the skills and capacity to influence America. Congratulations on this mission that is important for America. I am proud to be a part of supporting the university as well.”
Bush said he was “in the Bible every morning of my presidency.” He said the prayers of total strangers “comforted us and strengthened me in ways you’ll never know. For those of you who prayed for me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that beautiful gift.”
Previewing some of his memoir, “Decision Points,” which will be released Nov. 9, Bush described the pressures of the presidency.
In simple terms, he said, “This job requires a lot of decision making. Some you anticipate, some you don’t. And you don’t have any choice. You get to decide.”
He added, “There are some great times as president and some tough times as president. Every moment I was optimistic that this great nation can achieve anything it sets its mind to.”
He said presidents will come and go and all will have weaknesses and strengths — but the ship of state will sail on.
“My job isn’t just to make decisions but to strengthen the institution by bringing honor and glory to the office, which I tried to do for eight years as your president,” Bush said.
And what mattered most was that when he left office and looked in the mirror, “did I see a guy who refused to compromise his soul in the face of political pressure?”
UMobile President Mark Foley presented Bush with a handcrafted Bowie knife created by Foley and Mobile physician Dr. Bill Dumas. The work in steel, brass and wood, inspired by Alamo defender James Bowie, is engraved with words President Bush spoke on 9/11: “Freedom will be defended.” Foley created the brass and steel blade and Dumas carved the handle from African zebra wood.
The banquet raises financial support for the university’s annual academic scholarship fund while bringing a speaker of national prominence to the Mobile area. Previous speakers have included former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, former Georgia Gov. and retired U.S. Sen. Zell Miller, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and best-selling author and motivational speaker Andy Andrews. (UMobile)
Share with others: