He wants them to stay grounded in faith.
At Liberty University’s commencement ceremony held at Williams Stadium, Senator Tim Scott delivered an inspiring address to the 29,000 graduates of the Class of 2024, urging them to lead lives marked by courage and dedication to serving God. Concluding the ceremony with a closing prayer was Willie Robertson, CEO of Duck Commander and a parent of one of the graduates, who described the event as “a slice of Heaven.”
The festivities, spanning from Thursday through Saturday, included 28 separate degree ceremonies leading up to the main event. The main ceremony on Friday featured speeches from notable figures like former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Liberty President Dondi Costin, alongside Scott and Robertson.
Senator Scott, also conferred with an honorary Doctor of Humanities, began his address by encouraging graduates to express gratitude for their journey. Sharing his personal story from a challenging upbringing in poverty to his service in the U.S. Senate, he emphasized resilience in the face of failure and the importance of standing up for those in need. Addressing the issue of antisemitism on college campuses, Scott called for action against hate speech and proposed redirecting federal funding from institutions that tolerate such behavior to places like Liberty University.
He urged graduates to embrace big dreams and to step out of their comfort zones, reminding them of their divine purpose. Pompeo echoed the theme of service and sacrifice, emphasizing the sacredness of liberty and faith.
President Costin urged graduates to embody Christian values as they embark on their next endeavors, emphasizing their responsibility to demonstrate the impact of faith in society. Chancellor Jonathan Falwell provided an invocation, acknowledging the significance of the moment for his own family, while Robertson offered a heartfelt benediction, praying for the graduates to prioritize spreading the Gospel in their future endeavors.
The ceremony concluded with a spectacular fireworks display, symbolizing the celebration of years of hard work and dedication. Graduates also shared their personal and spiritual growth experiences at Liberty University, highlighting its profound impact on their lives.