Former Vice President Mike Pence will deliver a speech March 1 in Christ Chapel on the role of faith in public life.
The speech will start at 4 p.m. as a part of the Drummond Lecture Series and is open to all of campus. Pence was last on campus when he delivered the commencement address to the class of 2018.
Last November, Pence published his autobiography, “So Help Me God,” about his service in the Trump White House. It explores the events and people who helped forge Pence’s character and his decision to ensure a peaceful transfer of power during the riots on Jan. 6, 2021.
Freshman Charlie Cheng, an international student from China, said he is excited to listen to someone who served in such a distinguished position.
“I am excited to listen to the insights of a man who played such a pivotal role in one of the greatest nations in the world,” Cheng said. “As an international student, I wonder what implications his message has both for Hillsdale and America.”
Assistant Professor of Politics Joseph Postell said students should attend the speech to learn from a principled and distinguished public servant.
“Witnessing the example of those kinds of people is often an inspiration and a source of guidance for students who are future leaders themselves,” Postell said. “His example is instructive for everyone at the college.”
Postell added that hosting Pence enhances the image of the college nationally.
“This is a small college, and the fact that a small place like this can attract somebody of that stature says that this is a distinguished college,” Postell said.
JUMP
Senior David Swegle said one of the things that makes Hillsdale great is its ability to attract the best speakers to campus.
“One of the great benefits of Hillsdale is the amazing caliber of speakers the college is able to bring to campus,” Swegle said. “I am looking forward to hearing what Vice President Pence has to say.”
Despite challenges during his life in public service, Pence continually sacrificed for the public good by his willingness to set his own ambition aside, according to Postell.
“Certainly anybody who rises to that level of service has to sacrifice personally,” Postell said.“So it’s an act of service to the public at the expense of their own interest and their family’s interest.”
Faith plays a critical role in good statesmanship by building virtue and a moral compass.
“Faith gives you a moral compass to follow when you have to make really tough decisions, ” Postell said. “It can be very tempting to take the easy way.”
Postell added that Pence’s conviction in his faith provided direction during the critical moments of his vice presidency.
“The easy thing at times is to give in to public pressure or to give in to other people who happen to have an agenda,” Postell said. “I don’t think the vice president took the easy way out. On Jan. 6, that was a hard moment that required faith to really navigate.”
