Conservative’s values align with college’s
By Matthew Purucker · News Editor
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., will address students during Grove City College’s 146th commencement May 9.
Now in his third term in the Senate, Paul’s conservative positions on issues and strong Christian belief “align with the College’s longstanding commitment to faith and freedom,” according to a college news release announcing that he would be the speaker for the class of 2026.
In the Senate, Paul is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. He is also a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.
Paul has returned $8.3 million from his Senate office budget to the U.S. Treasury and has never voted for an unbalanced budget, according to his Senate website.
“Senator Paul is an especially fitting choice for our commencement this year,” President Bradley Lingo said. “As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Grove City College and as our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence, his career in public service reflects a serious commitment to the constitutional ideals and civic responsibilities that have shaped both our institution and our country.”
“My hope was to invite someone who could thoughtfully speak to the enduring importance of faith and freedom in both our college and our country,” Lingo said. “Rand Paul emerged as a particularly fitting choice, especially because his thinking has been influenced by former Grove City College economics professor Paul’s father, Ron, served three stints as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas over four decades. The elder Paul, who also ran for president, is a well-known advocate for libertarian ideals. Before running for public office, Paul was an ophthalmologist after receiving his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. He also founded the Southern Kentucky Lions Eye Clinic.
“Dr. Paul’s entrance into politics is indicative of his life’s work as a surgeon: a desire to diagnose problems and provide practical solutions, whether it be in Bowling Green, Ky., or Washington, D.C.,” his website says.
Paul has written six books, with “Deception,” “The Great Covid Coverup” and “The Case Against Socialism” being his most recent works.
Paul continues a recent spell of high-profile Republicans giving commencement speeches for the college. Former Vice President Mike Pence was the 2017 commencement speaker, and former presidential candidate Ben Carson spoke in 2016.
Ethan Magness of Grace Anglican Church will be the baccalaureate speaker.
Lingo said he is looking forward to his first commencement as college president during the college’s sesquicentennial.
“Commencement is always one of the most special times of the year for me. I love to celebrate students’ achievements and be a small part of launching them into their callings and the work God has prepared for them,” Lingo said.
“This year, that sense of celebration is heightened because it’s such a milestone year for the college and my first Grove City commencement since I graduated in 2000. I look forward to sharing the day with our graduates, their families, our faculty and staff and the entire Grove City College community,” he said.
