Issue: Spring 2018 | Posted: June 1, 2018

1050 U.U. Drive

Bush addresses 1,500 at Scholarship Banquet

President Dub Oliver presents George W. Bush with a sculpture of a bulldog by Union art student Song Kim following his interview.

President George W. Bush shared stories of his time in the White House, talked about his faith in Jesus Christ and encouraged college students to be involved in public service at Union University’s 20th annual Scholarship Banquet Oct. 17.

The event drew 1,500 people who heard Bush discuss a variety of topics in a question-and-answer session with Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver.

“Do it,” Bush replied to a question about what he would say to college students considering public service. “It’s ugly at times. But first of all, you live in a fabulous country, and therefore you have a duty to serve your country one way or another. You can serve your country by feeding the hungry or by teaching a child to read.

“You can serve your country in the military,” Bush continued. “And you can serve your country by being involved with the political process. It’s tough. People say things about you that you may not like. But don’t go into politics to be liked. Go into politics to do what you think is right for the country.”

“This year’s Scholarship Banquet was a delightful evening with President Bush, truly a remarkable man who provided key leadership to the nation for eight years,” Oliver said. “President Bush’s sense of humor was on full display, and we appreciate his openness and honesty in talking about his faith and the challenges he faced in the White House.”