Former Vice President Mike Pence visited students and faculty at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Monday night, as part of the Chancellor’s Dare to Learn Lecture series. The lecture series took place in Kenan Auditorium, was moderated by WECT anchor Jon Evans, and was attended by a full house eagerly awaiting remarks from the 48th Vice President of the United States.
A Legacy of Leadership
Pence’s political career spans terms as the Governor of Indiana, as a U.S. Congressman, and having served as Vice President under Donald Trump. The Dare to Learn Lecture series, which is focused on instilling leadership, had previously invited high-profile speakers like former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, political strategists Donna Brazile and Karl Rove, and several reporters.
Character Revealed in Adversity
Pence offered a few stories and insights about leadership thought and the importance of clear communication and perseverance in hard times. He said, “Adversity doesn’t create character, guys, it reveals character,” showing how even trying situations can build the skills to lead effectively and even the character that contributes to the ability.
Reflections on the Trump Administration
Although he was not prompted to do so, Pence shared some thoughts on his time in the Trump Administration, expressing his pride in the work they accomplished. He explained that his time in office did not end how he would have liked it to, but he reiterated, “I’m proud of the record of the Trump-Pence Administration. And I’m proud of the relationship that President Trump and I had.” He even defended the way they handled the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic as he chaired the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
Bringing Together a Divided Nation
Pence remarked on the current state of American politics, which he said was even more divided than Washington, and he noted the sense of unity he saw in communities. He said it is time to listen more and confront less. “Our politics is more divided than any time in my lifetime, let’s stop talking past each other, and at each other, and start listening to each other.”
Promoting Student Involvement
As Pence reflected on his college experience, he said it provided him with his religious practices and political values. He encouraged students to be “active in the citizenship process” regardless of their party affiliation and to remain involved in public life.
A Message of Hope
At the conclusion of the lecture, Pence left everyone with a sense of encouragement, especially the younger people in attendance, and said “What gives me hope – and I hope it would give encouragement to anybody in this audience, especially the young people, is just the belief in this country.”
Pence’s visit to UNCW provided students and faculty with the chance to learn about leadership, resilience to serve others, and good citizenship, fundamentally encouraging efforts among the entire university community.
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