George W. Bush, the 43rd president of the United States, spoke on themes of faith and leadership before an audience of more than 1,000 at the 6th annual University of Mobile Leadership Banquet on Thursday, Oct. 7.

Bush discussed “Faith in the Office” during the event, which raised nearly $400,000 for the University of Mobile scholarship fund. The gala evening at the Arthur Outlaw Convention Center in downtown Mobile included performances by students in the university’s Center for Performing Arts, including the VOICES of Mobile vocal ensemble, a trumpet fanfare by members of RamCorps drum and bugle corps, and a stirring performance by Shophar men's vocal group. CPA strings ensemble Vintage performed for the president and guests during a reception, and the new wind ensemble Crosswinds entertained guests arriving at the banquet.

The former president praised the Christian university, saying, “I love what the University of Mobile stands for. I love the concept of educating people with the skills and capacity to influence America. Congratulations on this mission that is important for America. I am proud to be a part of supporting the university as well.”

Bush said he was “in the Bible every morning of my presidency.” He said the prayers of total strangers “comforted us and strengthened me in ways you’ll never know. For those of you who prayed for me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that beautiful gift.”

He spoke of his admiration for President Abraham Lincoln, who had a vision for the country and stood firm on the principle that all men are created equal under God.

He said what mattered was that when he left office, moved back to Texas and looked in the mirror “did I see a guy who refused to compromise his soul in the face of political pressure.”

Bush’s memoir, titled “Decision Points,” will be released Nov. 9. His speech offered a preview of the book, and an inside look at the pressures of the presidency. He related his response when long-time friends asked him what it was like to be president of the United States.

In simple terms, he said, “This job requires a lot of decision making. Some you anticipate, some you don’t. And you don’t have any choice. You get to decide.”

He added, “There are some great times as president and some tough times as president. Every moment I was optimistic that this great nation can achieve anything it sets its mind to.”

He said presidents will come and go, and all will have weaknesses and strengths – but the ship of state will sail on.

“My job isn’t just to make decisions, but to strengthen the institution by bringing honor and glory to the office, which I tried to do for eight years as your president,” Bush said.

University of Mobile President Dr. Mark Foley presented Bush with a handcrafted Bowie knife created by Foley and Mobile physician Dr. Bill Dumas. The work in steel, brass and wood, inspired by Alamo defender James Bowie, is engraved with words President Bush spoke on 9/11: “Freedom will be defended.” Foley created the brass and steel blade and Dumas carved the handle from African zebra wood.

The banquet raises financial support for the university’s annual academic scholarship fund while bringing a speaker of national prominence to the Mobile area. Previous speakers have included former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, former Georgia Gov. and retired U.S. Sen. Zell Miller, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and best-selling author and motivational speaker Andy Andrews.

The patriotic event touches on themes of leadership, service and the importance of graduating men and women who are prepared to make a difference in their communities and the world. The event also highlighted the university’s goal of transforming America by strengthening Christian faith and character in all areas of public and private life. The “Twelve23 Movement” invites committed individuals to sign the “Twelve23 Contract” at www.twelve23.org and pledge to pray and actively work toward a national spiritual and cultural transformation that recognizes and honors God.

The University of Mobile is a Baptist-affiliated university founded in 1961 and has been selected as one of “America’s 100 Best College Buys” and “America’s Best Christian Colleges.” More than 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in over 40 areas of study at the 880-acre campus in north Mobile County.

Former President George W. Bush

VOICES of Mobile

University of Mobile President Dr. Mark Foley