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Former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29, 2024, at age 100, left an indelible mark on ���ϲ�����, particularly through his visit during the school’s centennial celebration in 1989. Carter’s legacy as a statesman, humanitarian and advocate for service resonated deeply with the university’s mission, especially through his support for Habitat for Humanity.

Elected as the 39th president in 1976, Carter dedicated his post-presidency to diplomacy and humanitarian work, founding The Carter Center in 1982 and championing affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity. His visit to ���ϲ����� aligned perfectly with the centennial theme, “Reaffirming a Tradition of Service.”

Carter’s engagement with ���ϲ����� students during his visit extended beyond his keynote speech at Spring Convocation on April 25, 1989. University Chaplain Emeritus Richard McBride recalls Carter’s warm, unassuming nature when meeting members of ���ϲ�����’s Habitat chapter at a build site near where the Station at Mill Point now stands. “He was very gracious,” McBride says, recalling how Carter introduced himself to a 5-year-old on site with a simple, “Hi! My name’s Jimmy!”

“The moment embodied his sincerity in wanting to meet each person where they were.” — John Barnhill ’92, associate vice president for university advancement

John Barnhill ’92, then president of ���ϲ�����’s Habitat chapter and now associate vice president for university advancement, remembers Carter’s earnestness that day. “The moment embodied his sincerity in wanting to meet each person where they were,” he says. Barnhill also recalls fellow Habitat chapter members jokingly introducing him to Carter as “Mr. President” before Barnhill stepped forward in front of the former POTUS for a photo opportunity. “Luckily, we both have grins [in the photo] capturing that he thought it was funny, too,” Barnhill says.

President Emeritus J. Fred Young shared many memorable moments with Carter during the 1989 visit to ���ϲ�����, during which Young served as Carter’s escort around campus.

“We didn’t talk about [politics],” Young recalls. “We talked about turkey hunting and fly fishing. He was like any other person with a serious hobby.”

Carter’s humility shined during a gala dinner at Alamance Country Club. Vice President Emerita Nan Perkins recalls how Carter surprised the room by asking that the kitchen and wait staff be invited in. “He led a round of applause for their role in preparing and serving such a delicious meal, and then he left the dais to walk down the line of staff and personally shake hands with and thank each one,” Perkins says.

Carter’s influence on the ���ϲ����� community extended beyond his visit. “President Carter’s commitment to improving lives with dignity and love through Habitat for Humanity was inspiring to me,” says Kevin Gilmore ’96, executive director of the Sussex County Habitat for Humanity in Delaware. Steve Messinetti ’94, now president and CEO of Habitat Portland Region, echoes the sentiment, calling Carter “Habitat’s most famous volunteer” and a guiding force in affordable housing initiatives.

Even decades later, ���ϲ����� faculty and alumni continue to be influenced by Carter’s leadership. Professor Emerita Laura Roselle, who interned at The Carter Center before joining ���ϲ�����’s faculty, recalls how his approach shaped her career. “He worked to make sure he knew [everyone’s] names because people are the center of all things,” Roselle says.

As ���ϲ����� reflects on Carter’s legacy, his visit remains a powerful reminder of the university’s dedication to service — one he helped reaffirm 36 years ago.