Former President Jimmy Carter is expected to visit Bainbridge State College next month as part of the school’s inaugural Arts and Lecture Series. It’s the first time the Georgia school has hosted a U.S. President in its 40-year history.
Carter, the nation's 39th President, is expected to talk about what life was like growing up in Georgia, his political career and his perspective on how the presidency has changed over time. Bainbridge State College President Richard Carvajal called it a “once in a generation opportunity for his college.”
“…and the fact that he’s from roughly two hours away here in Georgia makes the visit all the more special. Where he has come from and where he has ended up, I think can be a very inspiring story for our students and our community members that you can grow up in Southwest Georgia and go on to be the Leader of the Free World and can make an even bigger difference when you leave that office,” said Carvajal.
Carvajal says what makes the 89-year old Carter’s visit even more special is the venue. His talk will take place in the Charles H. Kirbo Regional Center. Carvajal says the center is named after former President Carter’s close friend and longtime political advisor, who’s since passed.
“I’ve had an opportunity to meet President Carter before, and when he found out where I was from, the first thing he wanted to talk about was his old buddy Charles. So, when he found out he had an opportunity to speak at a center named after somebody who was so significant to him, it got him excited about that.”
While the event is free, tickets are required for admission. They’ll be available starting Monday in the Kirbo Center’s lobby. The event itself is February 18th at 6:30 p.m.
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