President Carter Speaks at Bridgewater College Commencement

President Jeff Carter served as the Commencement speaker at Bridgewater College on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Dr. Carter is a 1992 graduate of Bridgewater. In his address, “Be Curious,” Dr. Carter encouraged students to use the knowledge and skills that they developed at Bridgewater to approach the world with an open mind and a desire to continue learning.

“You are commencing into a crazy time of dissonance and disruption. Everything seems to be in flux: the economy, the government, world affairs and even higher education,” He said. “But you are perfectly, uniquely educated for this very moment.”

Dr. Carter reminded graduates that the knowledge and skills they acquired from their liberal arts education, particularly critical thinking skills and an interdisciplinary perspective, will serve them well in any career.

“Whatever markers of success you pursue, here is my advice: be curious… Within it lies great opportunity and the possibility of connections,” he said. “Opportunity and connections are always possible, especially in these times of dissonance and disruption. All it takes is a little curiosity.”

A sought-after speaker at Church of the Brethren churches and events, Dr. Carter is also regularly invited to speak at venues in the Wayne County community. Recently he gave the keynote speech at the Indiana Landmarks Conference.

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