Today, we bid a final farewell to President Jimmy Carter, a leader whose legacy as a peacemaker, humanitarian, and advocate for justice has left an indelible mark on our world. As we honor his extraordinary life and the profound partnership he shared with Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, we are reminded of his powerful words:
"My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have, to try to make a difference."
These words resonate deeply within the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. It is both a privilege and a profound responsibility to carry their names, vision, passion, and spirit in the work we do every day to advance peace, justice, and reconciliation worldwide.
On this meaningful day, we honor not only President Carter’s legacy but also the enduring contributions of both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, who together exemplified the power of compassion, integrity, and perseverance. Their unwavering commitment to improving the human condition continues to inspire us as individuals and as a community.
Earlier today, we all witnessed the moving funeral service for President Carter at the Washington National Cathedral. The outpouring of respect, gratitude, and deep admiration for his unparalleled contributions to humanity was profoundly evident. This shared reverence reaffirms the immense responsibility we carry to honor and sustain his legacy.
In the months ahead, we will continue to celebrate the Carters’ enduring legacy through a series of events and opportunities for engagement. These initiatives will serve as both a tribute and a continuation of their extraordinary work. I invite you to mark your calendars for February 18, when we will gather for the "Celebrate the Life of President Carter" event. This event will provide a space for reflection, gratitude, and a collective commitment to carrying forward his vision of global peace and justice.
President Carter’s life serves as a powerful reminder that one individual’s determination to make a difference can indeed change the course of history. His memory is not an endpoint—it is a call to action, urging us to approach our work with renewed purpose, gratitude, and resolve.
Let us carry forward his vision, his compassion, and his unwavering belief in a better world.
With deep respect and gratitude,
Alpaslan Özerdem
Dean, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution