Self-discipline, security friendship: Former Gov. Nathan Deal speaks at Mercer Founder’s Day

At the Georgia Baptist Convention’s Young People’s Speaking Competition in 1961, a 17-year-old Nathan Deal walked on to Mercer University’s campus for the first time. Nearly 62 years later, the former governor returned to his alma mater to speak to Mercer students about the university’s impact on his life and career.

Deal was the keynote speaker at Mercer’s annual “Founder’s Day,” a Mercer tradition that dates back to 1891, on Feb. 2

Deal, who served as the governor from 2011-19, credited his Mercer education and friendships for his career success.

“Here at Mercer, I learned three important lessons: one was the importance of self-discipline, secondly, the rewards of persistence in educational endeavors, and third, the importance of friendships,” Deal said.

Exhibiting his third lesson, Deal attended Founder’s Day with Fleming and Sarah Hawthorne, his friends from his freshman year at Mercer in 1961.

“When I was campaigning for governor, my Mercer friends were some of the most active supporters I had. They helped make victory possible,” Deal said.

Deal applauded Mercer for giving him the skills to communicate and work with others, as well as complimented the quality of his liberal arts education and the work of current university president Bill Underwood.

Underwood introduced Deal and discussed the importance of Founder’s Day to the Mercer community.

“Every generation, every individual to pass through these halls helps shape the course of our university. In this important sense, we are all, everyone here today, is a founder of Mercer,” Underwood told the audience.

Deal ended his speech by echoing Underwood’s sentiment.

“Let us be founders all,” Deal said.

Founder’s Day, which was reinstated by the Student Government Association in the 1990s, is an integral part to keeping Mercer’s traditions alive, Underwood said.

“I think it is good to be reminded of the histories and traditions and values of the institution,” Underwood said. “I thought it would be interesting for students to hear how [Gov. Deal’s] experiences at Mercer had impacted his work as governor.”

The ceremony was followed by a luncheon where Deal was presented with an award from Mercer’s Junior Class President, Asia Cladd.

This story was originally published February 10, 2022 at 7:00 AM.