Dean Nisha Botchwey shared this message with the Humphrey School community to mark the passing of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, on December 29, 2024.
We join the nation and world in mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter, a remarkable leader whose legacy of compassion, justice, and service to others profoundly shaped our world.
President Carter shared a profound and enduring partnership with his vice president, Minnesota’s own Walter Mondale, during their term in office from 1977 to 1981 and in the decades afterward. Mondale, who passed away in 2021, was one of the Humphrey School’s most cherished supporters.
Together they redefined public leadership with an emphasis on integrity, compassion, and a commitment to serving the greater good. Such was their relationship that Mondale was asked to write a eulogy for Carter. Mondale's son, Ted, will read the eulogy at Carter's memorial service.
Their enduring friendship and shared legacy continue to inspire the work we do at the Humphrey School. We are especially moved by the legacy they described together: "We told the truth, we obeyed the law, and we kept the peace." These guiding principles shape the values we seek to impart to our students and the communities we serve.
As we reflect on President Carter’s extraordinary life, we also recommit to carrying forward the legacy of his and Vice President Mondale’s leadership through the work of the Humphrey School. Their unwavering commitment to public service inspires our mission and fuels our dedication to advancing the common good.
Sincerely,
Nisha Botchwey, Dean
More resources:
- Jimmy Carter tribute site
- Photos of Carter and Mondale through the years
- Interview with Professor Larry Jacobs on the Carter-Mondale relationship
- Video of Ted Mondale delivering his father's eulogy at Carter's funeral service
- Video of Carter’s remarks at Mondale’s 90th birthday celebration, January 2018
- Video of Carter-Mondale discussion on human rights, June 27, 2019
