George and Laura Bush receive the 2010 Tower Medal of Freedom award Wednesday afternoon. The award is the highest honor “bestowed upon individuals whose contributions in promoting democracy and fostering peace are recognized throughout the world.” (SPENCER EGGERS/The Daily Campus)

Former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush were awarded the Tower Center Medal of Freedom from SMU’s John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies on April 21.

The award recognizes individuals who contribute to the advancement of democratic ideals and to the security, prosperity and welfare of humanity.

Past recipients include Colin Powell, Tony Blair and former President George H.W. Bush.
Prior to the ceremony, in a press release, SMU President R. Gerald Turner said: “As the recipient of an honorary degree from SMU in 1992, Mr. Bush is a member of the SMU family, and we are pleased that he will return to campus to receive the Tower Center Medal of Freedom.”

The room erupted in clapping as Turner called former President George Bush and Laura Bush to the stage and presented them with the medals.

“I think SMU and its students are lucky to have such influential leaders such as former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, who work so closely with the school and give so much of their time, come and speak to us,” freshman Emily Erb said.

“I am very honored to receive this award today,” Mrs. Bush said. “This award memorializes a great man, John Tower.”

Mrs. Bush spoke of the importance of global freedom as well as human and women’s rights.

She quoted South Africa’s Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka in saying: “[When you] educate a woman, you educate a nation.”

Mrs. Bush has been involved with issues of national and global concern, with emphasis on education, health care and human rights.

“Tyranny and injustice cannot crush the freedom embodied in people,” she said.
Former President Bush approached the podium next.

He engaged the audience with humorous stories while also expressing the serious need for freedom worldwide.

He  began his speech by praising his wife.

“Laura was a great First Lady,” he said. “Once a former librarian, she has become a passionate defender of freedom. I am so proud of her,” he said.

The former President spoke of his appreciation for his father.

“I would not be standing here as a former president without the unconditional love of my father, George H. W. Bush,” he said.

The remainder of former President Bush’s speech addressed his belief of freedom. He said it is “universal” and “possible” for everyone, and that it is also “transformative.”

“I truly believe that if the United States does not loose its nerve, democracy will someday take hold in the Middle East,” he said.

As 43rd President of the United States, Bush worked to devote himself to extending ideas of freedom, opportunity, responsibility and compassion both domestically and abroad.

He also is committed to improving the U.S. as a whole.

The ceremony was an SMU Tate Lecture Series special event.