Andrew Card Shares Memories of 9/11, Creating a Life Abundant

Pursuing the life abundant was one key theme of a recent visit to Beacon College by Franklin Pierce University President and former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card.   Over two days, Mr. Card met with Beacon students, faculty and staff, as well as friends of the College and community leaders.

In conversational, humorous style, Mr. Card recounted his early days in Massachusetts, his entry into politics and his experiences in Washington under three different administrations.  One sobering note came when Mr. Card spoke about the events of September 11, 2001.  “I’m not iconic,” he noted, “but I am in an iconic picture,” referring to the famous photo of him whispering news of the attacks to President George W. Bush in an elementary school classroom.   He encouraged students in the standing-room only audience to get involved in the political realm.

Later that evening, while addressing a gathering of community, business and government leaders over dinner in the Tavares Pavilion, Mr. Card reflected on how his path had enabled him to pursue an abundant life.  Tying this theme back to the Beacon College motto, he noted how critical it is to instill the aspiration for an abundant life in students, particularly those who struggle with learning differences.

The following day, Mr. Card spoke at an invitation only luncheon in the Villages, where he once again discussed his governmental experiences and his new role as President of Franklin Pierce University.

Dr. George Hagerty, Beacon’s President  and Mr. Card’s predecessor at Franklin Pierce University, said, ”I was delighted that Andy was able to spend time with the Beacon College community and share his insights and experience. I am also appreciative of our lifelong friendship.”

About Andrew H. Card, Jr.

Andrew Card has enjoyed a distinguished career, beginning in the mid-70s when he was elected to the Massachusetts State Legislature. A few years later he was tapped by President Ronald Reagan to serve as deputy assistant director to the president and directorof intergovernmental affairs. Card later served in President George H.W. Bush’s administration as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff, where he managed the daily operations of the White House. He would go on to be the 11th U.S. secretary of transportation before being selected by then President-elect George W. Bush to be White House Chief of Staff, a position he held for nearly six years, making him the second longest serving chief of staff in modern history.

Most recently, Card was acting dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, a position he held for several years.

A native of Holbrook, Massachusetts, Card is very familiar with Franklin Pierce University. He previously served on the Franklin Pierce Board of Trustees, helping to develop the university’s program in mass communication, named after fellow Franklin Pierce trustee, Marlin Fitzwater.

Card is also the recipient of numerous honorary degrees and awards.