Jimmy Carter speaks at GSU commencement

Metro Atlanta

Jimmy Carter speaks at GSU commencement

Former President Jimmy Carter spoke at Georgia State University's 96th commencement ceremony at the Georgia Dome, Saturday, May 7, 2011.

Former President Carter addresses graduating students at the 96th Georgia State University commencement ceremony at the Georgia Dome on Saturday, May 7, 2011.

Former President Carter has no direct ties to the downtown Atlanta school, though he graduated from nearby Georgia Tech and also attended Georgia Southwest College.

Former President Jimmy Carter, center, is greeted by Mark P. Becker, foreground left, President of GSU, after Carter's commencement address during the commencement ceremony for Georgia State University.

Former President Jimmy Carter smiles as his name is recognized by Mark P. Becker, not showing, President of GSU.

Large screens project the image of former President Carter as he speaks to students.

Former President Jimmy Carter speaks during the 96th commencement exercises for Georgia State University.

Asa Stallings, Theater Performance and Managerial Sciences major, cannot hide her excitement during the commencement ceremony at the Georgia Dome Saturday, May 7, 2011.

Tiffany Watkins, English and Philosophy major, moves her tassel from left to right at the end of the ceremony.

Rudiona Hoxhaj, left, Bilal Vmar, Joy Le and Harikrighna Patel celebrate their graduation from Georgia State University.

Members of the graduating class of 2011 listen to commencement speaker former President Jimmy Carter.

The graduating class of 2011 enters as their family members and friends cheer them on.

Jacquelyn Whalen, left, and Laura Zimmerman, both Social Work majors, wave during the graduation ceremony.

Giselle Cancela, Accounting major, uses her cell phone during the ceremony.

Jennifer Anderson, center, Biology major, shows her excitement after moving her tassel from left to right.

Family members and friends wave and take photos as the graduating class of 2011 enters the Georgia Dome.

Christy Schultz, foreground left, and Wastell McNeil, both Education majors, celebrate at the end of their graduation ceremony.

Marcus Somerville, Finance major, uses his cell phone to look for his family members.

Irfan Ali, right, Economic and Finance major, takes a picture of his classmates before ceremony begins.

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Former President Carter addresses graduating students at the 96th Georgia State University commencement ceremony at the Georgia Dome on Saturday, May 7, 2011.

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