In 1973, Bill Clinton attended a speech given by Vernon Jordan on Civil Rights. Soon after, the two became close friends. Friday afternoon, their roles were reversed as Clinton gave the speech.

Former president Bill Clinton attracted over 5,000 spectators to DePauw University’s Neal Fieldhouse Friday afternoon for his lecture entitled “Embracing Our Common Humanity.” Clinton wove DePauw ties into his speech on global issues, specifically reaching out to his close friend and DePauw alumnus Vernon Jordan.

Jordan introduced Clinton, joking about the course their friendship and emphasizing the affection the men share for one another.

“He is my man, and I am his man,” Jordan said. “Bill Clinton has taught me that friendship is the medicine of life.”

Clinton stepped on stage following the warm introduction to a crowd cheering on its feet. He approached Jordan and the two embraced each other with a hug.

Clinton began his dialogue mentioning other friends he has at DePauw including alumnus Tim Collins, who he calls a close friend, and professor Bruce Stinebrickner with whom Clinton attended Georgetown University. Clinton called Stinebrickner a “basketball hero” of the university.

Clinton also talked about his friendship with Jordan and about his accomplishments in life. He described Jordan as an individual who embodies the “American Dream” in his life.

“I love Vernon Jordan and know few Americans who have done more to make themselves and this country better,” Clinton said.

After describing Jordan’s extensive efforts in Civil Rights activism, Clinton discussed the interactions that occur throughout the world as borders and boundaries between nations and cultures begin to disappear.

“They (the borders) are becoming more like nets than walls,” Clinton said.

He emphasized the importance of encouraging change and embracing diversity to prosper. Clinton encouraged audience members to consider the problem-wrought world in which we live and to keep hope that change is possible. He told the thousands gathered to consider the world into which their grandchildren will be born. Again, Clinton used Jordan as an example.

“Vernon Jordan knew what he wanted America to look like, and he has done more than anyone I know to make it look that way,” Clinton said.

The former president identified three problems as what he considered to be the greatest in the world: inequality, instability and lack of sustainability.

Clinton offered an example to Haiti, a nation with which he often works to improve living conditions and build “systems” intended to better the lives of Haitians. He also mentioned student government president Charles Pierre, who was born in Haiti.

Clinton addressed the recent outbreak of Cholera in Haiti that has killed hundreds and continues to spread due to a contaminated water supply.

He said this outbreak stemmed in part from inequality. If the Haitians had an effective sanitation system, the problem could have been contained more quickly.

Instability emerged as Clinton’s next topic, leading into more controversial issues such as financial instability in Europe, immigration policy and global warming.

“If there is too much (instability) it risks becoming like a computer virus that can’t be controlled,” Clinton said.

Referencing the financial struggles in Europe, Clinton said that Americans should be concerned as the United States interacts directly with European nations and could be economically impacted by any decline.

He then addressed the border between the United States and Mexico plagued with narcotics trafficking. He also offered an apology to recent immigrants in the audience, who may be subject to the heated immigration debate in the United States.

“It’s crazy, most of what’s being said about immigration in America today,” Clinton said. “When people are scared, they say crazy things.”

In his final example of instability, Clinton said that in the United States, a candidate needs to deny the existence of global warning to gain a nomination. Clinton addressed global warming and the direct impact it is having on nations throughout the world.

In the final leg of his speech, Clinton explained that “systems” must be developed in other countries and improved in the United States to progress in a positive way.

“We have systems. They were built on a road to prosperity,” Clinton said. “At some point, you enjoy a sufficient level of success and you begin to think things are automatic.”

Clinton said this has become a problem for the United States, because individuals begin taking power for too long in order to provide for better lives for themselves rather than considering the future for others.

He encouraged the acceptance of change rather than solely embracing what is accepted to move forward.

“Most successful rich countries have learned to create consistent change,” Clinton said. “Washington’s problem is that they are too busy trying to create the future.”

The lecture lasted approximately an hour — 20 minutes longer than scheduled. Clinton arrived early and began around 20 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time of 3 p.m.

The Q-and-A session that followed addressed issues of US involvement in international affairs, Clinton’s advice for Obama on the financial crisis, Clinton’s role models and creating successful democratic governments abroad.

Clinton upheld that the United States must lead in peace, prosperity, freedom and security. He said that remaining the strongest nation in the world may be unreasonable as others emerge.

“I was trying to build a world that was good for Americans to live in even after we weren’t the superpower anymore,” Clinton said.

Senior Emma Lanham asked about Clinton’s fiscal advice for Obama. Clinton gave three pieces of advice: continue passing legislation, maximize executive authority and ability to work with the private sector on jobs, and work with various groups to improve the housing market.

Clinton addressed questions about difficult moments in his career and individuals who inspired him with common answers. He encouraged students never to quit and cited his mother as one of his greatest inspirations along with teachers and former presidents.

The discussion concluded with a question from an international student from Burma who asked for Clinton’s advice on creating and continuing a democracy.

“The thing you have to be careful is how you walk the tightrope toward democracy,” Clinton said. “Move toward democracy without giving a foolish excuse for generals to take it back.”

Clinton finished and after a moment of silence the crowd rose to its feet, again in applause. Clinton hugged Jordan, waved and stepped off the stage, moving on.