VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) - GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney on Saturday encouraged graduates of Pat Robertson's evangelical Christian university to lead lives of service.
The former Massachusetts governor's commencement address at Regent University was an opportunity to appeal to core Republicans.
Romney, a Mormon, offered words of guidance and said "America needs great Americans today perhaps more than ever." He cited the Virginia Tech shootings and the specter of terrorists such as Osama bin Laden who are contemplating "another Holocaust."
Robertson's invitation for Romney to be the keynote speaker had upset some students, who posted negative messages on Regent's internal electronic bulletin board and sent e-mails to faculty members and administrators.
A Republican presidential candidate himself in 1988 and founder of the Christian Coalition, Robertson asked Romney to speak because Romney is a proven leader and "leadership is a primary force here," school spokeswoman Judy Baker said.
Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network mentions Mormonism on its Web site on a page with the title, "How Do I Recognize a Cult?"
"The Mormon church is a prosperous, growing organization that has produced many people of exemplary character," the site says. "But when it comes to spiritual matters, the Mormons are far from the truth."
Romney commended Robertson for building a center of learning grounded in faith and that his devotion is an inspiration. Romney said Regent was an example of Robertson's dedication to strengthening the pillars of this country: education, fellowship and advancement.
Robertson, Regent's chancellor, introduced Romney as a highly educated "person of great distinction."
In his address, Romney said while it would be easy for the graduates to focus on themselves, a broader life based on service is more challenging, exhilarating and meaningful.
"In the deeper waters, life is about others — your spouse, family, friends, faith, community, country," Romney said. "In the deep waters, there are challenging ideas, opposing opinions, protracted battles of consequence."
While Romney mentioned faith and made some biblical references, he did not cite specific religions.
Founded in 1978, Regent has some 5,000 students. This year's graduating class, with 1,005 students, is the school's largest graduating class, Robertson noted.
Many students received graduate degrees in such fields as business, government, education and law, and "the impact on society can be great with that many people, with that kind of skill," Robertson said.
"I want to charge you today with something very important," Robertson told the graduates. "I want you to strive for greatness through service."
A second Republican presidential candidate, ex-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is Catholic, is to speak at Regent's executive leadership program in June.
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