Hollywood screenwriter Randall Wallace — who earned an Oscar nomination for writing the screen-play to “Braveheart” — will deliver the keynote address at Liberty University’s commencement ceremony May 14.
Wallace, a graduate of E.C. Glass High School, rose to Hollywood prominence in 1995 for his work on “Braveheart.” He also wrote the screenplay for the 2001 blockbuster “Pearl Harbor,” and more recently directed Disney’s “Secretariat,” released last fall.
In February, Wallace delivered the keynote address at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C., along with remarks by President Obama. The annual event is sponsored by the Christian group Fellowship Foundation and traditionally includes remarks from the President of the United States and a notable guest speaker.
Wallace’s remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast convinced Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. that he would be a good fit at Liberty’s graduation ceremony, Falwell said in a news release.
“Ever since I watched ‘Braveheart’ in 1995 and learned that its writer was from Lynchburg, I have wanted to meet Randall Wallace,” Falwell said. “That movie’s lessons about the evils of big government and tyranny and the virtues of freedom are more relevant today than ever.”
In 1999, Wallace launched his own company, Wheelhouse Entertainment, with the purpose of creating original films, music, video games and books based on the values of love, courage and honor, according to his biography.
Outside his work in the film industry, Wallace has written seven novels. He also wrote the lyrics to the hymn, “Mansions of the Lord,” which was performed at President Reagan’s funeral.
Wallace is not the first LU commencement speaker with ties to Hollywood. In 2008, Chuck Norris of “Walker, Texas Ranger” spoke, followed by actor, attorney and writer Ben Stein in 2009.
Last year’s commencement speaker was Fox news commentator Glenn Beck.
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