show bio William Jefferson Clinton

William Jefferson Clinton is the 42nd president of the United States and was the first Democrat since Franklin D. Roosevelt to serve two terms after his election wins in 1992 and 1996. Clinton’s Administration led the country to the lowest unemployment rate in modern times, the lowest inflation in 30 years, the highest home ownership in the country's history, helped drop crime rates in many places, and reduced welfare rolls. After leaving office Clinton founded the William J. Clinton Foundation fighting global poverty, promoting racial and religious reconciliation and fighting HIV/AIDS throughout the world.

2006 Clinton School Graduation
Date: 12/13/2006

William Jefferson Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, delivers the commencement address to the inaugural graduates of the Clinton School of Public Service. Clinton tells the graduates to focus on the “common humanity” of the people they serve, rather than their differences. “I hope your lives in public service will be guided by a simple test – were the people you sought to serve better off when you quit than when you started?” Clinton told the graduating class. “Take it from me, 40 years pass in the blink of an eye. After 40 years, that’s how you’ll judge yourselves.” The students represent the first class to complete the Master of Public Service degree program at the Clinton School, which opened on the grounds of the Clinton Presidential Center and Park in August of 2005.