Although he’s got a powerful title in Washington, D.C., the “most cherished” title for Paul McNulty is “Dad,” he said at Grove City College’s 127th commencement.

McNulty was grateful to his alma matter for ”giving me the opportunity to speak at my daughter (Katy’s) graduating class,” he said. “It’s a great day.”

The United States deputy attorney general focused on greatness when addressing his daughter and her class at the May 19 commencement – which was held outside in the quad for the first time in years.

“There’s a distinction between the appearance of greatness” and true greatness, he said.

Napoleon was greatest military leader in France in the early 1800s, but his hunger for control only led to his demise – and millions of others. Today, “he is known historically as being delusional,” McNulty said.

William Wilberforce, around the same era, led in the abolition of the slave trade in England as a member of Parliament.

A devout Christian, “It was a call that God gave him,” McNulty said.

He said Wilberforce’s “relentless commitment” to his call, mixed with integrity, patience, peace and faithfulness influenced all around him. He was remembered in a recent film, “Amazing Grace.”

“After two decades in the nation’s capital ... when I think of greatness, it goes to the faces I’ll never see (from history),” McNulty said.

To him, it’s also attributed to those who care for the needs of others behind the scenes – like one Brooklyn fireman who left work Sept. 11, 2001, but returned to help in the terrorist attacks in New York City, and didn’t come home.

“My own father, who didn’t achieve (position in the world’s eyes), was great because of his kindness, devotion to family and humility,” McNulty said.

The speaker called greatness “an equal opportunity employer” not based on talent, image or position.

In Washington, D.C., he never tires of looking at the Lincoln Memorial, where President Abraham Lincoln’s image is commemorated in a gargantuan stone sculpture.

The U.S.’s own abolitionist came from humble beginnings, with very little schooling.

“A country bumpkin ... achieved greatness because of his high moral standards,” McNulty said.