Concordia will hold commencement ceremonies for more than 200 graduates on Saturday, May 10, at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in the gymnasium in the physical education building on campus. This will be the 101st commencement ceremony in the history of the university. Degrees to be conferred at the 8 a.m. ceremony will be Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Music. Degrees in Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Science-Family Life and Master of Education will be conferred at the 10:30 a.m. ceremony. Lutheran Teaching Ministry diplomas, Director of Christian Education certificates and Director of Parish Music certificates will also be awarded.
The speaker for both ceremonies will be Dr. Roger Finke, professor of sociology and religious studies at Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. Finke will also be among several distinguished guests receiving honorary degrees and awards. Finke will receive the Doctor of Letters degree which is conferred for the accomplishment of distinguished and creative contributions to the world of learning and service.
Others receiving honorary degrees and awards include Dr. Robert Holtz, Roseville, Minn., Doctor of Laws degree; Ronald Henschen, Edwardsville, Ill., Master Educator Award; Virginia Hughes, Seward, Neb., Crest of Christ Award; and Lyle Meyer, Carlsbad, Calif., Distinguished Service Award. Those celebrating their 50th reunion will also be recognized.
On Friday, May 9, the baccalaureate service will start at 7:30 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church. The Rev. Thomas Schoech, Concordia's interim chaplain, will serve as preacher. The Rev. Dr. Paul Holtorf, associate professor of theology, will be the liturgist.
"The baccalaureate service provides our campus community a splendid opportunity to consecrate this important milestone in the lives of our graduates." said Schoech. "Not only do we thank and praise God for His gifts of education and career training, but we also send these young people on their way with God's Word and prayer."
Following the service there will be a mini-concert and organ recital by the Concordia University A Cappella Choir and select organ students. The Tower Guild will host a reception at the church following the service.
See also: The Saturday morning ceremonies will be webcast live.