Commencement
Commencement exercises for the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis 2019 graduating class will take place Friday, May 17, 2019.
The day will begin with a Theological Diploma Service at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, and end with Commencement at 7 p.m. in the Main Quadrangle.
During the morning service, all graduates who have been certified by the Concordia Seminary faculty as eligible to receive calls to serve as pastors or deaconesses in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will receive theological diplomas. In the evening, academic degrees and honors will be conferred.
Schedule of Commencement Events
Friday, May 17, 2019
| 10 a.m. | Theological Diploma Service | Chapel |
| 1:30 p.m. | Campus tour for visiting families | Campus Store |
| 7 p.m. | Commencement ceremony | Main Quadrangle (Chapel if rain) |
| 8:30 p.m. | Commencement reception | Main Quadrangle (Koburg Hall if rain) |
2019 Commencement Honorees
Christus Vivit
Dan and Marti Huss
Dan and Marti Huss are lifelong residents of Cincinnati, Ohio. They have been married for more than 50 years and are the parents of three children: Kelly, John and Kathy. Dan is an attorney, still practicing...
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Distinguished Alumnus
Dr. Samuel Nafzger
Dr. Samuel H. Nafzger was born and raised in Plainview, Texas. He is a graduate of Concordia High School and Junior College in Austin, Texas, and received a B.A. degree with high distinction from Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Ind...
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Doctor of Laws
The Honorable Larry Bucshon
Since coming to Congress, Dr. Larry Bucshon has been a champion for advancing patient-centered health care reforms that will give patients and their doctors the freedom to make their own health care decisions. He also has been a leader in the fight...
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Doctor of Letters
Dr. Werner Klän
Dr. Werner Klän was born and baptized in Wuppertal, Germany, in 1952. Following his primary education, he studied theology in Oberursel and then theology and philosophy in Münster. Following successful completion of his university exams...
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Doctor of Laws
Dr. Melissa Salomón
For many years, Dr. Melissa Salomón has been a leader in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod's (LCMS) Hispanic community and beyond. She has been a featured speaker and workshop leader in several Hispanic Lutheran conferences and conventions as well as...
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Doctor of Divinity
Archbishop Jānis Vanags
As a young adult, Jānis Vanags converted to Christianity and was baptized in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia (ELCL). Under the Soviet regime, this eventually led to his expulsion from the...
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Helpful Tips
General
Tickets are not required for admittance.
Plan to arrive early to allow for time to park, walk to the event site and find a seat.
Out of consideration for our candidates and participants, guests and staff, please turn off cell phones and refrain from conversation during the chapel services and ceremonies.
Parking
There is ample parking for all guests. Please enter campus at the main entrance via Seminary Place. Guests will be directed to the nearest parking space by Seminary parking attendants. Hang any disabled parking placards or reserved parking tags from your rearview mirror as you enter campus so that attendants can easily identify your needs.
Seating
To ensure seating for every guest, seats may not be held for those not present. To ensure your group sits together, please instruct everyone in your party to arrive early and promptly take their seats.
Please do not block aisles or passageways.
Accessibility
Seats for guests with disabilities are available upon request from ushers and will be selected to allow for convenient entry and exit. We kindly ask that only one companion accompany the individual who needs accommodations. (Note: Requests for disability-related accommodations can be made at any time by contacting us at campusservices@csl.edu or 314-505-7337. Please request accommodations as soon as possible as some services take several weeks to arrange.)
Photography and videography
Out of consideration for others, please keep the front of the stage and pathways clear during the ceremony.