Commencement
Concordia Seminary’s Commencement exercises for the 2024 graduating class will take place Friday, May 17, 2024.
The day will begin with a Theological Diploma Service at 10 a.m. CDT in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus and end with Commencement at 7 p.m. in the Main Quadrangle. Both events will also be available via live stream at csl.edu/live.
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 (LCMS) will receive theological diplomas. Rev. W. Max Mons, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel and University Center in Iowa City, Iowa, and chairman of the Board of Regents, will deliver the sermon. In the evening, certificates, academic degrees and honors will be conferred. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, executive director of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations, will give the Commencement address.
Join in the celebration virtually by sharing comments and photos and using #CSLGrad2024 and #SharingtheGospelSharingourLives on social media.
Schedule of Commencement events
TIME | SERVICE | LOCATION |
---|---|---|
10 a.m. CDT | Theological Diploma Service | Chapel |
7 p.m. CDT | Commencement ceremony | Main Quadrangle (Chapel if rain) |
Commencement honorees
Five special honors will be awarded during the Commencement ceremony.
Dr. Allan and Carol Buckman
Christus Vivit Award
Chosen by the faculty – after consideration of personal knowledge and/or recommendations by others – the recipient of the Christus Vivit Award has demonstrated exemplary service to the church.
Director of Christian Education Mark Kempff
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
Awarded to a qualified person within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) or one of its partner churches who demonstrates outstanding dedication to the theology and mission of the LCMS and its international partners.
Dr. Darius Petkūnas
Doctor of Letters, honoris causa
Awarded to a qualified person within the LCMS or one of its partner churches who demonstrates creativity, courage and excellence in the literary articulation of the Christian faith.
Rev. James Wiggins, Sr.
Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa
Awarded to clergy who have rendered outstanding service in church life.
Dr. Joel Lehenbauer
The Distinguished Alumnus Award
Awarded to a graduate of Concordia Seminary who has rendered exceptional service in at least one of the following areas: parish ministry, mission field, preparation of church workers or Synod service.
Service Folders
Theological Diploma Service (PDF)
Commencement (PDF)
Photo Albums
Theological Diploma Service
Commencement
Available after the service
Watch
An Archived video of the 2022 service is available.
Questions
Contact our Technology Services Help Desk at 314-505-7231 or [email protected].
Helpful Tips
General
Plan to arrive early to allow time to park, walk to the event site and find your seat. Out of consideration for our candidates and participants, please turn off cell phones and refrain from conversation during the chapel service and ceremony.
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 provide appropriate directions.
Seating
Plan to arrive early to make sure you have ample time to find your seat before the service or ceremony begins. Please do not block aisles or passageways. We kindly ask guests refrain from reserving seats for guests who have not yet arrived.
Accessibility
Seats for guests with disabilities are available upon request. Requests for disability-related accommodations can be made by contacting us at [email protected] 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 chapel, the stage and pathways clear during the service and ceremony.