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 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) |
2018 Commencement Highlights Video
2018 Commencement Honorees
Christus Vivit:
Craig and Jane Olson
Former co-chairs of the Seminary’s National Campaign Council
Craig and Jane Olson are passionate in their support of Concordia Seminary, Christian education and church renewal. The Orange, Calif., couple served as co-chairs of the Seminary’s volunteer board known as the National Campaign Council, which led the milestone Generations Campaign to its successful conclusion in December 2017, raising more than $200 million. Click here to read more…
Distinguished Alumnus:
Dr. Timothy Maschke (’74)
Associate pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Grafton, Wis.
Retired professor of theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon
Rev. Timothy Maschke is a pastor, teacher and theologian who has helped to prepare and form hundreds of students for service and ministry in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ for generations to come. Click here to read more…
Honorary Doctor of Divinity:
Rev. Ray Wilke
President of Orphan Grain Train
Senior pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Norfolk, Neb.
Rev. Ray S. Wilke of Norfolk, Neb., is approaching his 80th birthday in September, but he has no thoughts of retiring as he continues to look at how he can best serve the church and our Lord. Click here to read more…
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 314-505-7336. 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.