Commencement 2009
GRADUATION AND HEALTH ALERT UPDATE
The University continues to closely monitor reports of the H1N1 Influenza virus, previously called Swine Flu. Students and employees are encouraged to check the Pandemic Preparedness website for information, updates and relevant links.
In light of heightened concerns regarding the spread of the H1N1 virus, Concordia University has been carefully monitoring precautionary measures suggested by the health advisories from the Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC. At the current time, Concordia University does not foresee any interruption to the graduation celebration. We believe that the traditional congratulatory handshake as you receive your diploma cover is important and we will be providing hand sanitizer stations prior to graduates processing across the stage. However, we request that graduates and guests who may be ill to consider the recommendations set forth by the health advisories which encourages individuals to stay home and away from public events when sick. Additionally, we encourage you to follow general hygiene measures such as covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or doing so in your sleeve and frequently washing your hands or using hand sanitizer.
If you are unable to attend the graduation ceremony, it is available via internet by going to www.csp.edu . If you are currently planning to attend a commencement ceremony and discover that you are unable to attend due to illness, please email commencement@csp.edu. Thank you for working with us on this sensitive matter.
Watch All Graduation Ceremonies Here - Live!
Graduation Ceremony #1
Date: Friday, May 15, 2009Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Gangelhoff Center
Students earning an Associate of Arts or Bachelor of Arts degrees from the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Education and College of Vocation & Ministry.
- Commencement Speaker - The Rev. Chris Dodge has served as Senior Pastor at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minn., since September, 1991. He is a 1979 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
- Student Welcome Address - Emmanuel Kuphal of Winthrop, Minn, is a Design major with a Video Production minor who has been active with Concordia Television Productions and the Art Department.
- Student Farewell Address - Adam Fink of Eagan, Minn., is a Communication Studies major with minors in Video Production and Lutheran Confessionalism who has been active in photography and producing and directing for Concordia Television Productions.
- Honorary Doctorate - David M. Roth of Prior Lake, Minn., will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters degree in recognition of his dedication to education in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (LCMS).
- Aeterna Moliri Award - The Aerterna Moliri Award, which recognizes ?builders for eternity,? individuals who further the work of the church and its people through their vocation or service. Awards will be presented to Rev. Dr. Maynard W. and Mrs. Shirley A. (nee Groh) Dorow and Rev. Dr. Hilbert (George) and Mrs. Joan Riemer.
Graduation Ceremony #2
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Gangelhoff Center
Students earning a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the College of Business and Organizational Leadership.
- Commencement Speaker - Actress, singer and public speaker Jearlyn Steele has elated audiences at highly acclaimed venues throughout the world. More than a decade ago, Jearlyn and her siblings formed The Steeles and began a successful run of the pop/gospel musical "Gospel At Colonus" which made its way to Carnegie Hall.
- Student Welcome - Mike Cunningham of Minneapolis, Minn., graduates as a Marketing major and student-athlete on the Golden Bears basketball team.
- Student Farewell - Rita Pauling of Owatonna, Minn., graduates from the Organizational Management and Communication program. She works at Federated Insurance where she develops and delivers training on topics such as teamwork, communications and time management.
- Honorary Doctorate - Author and Edina, Minn., resident Sandra Benitez will receive an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters. She has received numerous awards for her work and her novels are used extensively in the classroom nationwide.
Graduation Ceremony #3
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Gangelhoff Center
Students earning a Master of Arts or Master of Business Administration degree.
- Commencement Speaker - Officer Lisa Davis (?05) of Minneapolis, Minn., has been with the Minneapolis Police Department for more than 20 years. In 2007 she was named Officer of the Year by the International Association of Women Police. She earned her M.A. in Criminal Justice Leadership from Concordia in 2005.
- Student Welcome - Kelly Jansen of Bloomington, Minn., graduates from Concordia with her M.A. in Education - Classroom Instruction (K-12 Reading Emphasis). She has taught second grade at Cornelia Elementary in Edina for the past four years and previously taught in Minneapolis Public Schools and in London, England.
- Student Farewell - Robert Boyle of Plymouth, Minn., graduates with an MBA. He works Cortec Corporation, traveling worldwide in his role as technical sales manager.
- Honorary Doctorate - Richard (Dick) D. Peters of Amery, Wis., will be receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his dedication to Concordia and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in the area of finance.
Baccalaureate Service
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2009Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Graebner Memorial Chapel
The Baccalaureate service is a celebration of and thanksgiving for lives dedicated to learning and wisdom. The Baptismal calling and vocation of the entire community will be recognized in the prayers.
The service includes special music, prayers and blessings for the graduates and their families will guide the Concordia Community in praise and thanks to God for these gifts.
All students, faculty, staff and their family and friends are welcomed and encourage to attend this special service. Reservations are not required and admission is free. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony.
