Concordia University, St. Paul Hosts Commencement Ceremonies May 12-14

ST. PAUL, MN (04/22/2011)(readMedia)-- Concordia University, St. Paul will host baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies for the class of 2011 on May 12-14 in the Gangelhoff Center on Concordia's campus.

Ceremony Schedule

Thursday, May 12, 7:30 p.m. Baccalaureate – Commencement Worship Service (Graebner Memorial Chapel)

Friday, May 13, 7:30 p.m. College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, and the College of Vocation and Ministry, Undergraduate Programs (Gangelhoff Center)

Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. College of Business and Organizational Leadership Undergraduate Programs (Gangelhoff Center)

Saturday, May 14, 2 p.m. Graduate Programs (Gangelhoff Center)

Speakers and honorees will participate in the ceremonies as follows:

College of Arts & Sciences, College of Education, & College of Vocation & Ministry

Commencement Speaker: MayKao Hang is currently president and CEO of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, a non-profit health and human services organization that assists the most vulnerable residents of the greater St. Paul area.

Student Welcome Address: Sarah Jensen of Adrian, Minn., is a K-12 Vocal and Classroom Music Education and Music Performance major who has been active in numerous musical endeavors and activities at Concordia.

Student Farewell Address: Nikolai Gibbons of Fort Collins, Colo., is a Theology major in the Pre-Seminary program and is graduating from Concordia's Honors Program.

Honorary Doctorate Recipients: Rev. Dale L. Sattgast of Sioux Falls, S.D., president of the LCMS South Dakota District, is receiving an honorary doctorate for his 30 years of experience serving the LCMS church. Dr. Milton C. Sernett of Hampton, Iowa, is a former Concordia student who is receiving the honorary doctorate for his dedication to teaching in the church and in African American studies.

Aeterna Moliri Awards: Mr. Michael D. Flynn of Bloomington, Minn., will be presented with the Aeterna Moliri Award for more than 40 years in education and service with Concordia University, St. Paul and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The award recognizes "builders for eternity," individuals who further the work of the church and its people through their vocation or service.

College of Business and Organizational Leadership

Commencement Speaker: Dr. David Olson of Albert Lea, Minn., is the founder and CEO of Life Innovations, Inc., an organization which aims to help build strong marriages and healthy relationships.

Student Welcome: Emma Dahl of Albert Lea, Minn., is a Marketing major graduating with University Honors who was active in the Art Club, Business Club and as a Student Ambassador.

Student Farewell: Rev. Bob Battle of Grenada, Miss., is graduating with a degree in Organizational Management and Leadership and has been a long-time ordained pastor and activist in the community.

Graduate Programs

Commencement Speaker: Valeria Silva of Woodbury, Minn., is superintendent of the St. Paul Public School System and has provided strong leadership in highly diverse environments.

Student Welcome: Erin Herold is graduating with the first class of Concordia's Strategic Communication Management master's degree program and is the owner and marketing director of HarkHerold Business Solutions.

Student Farewell: Biljana Uzelac is obtaining her Master of Arts degree in Leadership Management and is a supply chain planner at Land O' Lakes, Inc.

President's Exemplifying Excellence Award: Dr. Shirley J. Miske is president of Miske Witt and Associates Inc., a consulting firm based in St. Paul and is receiving the award for her dedication to the improvement of education.

Concordia University, St. Paul is a comprehensive, private university of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and one of 10 schools that comprise the Concordia University System. Established in 1893, Concordia offers more than 40 liberal arts majors, including business administration, education, fine arts, the sciences and church professions. Concordia is a regional leader in accelerated, cohort-delivered, undergraduate degree-completion and master's degrees in business administration, organizational management, criminal justice and human services. Concordia is the only private university in Minnesota to offer NCAA Division II athletics for men and women. Visit us on the web at www.csp.edu.

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