Maplewood Resident Rev. Robert Battle Speaks at Concordia University, St. Paul Commencement

ST. PAUL, MN (05/27/2011)(readMedia)-- Concordia University, St. Paul student Rev. Robert Battle of Maplewood, Minn., gave the farewell address to his fellow graduates during the university's commencement ceremony May 14, 2011, at 10 a.m., in the Gangelhoff Center on the Concordia campus. Rev. Battle graduated with distinction with a bachelor's degree in Organizational Management and Leadership.

Rev. Battle told his fellow graduates that they are blessed to be part of a university that promotes cultural and religious diversity and equal access to higher education. He encouraged them to reach out to other cultures as he said, "We are all God's creation." View his speech: http://youtu.be/xF3K7GjsIhc

Growing up in Grenada, Miss., Rev. Battle developed a passion for social justice. He was ordained at a young age and moved to the Twin Cities in 1960. He spent decades advocating for strong work ethics, equal access and quality education for underprivileged youth. Rev. Battle proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for eight years. He currently serves as the senior pastor at Berean Church of God in Christ in St. Paul.

Concordia University, St. Paul is a comprehensive, private university operated under the auspices of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and one of 10 schools that comprise the Concordia University System. Established in 1893, Concordia offers more than 50 liberal arts majors, including business, education, science, fine arts and church professions. Concordia University is also a regional leader in educating adult students, offering accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs in business, health sciences, education, criminal justice, communications and Christian outreach. Concordia is the only private university in Minnesota to offer NCAA Division II athletics for men and women. Visit us on the web: www.csp.edu.