The 168th academic year of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, concluded on May 18. The day’s activities began at 10:00 a.m. with a Theological Diploma service in the Seminary’s Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, followed by a special luncheon for graduates and their families. Commencement exercises were held at 7:00 p.m. in the Seminary’s main quadrangle.

Dr. Karl L. Barth, president emeritus at Concordia Seminary, delivered the sermon for the Theological Diploma service. Following the sermon, students who successfully completed one of the programs of preparation for service as pastors and the women who successfully completed preparation for service as deaconesses in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) were presented their theological diplomas. In this act, the Seminary faculty fulfilled publicly the responsibility given it by the LCMS to certify men it determines to be qualified in every respect for service in the pastoral ministry and women it determines to be qualified for service as deaconesses.

At the evening Commencement exercises, The Honorable John M. Shimkus, congressman, United States House of Representatives, 19th District of Illinois, served as Commencement speaker. Following the address, 130 students were recipients of master of divinity degrees. This is the academic degree that most students who desire to be pastors, missionaries or chaplains in the LCMS receive. Other degrees conferred included one master of arts in deaconess studies degree, eight master of arts degrees and four doctor of ministry degrees.

Two master of arts students previously received their degrees on Aug. 4, 2006. One doctor of philosophy student received his degree on Nov. 10, 2006. Four master of divinity students received their degrees on Feb. 16, 2007.

Thirteen students were recognized as candidates for completion of the certificate program (alternate route). Upon successful completion of a one-year vicarage (internship), these students will be certified as eligible to receive a call and serve as pastors, missionaries or chaplains in the LCMS.

Four individuals were selected by the Concordia Seminary faculty to receive special honors during the Commencement exercises. Carl A. Rausch of St. Louis, Mo., and The Honorable John Shimkus of Collinsville, Ill., received the Christus Vivit Awards; The Reverend Doctor Julius Jenkins of Selma, Ala., received the honorary degree of doctor of letters; and The Reverend Emile Lussambu Mbugatodu Dongo of Dapaong, Togo, Africa, received the honorary degree of doctor of divinity.

For more information, contact Communications, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; (314) 505-7374; [email protected].