The 163rd academic year of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis concluded on Friday, May 17. The day's activities included a 10:00 a.m. baccalaureate 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 Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus.

Dr. Dale A. Meyer, professor of practical theology and occupant of the Gregg H. Benidt Chair in Homiletics and Literature, delivered the sermon at the baccalaureate service. Following the sermon, students who successfully completed one of the programs of preparation for service in the pastoral ministry in The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) were presented their theological diplomas and diplomas of vocation. In this act, the Seminary faculty fulfilled publicly the responsibility given it by the LCMS to certify those men it determines to be qualified in every respect for service in the pastoral ministry.

At the evening commencement exercises, Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, president of the LCMS, served as commencement speaker. Following the address, 74 students were recipients of master of divinity degrees. This is the academic degree which most students who desire to be pastors, missionaries or chaplains in the LCMS receive. Other degrees conferred included eight master of arts degrees, one doctor of ministry degree, seven master of sacred theology degrees and two doctor of philosophy degree. Eight students were recognized as candidates for completion of the alternate route (certificate) program. 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. Mr. Wallace "Wally" Bronner of Frankenmuth, Mich., received the Christus Vivit award, granted each year to laity who exemplify a lifetime of distinguished and dedicated service in the LCMS. Rev. Francis Younce of Granite Falls, Wash., received the distinguished alumni award in recognition of his exemplary mission service in Washington and Alabama since his 1960 graduation from Concordia Seminary. Rev. Charles Froehlich, former professor of classical languages at Concordia University in River Forest, Ill., was awarded the honorary doctor of letters degree in recognition of his distinguished scholarly service to the church following his 1949 graduation from Concordia Seminary. Rev. Hyun-Sup UM, professor at Luther Theological University in South Korea, was awarded the honorary doctor of divinity degree in recognition of his distinguished service in the church and significant contributions to Christian scholarship in Korea.

For more information, contact Rev. Glen Thomas, vice president for seminary relations, at (314) 505-7371 or via e-mail (semrelations@csl.edu).