2026 May — CTSFW Commencement Scheduled for May 15

CTSFW Commencement Scheduled for May 15

Ceremony will include eight special awards

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), will close the 180th academic year with Commencement in Kramer Chapel Friday, May 15, 2026.

The day will begin with Baccalaureate Matins at 10 a.m. (EDT). The Rev. Paul Willweber, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, San Diego, California, will serve as preacher.

At 2 p.m. (EDT) in Kramer Chapel, Dr. Paul Grime, Dean of the Chapel, will present an organ recital celebrating the graduating class of 2026. The recital, free and open to the public, will showcase the Schlicker organ, one of the finest instruments in the region.

Commencement will follow at 4 p.m. (EDT) in Kramer Chapel. The Commencement speaker is the Rev. William Cwirla, CTSFW Board of Regents. Individuals receiving honors and awards include:

• Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Joseph Makala, Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa)
• Dr. Päivi Räsänen, Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa)
• Rev. Richard C. Resch, Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa)
• Rev. Ernie Lassman (MDiv 1978; STM 1991), Alumnus of the Year
• Rev. David Bode, Miles Christi Award (Soldier of Christ)
• Joyce Kaldahl, Miles Christi Award (Soldier of Christ)
• Robert and Frances Ohm, Miles Christi Award (Soldier of Christ)
• David E. Schweinler, Miles Christi Award (Soldier of Christ)

Commencement and Baccalaureate Matins will be livestreamed at ctsfw.edu/daily-chapel.

Information about these events can be found at ctsfw.edu/events or by clicking below.

NOTE: Alumni interested in attending Commencement events as part of the 2026 Alumni Reunion May 14–15 are encouraged to register for the reunion at ctsfw.edu/alumni.