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Contact: CTSFW Communications, communications@ctsfw.edu
Commencement Brings 179th
Academic Year to a Close
FORT WAYNE, May 28, 2025—Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), concluded its 179th academic year with Commencement Exercises in Kramer Chapel Friday, May 23, 2025. Ceremony participants included students in eight degree and certificate programs as well as several special honorees.
The Reverend Dr. Armin H. Wenz, professor of New Testament at the Lutherische Theologische Hochschule in Oberursel, Germany, served as commencement speaker and later received a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, for his unwavering confession of the Gospel and courageous witness in the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany. Wenz opened his address with a reflection on his experience as an exchange student at CTSFW in 1986–1987, which he described as “the most formative year of my student years.”
“Studying theology seemed easy at first, just an extra step to turn my hobby of church youth activities into the profession of being a pastor,” said Wenz, who started his theological studies in Germany. “Only when I came to Fort Wayne did I realize that studying theology means much more. Studying theology means filling your heart and your mind with as many theological treasures as possible. This can only be accomplished with the help of great teachers and by reading and digesting a multitude of old and new books, starting with the Scriptures and the Confessions, and expounding on the beauty and truth of their contents.”
The Reverend Dr. Armin H. Wenz delivers the commencement address at CTSFW May 23.
The Reverend Peter C. Bender (CTSFW MDiv 1987) of Colgate, Wisconsin, also received a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa. Bender, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church and Academy in Sussex, Wisconsin, and founder and director of the Concordia Catechetical Academy, was honored for his faithful and exemplary pastoral ministry, his tireless teaching of the biblical truths of Luther’s Small Catechism throughout the world, and his generous support of pastoral and diaconal formation globally and at CTSFW.
The Reverend Peter C. Bender with CTSFW President Dr. Jon S. Bruss at commencement.
Another accomplished CTSFW graduate, the Reverend Peter K. Lange (CTSFW MDiv 1988; STM 1998) of Valley Park, Missouri, received the 2025 Alumnus of the Year Award. The award, established by the CTSFW Board of Regents, honors an alumnus who has distinguished himself by faithfully shepherding the people of God with excellence in preaching and teaching the faithful, reaching the lost, and caring for all while strengthening the Seminary by recruiting, publicizing, and supporting its mission. Lange, a “rock-solid churchman,” in the words of CTSFW president Dr. Jon S. Bruss, has served the LCMS for thirty-five years, as a parish pastor in Concordia, Missouri, and Topeka, Kansas; as president of the LCMS Kansas District; and now as first vice-president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).
CTSFW Provost Dr. Charles Gieschen congratulates the Reverend Peter K. Lange after Lange received the Alumnus of the Year Award.
Rounding out the list of honorees were recipients of the Miles Christi Awards, which recognizes laity who have distinguished themselves in a field of human endeavor and have displayed the characteristics of a good soldier of Jesus Christ, in keeping with 2 Timothy 2:3. This year’s recipients include Leonard Benko of West Lake, Ohio; Dr. Edward Fody and Nancy Keipe Fody of Holland, Michigan; and John and Terri Penshorn of Wayzata, Minnesota.
Dr. Edward Fody and Nancy Keipe Fody, recipients of a 2025 Miles Christi Award, with CTSFW President Dr. Jon S. Bruss.
Graduates who were recognized at commencement represented six degree programs and two certificate programs. The numbers below include degrees and certificates awarded or expected in the 2024–2025 academic year, including those that will be conferred this summer pending completion of academic work.
Master of Divinity: 34
Master of Arts: 6
Master of Arts in Deaconess Studies: 7
Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies: 1
Master of Sacred Theology: 8
Doctor of Ministry: 1
Alternate Route Certification: 5
Deaconess Certification: 2
2025 CTSFW graduates Aaron Ferguson, Ryan Groh, Jacob Garrison, and Adam Hiles take a photo with Dr. Mark Meehl, member of the CTSFW Board of Regents and professor of theology at Concordia University, Nebraska, the alma mater of all four students.
Earlier in the day, graduates and guests attended Baccalaureate Matins, where the Reverend Loel Wessel, pastor of First English Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, Minnesota, and father of two 2025 CTSFW graduates, served as preacher. Wessel’s sermon was based on Luke 10:25–37, the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Near the end of the sermon, Wessel told graduates that they, along with all Christians, are heading toward a new Jerusalem, but until that time, God would put people in their path who need his help and comfort, including those who might be wandering aimlessly, trapped in a life of sin, or crying out for help by the side of the road.
“These will be your unique opportunities to love your neighbor as yourself,” said Wessel, “and in loving your neighbor, you will also love your God.”
To access recordings of the baccalaureate and commencement services, visit our Chapel page at ctsfw.edu/dailychapelor click the button below.
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Click the graphic below to view images from the day’s events. You can also click here to see the photo album. 