University of Dubuque Announces 2012 Commencement Ceremonies

Apr 30, 2012 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary

The University of Dubuque today announced the calendar of events for its 160th Commencement for 512 undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students.

College Commencement Events

The College Baccalaureate Service will be held Friday, May 11, at 5:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church.  This year's Baccalaureate Service speaker will be Henry Grubb, professor of psychology.

Following the Baccalaureate Service, the University will host the annual Senior Dinner for graduating seniors and their families at the Grand River Center (by invitation only) in the Ballroom.

The University of Dubuque will confer degrees on 390 undergraduate and 78 graduate students during its 160th College Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 12, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Grand River Center in the Port of Dubuque.  Dr. Calvin Coquillette, assistant professor of history, emeritus, will deliver the Commencement Address.

Coquillette joined the University of Dubuque in 2000 as an adjunct instructor, began serving as assistant professor in 2003, and served as project manager of the Diamond Program from 2008-2010.  He earned the bachelor of arts degree in English and history from Ripon College, the master of business administration from the University of Pennsylvania, the master and doctor of philosophy in history degrees from the University of Iowa, and the master of arts in religion from the University of Dubuque.  He has been a leader in the banking industry and has served many commercial, civic, and educational institutions as a board member.

During his service to the University, Coquillette distinguished himself through his commitment to the intellectual, social, and spiritual development of students and his genuine delight in the work of his colleagues.  Upon his retirement in December 2011, he was bestowed honor of assistant professor of history emeritus by the University's Board of Trustees.

Seminary Commencement Events

The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary Baccalaureate Service will be held Friday, May 11, at 9:30 a.m. in Blades Chapel. Dr. Elmer Colyer, professor of historical theology and Stanley Professor of Wesley Studies, will deliver the homily.

 

The University's Seminary will confer degrees on 44 students - 39 master of divinity, 1 master of arts in religion, 2 master of missional Christianity, 2 doctor of ministry, and 1 certificate in theological studies - during the Seminary Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 12 at 9:30 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. 

Barbara G. Wheeler, director of Auburn Theological Seminary's Center for the Study of Theological Education, will deliver the Seminary's Commencement Address

In 1991, while serving as Auburn Theological Seminary's president, a post she held for thirty years, Barbara Wheeler founded the Center for the Study of Theological Education.  Wheeler writes and speaks on American religious life and theological education, and she consults widely with seminaries, denominations, foundations and congregations. She is principal author of more than a dozen research reports published by Auburn (www.auburnsem.org/cste) and has contributed to and edited books on the future of mainline Protestantism, congregational studies, and theological education. She is the co-author of Being There: Culture and Formation in Two Theological Schools (Oxford Press), which received the Distinguished Book Award of the Religious Research Association.

Wheeler is a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and an ordained elder in the United Church of Granville, NY. She has served the church at the national level as a member of the Task Force on the Peace, Unity and Purity of the Presbyterian Church, the Board of the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, the Committee of 7 to Study Presbyterian Publishing, and the Special Committee on Theological Institutions.  Currently she serves as a member of the Presbyterian Committee on Congregational Song, charged with producing a new hymnal for the denomination.

Barbara Wheeler is a graduate of Barnard College and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Hamilton College.