Concordia University Ann Arbor will present diplomas to 148 students and honor three awardees during spring commencement exercises on Sunday, May 19.
A total of 117 students will earn their undergraduate degree, along with 31 graduate students. Ceremonies begin on Sunday, May 19 with a traditional baccalaureate service at 11 a.m. in The Chapel Of The Holy Trinity, 4090 Geddes Road, followed by commencement at 2 p.m. in the Field House.
Curt Gielow, who served as Chief Executive Officer of Concordia University Ann Arbor from 2013-2018, will deliver the commencement address. Gielow, who was instrumental in the successful integration of the Concordia campuses in Mequon, Wisconsin and Ann Arbor, will also be receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws.
The student address will be delivered by Emily Collins of Macomb, Michigan, who will be receiving her degree in Psychology.
Three prestigious awards are being presented during commencement. The Outstanding Alumnus Award was presented earlier during a special chapel service to Rev. David Davis, a 1979 graduate.
Christus Primus
Rev. William Gatz, an alumnus and longtime supporter of the school since he came to the Michigan District in the 1970s after serving in Ontario, Canada, is being honored for more than 50 years of clergy service. He hosted numerous Concordia Sundays at his church and sent a number of prospective students to visit CUAA. A Korean War veteran, Pastor Emeritus Gatz is a regular participant in the university’s annual Veteran’s Day events.
Honorary Doctorate of Divinity
Rev. Terry Cripe, an alumnus and past member of CUAA’s Board of Regents, is being honored for more than 30 years in the pastoral ministry as well as 12 years as President of the Ohio District of the LCMS. The author of several articles for LCMS publications, he was the primary drafter of the Reformation Anniversary Bible Study entitled Unjustifiable Faiths.
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Mr. Curt Gielow, whose career in education began in 2007 on Concordia University Wisconsin’s campus when he was asked to explore the feasibility of starting a School of Pharmacy, will receive this award. A year later he was appointed Executive Dean of the SOP project and in 2010 the “genesis” class enrolled. Under his management, CUAA’s enrollment doubled and programs were added in Nursing and Physician’s Assistant.
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