Pr. Malpica Padilla joined the LSTC faculty in July 2023 as the John Damm Chair in Leadership and Director of the Latiné Ministry and Theology Program. During his time on campus, he played a formative role in strengthening LSTC’s engagement with global and Latiné theologies, mentoring students preparing for ministry in intercultural and international contexts, and shaping conversations around leadership, justice, and the church’s public witness. His teaching and presence enriched the life of the community, helping students, faculty, and staff reflect more deeply on what it means to lead faithfully in a complex and interconnected world.
Prior to his service at LSTC, Pr. Malpica Padilla served for more than 30 years in the Global Mission unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, including two decades as its executive director. Earlier in his ministry, he served as Bishop of the Caribbean Synod of the ELCA and as a parish pastor, grounding his global leadership in deep pastoral and ecclesial experience.
A practitioner and theologian of mission, Pr. Malpica Padilla is widely known for developing the theological framework of “Accompaniment,” which has profoundly shaped how the global church understands mission as mutuality, presence, and shared journey. His scholarship and leadership have influenced churches, seminaries, and ecumenical partners worldwide through his writing, teaching, and long-standing service with organizations such as the Lutheran World Federation, Church World Service, and Lutheran World Relief.
Reflecting on his ministry, theologian Conrad A. Braaten observed that with one foot in the Global South and one in the Global North, and one foot in the ecumenical world and one in the Lutheran tradition, Pr. Malpica Padilla embodies leadership formed at the boundaries where deep learning and faithful witness emerge.
His commencement address will mark both a celebration of graduating students and a fitting tribute to a lifetime of service to the global church. Pr. Malpica Padilla retired from service at LSTC in December 2025.
Lucas Michael Fiet
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + MASTER OF ARTS +
Rajesh Kumar Jayaraj (B)
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + MASTER OF ARTS IN MINISTRY +
Carly Christine Chamberlain*
Tiffaney Lorraine Hammond
Erik(a) Michael Boss
Nicholas R. Breining (I)
Sarah J. Freyermuth
Ji Bu
Yichun Chiang
Natalia Elaine Pierson*
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + MASTER OF DIVINITY +
Lyndsay Rita Monsen
Evelyn C. Taylor
Laxmikanth Vardhanapu*
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + MASTER OF THEOLOGY +
Philip Maikkula*
Sweetry Noverlindra
A Completed requirements for African Descent Emphasis
B Completed requirements for Biblical Studies Emphasis
C Completed requirements for Christian Theology and Ethics Emphasis
E Completed requirements for Environmental Ministry Emphasis
H Completed requirements for Hispanic Ministry Emphasis
I Completed requirements for Interfaith Emphasis
*In absentia
Jhon F. Correa
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY +
Dissertation title: Building a Transition to a Different World: From Globalization to a Pluriversal and Interversal World via Disturbed Studies
Kerstin Hedlund
Dissertation title: In Whose Image: Forming the Icon–How Human Efforts to Abolish Disease in the Body
Perpetuate a Dis-eased Body—An Analysis of M. Shawn Copeland’s Theological Anthropology and Assisted Reproductive Therapies
M Seng Tsin Nan
Dissertation title: Applying Revelation’s Ethics of Active Nonviolent Resistance in the Context of Dictatorship in Myanmar
Mangasa Saor Parlindungan
Dissertation title: Lutheranism as a Cultural Hybrid: A Study of the Formation of the HKBP and the BNKP Confessions in the Lutheran Community
Vicki Lynn Pedersen
Dissertation title: Reading Luke's Meal (Type-) Scenes within Second Temple Judaism: Rethinking the Basis of Our Reading Practices
Denise L. Rector
Dissertation title: Visibilizing Black Women’s ELCA History through Rev. Earlean Miller
Eddie A. Rosa Fuentes
Dissertation title: Performing the Flesh: Errant(izing) Theological Anthropology through Decolonial Theoperformance
A Completed requirements for African Descent Emphasis
B Completed requirements for Biblical Studies Emphasis
C Completed requirements for Christian Theology and Ethics Emphasis
E Completed requirements for Environmental Ministry Emphasis
H Completed requirements for Hispanic Ministry Emphasis
I Completed requirements for Interfaith Emphasis
*In absentia
+ Community of the Cross Award +
The Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL) is a grassroots coalition based in Chicago, IL, dedicated to transforming racial, economic, social, and environmental structures through community organizing and liberative formation. CSPL is deeply rooted in - and inspired by - Catholic spiritual and theological traditions, focusing on building power rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and trains and develops faith leaders to enter into public life strategically and communally. CSPL engages grassroots communities, addresses social inequities, and mobilizes the leadership of grassroots faith communities to address poverty and expand resources for youth services and programs. Its work includes building worker-owned cooperatives and advocating for policy and systems change to support the establishment, integration, and success of these cooperatives. CSPL brings together Catholic & Christian people in Chicago & the western suburbs to build power and create thriving communities.
CSPL creates change using the following “Four Pillars” that are strategic, community-centered, and grounded in Catholic social tradition.
Pillar one is “Coalition Building.” With every new member, their grassroots power and influence grows. They build power in their communities by connecting its members. Being member led means that each community members concerns, hopes, and dreams are of highest priority while addressing deep, systemic issues and supporting one another with our varied skills, resources, and knowledge.
Pillar two relates to “Community Organizing.” Many people of faith in Chicago and the western suburbs are aware of the issues their communities face, but they don’t have the resources or connections to make change. CSPL believes in the power of grassroots organizing and their successes prove that it works.
Pillar three is “Liberative Formation.” Their members develop their natural leadership capacity through CSPL. They believe that every person has the fundamental right and responsibility to engage in civic life and to work for the common good. They are committed to supporting our members to effectively organize for social change.
Pillar four, the final pillar, is “Organizational Development.” With being a grassroots, faith-based nonprofit, democratically led by its members, CSPL believes that positive change is most meaningful when it is guided by those most affected.
What CSPL does and how they do it is decided on through listening to community members. Their mission is guided by those who most need racial, economic, and social transformation, and who will most benefit from the positive change they strive for.
Most recently, their powerful faith rooted presence and leadership in advocating for those held at the Broadview ICE facility, as well as organizing faith communities and others in Chicago to oppose ICE and protect vulnerable residents of our city, was a key element in making the presence of God real in the face of the powers of fear and violence.
+ The Confessor of Christ Award +
For the Confessor of Christ award, the LSTC Faculty selected the people of Minnesota who, in commitment to faith and humanity, demonstrated love for their neighbors under extraordinary circumstances. Throughout Operation Metro Surge, beginning in December 2025, many ordinary Minnesotans engaged in many levels of dissident behavior and protest as they resisted the increasingly brutal tactics employed by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Organized resistance tactics spread throughout the state, leading to thousands being detained and the deaths of two. This widespread resistance drew attention to the federal government’s increased violent repression and neglect of due process. Sustained efforts on the part of regular Minnesotans began to shift perceptions and contributed to the decision to end the surge and reduce the number of ICE agents stationed in the state. Many Lutherans took part in these acts of resistance alongside their many neighbors. Rev. Jane BuckleyFarlee, Rev. Hierald Osorto, and Rev. Ingrid Arneson Rasmussen are church leaders in Minnesota who have come to our imperfect attention as exemplars who each acted in many ways to confront the challenges federal law enforcement brought into their communities. Knowing that there are many other ELCA colleagues and many more church-adjacent and people of faith who could be named, we commend these three representatives as exemplifying the nature of the work we wish to highlight and emulate.
PRESENTATION OF THE + LEANDER RUFUS VETHANAYAGAMONY MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP +
Established by the Vethanayagamony family, this fellowship honors the life, faith, and witness of their beloved son and brother, Leander Rufus. It is intended to support students by encouraging and enabling them to pursue their research and academic studies with added financial resources.
PRESENTATION OF THE + GROVER WRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP +
This scholarship supports persons of African descent or persons of color whose first language is not English. It is dedicated to students pursuing the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Master of Theology, or Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
+ FACULTY +
Karri Alldredge
Assistant Professor of New Testament
Shauna Hannan
President
Rafael Malpica Padilla
Damm Chair in Leadership
Director of Latine Ministry and Theology
(Retired December 31, 2025)
Esther M. Menn
Ralph W. and Marilyn R. Klein Professor of Old Testament/ Hebrew Bible
Brooke Petersen
John H. Tietjen Chair of Pastoral Ministry
Associate Professor of Pastoral Care
Director of MDiv, MA and MAM programs
Director of ELCA Candidacy
Christian Scharen
Associate Professor and Gordon Braatz Chair of Worship
Robert O. Smith (Chickasaw)
Associate Professor of Authentic Diversity, Justice, and Public Church
Mark N. Swanson
Harold S. Vogelaar Professor of Christian-Muslim Studies and Interfaith Relations
Associate Director of A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice
Linda E. Thomas
Bernard, Fischer, Westberg Distinguished Professor of Theology and Anthropology
Peter Vethanayagamony
Augustana Heritage Professor of Global Mission and World
Christianity
Marvin E. Wickware, Jr.
Associate Professor of Church and Society and Ethics
+ EMERITI FACULTY +
Terrence Baeder
Director emeritus of Field Education
Kathleen D. Billman
John H. Tietjen Endowed Chair in Pastoral Ministry:
Pastoral Theology, Professor emerita of Pastoral Theology
Kurt K. Hendel
Bernard, Fischer, Westberg Distinguished Ministry
Professor emeritus of Reformation History
James Nieman
President emeritus
Richard J. Perry Jr.
Professor emeritus of Church and Society and Urban Ministry
David M. Rhoads
Professor emeritus of New Testament
José David Rodríguez
Augustana Heritage Professor emeritus of Global Mission and World Christianity
Barbara R. Rossing
Professor emerita of New Testament
Michael Shelley
Director emeritus of A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice
Harold S. Vogelaar
Professor emeritus of World Religions
Christine Wenderoth
Director Emerita, JKM Library; Associate Professor emerita of Ministry
+ DISTINGUISHED AFFILIATE FACULTY +
Mercedes García-Bachmann
Professor of Old Testament
Antje Jackelén
Professor of Systematic Theology/Religion and Science
Carol Schersten LaHurd Professor of World Religions
Patricia Cuyatti Chavez
Vickie Johnson
Craig A. Satterlee Professor of Homiletics
Benjamin Stewart Professor of Worship
Audrey West Associate Professor of New Testament
Gayle E. Woloschak Professor of Religion and Science Studies
+ AUXILIARY FACULTY +
Rosanne Swanson
+ ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF +
Samantha Adindu
CRM and Events Manager
Derek Brinkley
Enrollment Management Consultant
Cade Chrastina
Admissions Counselor
Aaron Copley-Spivey
Director of Human Resources; Title IX Coordinator
Patti DeBias
Assistant to the President
Samantha DeBias Accounting Coordinator
Keisha Dyson Vice President for Enterprise Innovation
Bradley Arnette Erz Registrar
James Foster Director of Security and Operations
Matt Frost
JKM Services Coordinator and Acting Interim Director, JKM Library
Keith Hampton Cantor to the Seminary Community
Shauna Hannan
President
Marvis Hardy International Student Services and Pero Center Coordinator
Stephanie Holding Interim Director, JKM Library
Cheryl Hoth
Assistant to the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs
Peter Iversen Philanthropic Engagement Officer
Jennifer Kellogg Controller
Rhiannon Koehler
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Bianca Leoni Housing and Student Employment Manager
Sara Mercurio Circulation and ILL Specialist, JKM Library
Sandra H. Nelson Vice President for Advancement
Tim Olson IT Manager
Nathaniel Ramsey Director of Financial Aid
Charles Sansone Director of IT
Marji Shannon Director of Contextual Education; Director of the TEEM Program
Robert Smith
Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Jennifer Stone Director of Advancement Services
Ariana Strahl Philanthropic Engagement Officer
Sara Trumm
Director, A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice
Richard Vivian Vice President of Finance and Operations
PRESENTATION OF THE + SENIOR CLASS GIFT +
This year's class gift will be to Katie’s Closet to support students living in Hyde Park. You can designate your support for this year's class gift here: https://lstc.edu/giving/make-a-gift/
+ 2026 COMMENCEMENT THEME AND ARTIST INFORMATION +
The artist commissioned to produce materials for this year’s program is Ann Gerondelis AIA, IDSA. Ann is the Head of the Design Department in Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. A passionate design evangelist and inclusive leader, she draws on her broad range of experiences in educational innovation and design in multiple disciplines.
Becoming One artist statement
This work, Becoming One, is crafted as a prayer for this year’s graduates entering a fractured world yearning to be whole. The following prayer accompanied its creation.
Fill us with the winds of your spirit, O God. In joy, may we become one with you, And one with each otherOne body of Christ.
Enliven our steps In sync with your call. Pull us beyond the limits we see That we may beautifully become What we can only imagineOne people of God Powerfully united in love, One body of Christ, For the life of the world.
Amen.
+ LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT +
LSTC recognizes that our school stands on the lands of the Potawatomi, Miami, and Peoria peoples. For thousands of years before their forced removal, this was their traditional homeland, and it continues to hold their ancestral stories and wisdom. We honor and thank the elders of these and other nations, past and present. These lands are still home to many indigenous people, and we are grateful to learn in this place.
+ RECONCILING IN CHRIST SEMINARY +
As a Reconciling in Christ seminary, LSTC seeks to offer hospitality and welcome to all who enter LSTC’s academic programs. Following Jesus Christ, whose reconciling love bridged barriers and made strangers friends, we seek to welcome and learn from one another’s particularity—including but not limited to one another’s race, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, physical ability, social status, and theological diversity.
