LSTC Graduation Program 2026

So that they may be one (John 17:21)

Artwork by Ann Gerondelis

+ COMMENCEMENT + 166th Academic Year of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago 5416 S Cornell Ave. Room 210 Chicago, IL 60615 Saturday, May 16, 2026 + 10:00 a.m.

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ACADEMIC PROCESSION

God Is Here! (ELW 526)

Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000. Music: ABBOT'S LEIGH, Cyril V. Taylor, 1907-1991. Text ©1979 Hope Publishing Company. Music © 1942. ren. 1970 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. ALl rights reserved. Used by permission. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.

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GATHERING SONG

Oh, Love, How Deep (ELW 322)

Text: Thomas á Kemis, 1380-1471; tr. Benjamin Webb, 1819-1885, alt. Music: DEO GRACIAS, English ballad, 15th cent.

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+ COMMENCEMENT + PRAYER OF INVOCATION

Response after the prayer: Amen. The assembly is seated.

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS THE COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS MUSIC SELECTION: Be Thou My Vision (Arr. Daniel Musselman, ASCAP) PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES, DIPLOMAS, AND AWARDS INTRODUCTION PRESENTATION OF GRADUATES Candidates for the Master of Arts Degrees Candidates for the Master of Divinity Degree Candidates for the Master of Theology Degree Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree

THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS PRIZE THE EDGAR KRENTZ PRIZE FOR GREEK EXEGESIS THE JAMES KENNETH ECHOLS PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN PREACHING PRESENTATION OF THE COMMUNITY OF THE CROSS AWARD PRESENTATION OF THE CONFESSOR IN CHRIST AWARD PRESENTATION OF THE LEANDER RUFUS VETHANAYAGAMONY MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP PRESENTATION OF THE GROVER WRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP RECOGNITION OF THE LSTC FACULTY, STAFF AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESENTATION OF THE SENIOR CLASS GIFT WELCOME FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD BLESSING

Response after the prayer: Amen.

RECESSIONAL: Thine the Amen (LBW 826) 4

RECESSIONAL

Thine the Amen (ELW 826)

Text: Herbert F. Brokering, b. 1926. Music: THINE, Carl F. Schalk, b. 1929. Text and music © 1983 Augsburg Fortress Publishing House, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.

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+ THE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER + 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.

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CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF

+ MASTER OF ARTS + Lucas Michael Fiet

Rajesh Kumar Jayaraj (B)

CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF

+ MASTER OF ARTS IN MINISTRY + Carly Christine Chamberlain*

Natalia Elaine Pierson*

Tiffaney Lorraine Hammond

CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF

+ MASTER OF DIVINITY + Erik(a) Michael Boss

Lyndsay Rita Monsen

Nicholas R. Breining (I)

Evelyn C. Taylor

Sarah J. Freyermuth

Laxmikanth Vardhanapu*

CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF

+ MASTER OF THEOLOGY + Ji Bu

Philip Maikkula*

Yichun Chiang

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

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CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF

+ DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY + Jhon F. Correa

Mangasa Saor Parlindungan

Dissertation title: Building a Transition to a Different

Dissertation title: Lutheranism as a Cultural Hybrid:

World: From Globalization to a Pluriversal and Interversal

A Study of the Formation of the HKBP and the BNKP

World via Disturbed Studies

Confessions in the Lutheran Community

Kerstin Hedlund

Vicki Lynn Pedersen

Dissertation title: In Whose Image: Forming the

Dissertation title: Reading Luke's Meal (Type-) Scenes

Icon–How Human Efforts to Abolish Disease in the Body

within Second Temple Judaism: Rethinking the Basis of

Perpetuate a Dis-eased Body—An Analysis of M. Shawn

Our Reading Practices

Copeland’s Theological Anthropology and Assisted

Denise L. Rector

Reproductive Therapies

Dissertation title: Visibilizing Black Women’s ELCA

M Seng Tsin Nan

History through Rev. Earlean Miller

Dissertation title: Applying Revelation’s Ethics of Active

Eddie A. Rosa Fuentes

Nonviolent Resistance in the Context of Dictatorship in

Dissertation title: Performing the Flesh: Errant(izing)

Myanmar

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

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+ 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.

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+ 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.

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+ FACULTY + Karri Alldredge

Christian Scharen

Assistant Professor of New Testament

Associate Professor and Gordon Braatz Chair of Worship

Shauna Hannan

Robert O. Smith (Chickasaw)

President

Associate Professor of Authentic Diversity, Justice, and Public Church

Rafael Malpica Padilla Damm Chair in Leadership

Mark N. Swanson

Director of Latine Ministry and Theology

Harold S. Vogelaar Professor of Christian-Muslim Studies

(Retired December 31, 2025)

and Interfaith Relations Associate Director of A Center of Christian-Muslim

Esther M. Menn

Engagement for Peace and Justice

Ralph W. and Marilyn R. Klein Professor of Old Testament/

Linda E. Thomas

Hebrew Bible

Bernard, Fischer, Westberg Distinguished Professor of

Brooke Petersen

Theology and Anthropology

John H. Tietjen Chair of Pastoral Ministry Associate Professor of Pastoral Care

Peter Vethanayagamony

Director of MDiv, MA and MAM programs

Augustana Heritage Professor of Global Mission and World

Director of ELCA Candidacy

Christianity

Marvin E. Wickware, Jr. Associate Professor of Church and Society and Ethics

+ EMERITI FACULTY + Terrence Baeder

José David Rodríguez

Director emeritus of Field Education

Augustana Heritage Professor emeritus of Global Mission and World Christianity

Kathleen D. Billman John H. Tietjen Endowed Chair in Pastoral Ministry:

Barbara R. Rossing

Pastoral Theology, Professor emerita of Pastoral Theology

Professor emerita of New Testament

Kurt K. Hendel

Michael Shelley

Bernard, Fischer, Westberg Distinguished Ministry

Director emeritus of A Center of Christian-Muslim

Professor emeritus of Reformation History

Engagement for Peace and Justice

James Nieman

Harold S. Vogelaar

President emeritus

Professor emeritus of World Religions

Richard J. Perry Jr.

Christine Wenderoth

Professor emeritus of Church and Society and Urban Ministry

Director Emerita, JKM Library; Associate Professor emerita of Ministry

David M. Rhoads Professor emeritus of New Testament

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+ DISTINGUISHED AFFILIATE FACULTY + Mercedes García-Bachmann

Craig A. Satterlee

Professor of Old Testament

Professor of Homiletics

Antje Jackelén

Benjamin Stewart

Professor of Systematic Theology/Religion and Science

Professor of Worship

Carol Schersten LaHurd

Audrey West

Professor of World Religions

Associate Professor of New Testament

Gayle E. Woloschak Professor of Religion and Science Studies

+ AUXILIARY FACULTY + Patricia Cuyatti Chavez

Rosanne Swanson

Vickie Johnson

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+ ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF + Samantha Adindu

Peter Iversen

CRM and Events Manager

Philanthropic Engagement Officer

Derek Brinkley

Jennifer Kellogg

Enrollment Management Consultant

Controller

Cade Chrastina

Rhiannon Koehler

Admissions Counselor

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

Aaron Copley-Spivey

Bianca Leoni

Director of Human Resources; Title IX Coordinator

Housing and Student Employment Manager

Patti DeBias

Sara Mercurio

Assistant to the President

Circulation and ILL Specialist, JKM Library

Samantha DeBias

Sandra H. Nelson

Accounting Coordinator

Vice President for Advancement

Keisha Dyson

Tim Olson

Vice President for Enterprise Innovation

IT Manager

Bradley Arnette Erz

Nathaniel Ramsey

Registrar

Director of Financial Aid

James Foster

Charles Sansone

Director of Security and Operations

Director of IT

Matt Frost

Marji Shannon

JKM Services Coordinator and Acting Interim Director,

Director of Contextual Education; Director of the TEEM

JKM Library

Program

Keith Hampton

Robert Smith

Cantor to the Seminary Community

Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs

Shauna Hannan

Jennifer Stone

President

Director of Advancement Services

Marvis Hardy

Ariana Strahl

International Student Services and Pero Center

Philanthropic Engagement Officer

Coordinator

Sara Trumm

Stephanie Holding

Director, A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for

Interim Director, JKM Library

Peace and Justice

Cheryl Hoth

Richard Vivian

Assistant to the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs

Vice President of Finance and Operations

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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 other One 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 imagine One people of God Powerfully united in love, One body of Christ, For the life of the world.

Amen.

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+ 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.

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