THE BACCALAUREATE SERVICE
The Baccalaureate service is a faith-based celebration honoring Valparaiso University’s graduates. We recognize that a student’s time at Valpo is not only a period of intellectual and social growth but also one of spiritual development and intentional service.
This service is a dedicated moment to reflect on that journey. Graduates will share their personal stories of faith and service, inviting us all to consider the gifts we have received at Valpo and to give thanks to God, the source of all good things.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Campus Policies & Courtesy Guidelines
Valparaiso University is a tobacco-free campus. The use of tobacco products is prohibited on University property, except within an enclosed personal vehicle.
As a courtesy to others, please silence your cell phone while in the Chapel.
Restroom Facilities
Restrooms are located in the undercroft, accessible via the spiral staircase off the narthex at the southwest end of the building. The nearest accessible and family restrooms are in the narthex.
Service Broadcast & Livestream
Today’s service is being livestreamed on the Valparaiso University YouTube channel and broadcast on WVUR 95.1 FM, Valpo’s campus radio station. Visit the Valparaiso University YouTube channel by scanning the QR code below.
Land Acknowledgment
The Chapel of the Resurrection stands on the traditional homelands of several Indigenous peoples, most notably the Potawatomi (Bodéwadmik) Nation. This land was ceded to the United States federal authorities on October 26, 1832, through the Treaty of Tippecanoe – a cession made under duress. We acknowledge this history with gratitude and respect.
Some members of the Indigenous community resisted removal. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi (Pokégnêk Bodéwadmik) successfully established a sovereign government in Dowagiac, Michigan, where they continue to live, work, and worship as our neighbors.
Toccata, Adagio, and Fugue in C major, BWV 564 ..................... Johann Sebastian Bach
Music: Public domain
All stand and face the cross as it enters the Chapel, turning once again to face the altar as the cross passes.
PROCESSIONAL MUSIC
Grand March from Opera Aida Giuseppe Verdi
Music: Public domain
INVOCATION AND OPENING PRAYER
It is customary for people in academic attire to remove their caps for the benediction.
ENTRANCE HYMN
“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” ....................................... . Text by Henry Van Dyke (1852–1922) All sing.
1 . Joyful joyful we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love! Hearts unfold like flow’rs before thee, praising thee, their sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the gloom of doubt away. Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.
2 . All thy works with joy surround thee, earth and heav’n reflect thy rays, stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, flow’ry meadow, flashing sea, chanting bird, and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in thee.
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 22:24–27 At the end of the reading…
L: The Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
MUSICAL RESPONSE
“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”
3 Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest, wellspring of the joy of living, ocean-depth of happy rest! Thou our Father, Christ our brother, all who live in love are thine; teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine!
All sing.
Text by Henry Van Dyke (1852–1922)
STUDENT REFLECTION ........................ Natalya Reister ’25
MUSICAL RESPONSE
Valparaiso University Chorale
Marin Jacobson, DMA, Conductor Soloists
Adelyn Carney ’25, Oboe Miranda Schabes ’26, Double Bass
Jihye Choi, M.M., Piano
“I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” ...............................
Text and Music by Kathleen Thomerson (b. 1934)
arr. Erik Dewar and Dan Forrest
STUDENT REFLECTION
MUSICAL RESPONSE
Valparaiso University Chorale
Noemi Araceli Vela ’25
Marin Jacobson, DMA, Conductor “Praise to the Lord” ..................................................
arr. F. Melius Christiansen (1871-1955)
STUDENT REFLECTION ........................ Kudakwashe Chikonyora ’25
UNIVERSITY PASTORS’ RESPONSE
Reverend James A. Wetzstein, M.Div.
Reverend Katherine A. Museus, M.Div., M.A.
UNIVERSITY HYMN
“Firm Our Commitment” ............................................. Text by Kathleen Mullen Music by Dennis Friesen-Carper
Firm our commitment to learning and service
Consummate scholarship, faith above all, Scholars believing “In thy light we see light,” Humbly we stand here to answer your call.
Cherishing liberty, grateful for freedom, yearning for justice to fill all the earth, Embracing all peoples, envisioning a new world, As faithful stewards we work toward its birth.
Composed for the University’s Founders Day observance in 2000 by Dennis Friesen-Carper, senior research professor. Text by Kathleen Mullen, associate professor emeritus of English.
Stand, as able.
SENDING PRAYER
L: O God, you have called your servant to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
BLESSING
RECESSIONAL MUSIC
Prelude and Fugue in C major BWV 545
CHANCEL PARTY
President José D. Padilla, J.D.
Natalya Reister ’25
Noemi Araceli Vela ’25
Kudakwashe Chikonyora ’25
Reverend Katherine Museus, M.Div., M.A.
Reverend James A. Wetzstein, M.Div.
MUSICIANS
Choir: Valparaiso University Chorale, Marin Jacobson, DMA, Conductor
Johann Sebastian Bach
Music: Public domain
Organist: Jihye Choi, M.M., Director of Chapel Music and University Organist
PERMISSIONS
Copyright © 2025 Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana. No portions may be reproduced by any means, electronically or printed, without permission of Valparaiso University. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #27002. New Revised Standard Version Bible copyright 1989. Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.