University of Dubuque to Celebrate 167th Commencement
May 10, 2019 | University Relations staff
DUBUQUE, Iowa – University of Dubuque will hold its 167th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center.
Nearly 350 students are eligible to participate in the ceremony, including 278 undergraduate and 71 graduate students.
Mark Ward, PhD, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty, will deliver the commencement address, titled “It’s Time.” Ward oversees more than 40 academic programs offered at the undergraduate, graduate, and seminary level. In addition, he is responsible for the faculty, curriculum, and support services of the Charles C. Myers Library, Office of the Registrar, and Academic Success Center.
In fall 2010, Ward joined a dedicated faculty and staff in strengthening and growing the learning opportunities at UD, with the goal of empowering faculty, staff, and students to contribute to the world as people of competence, character, and conviction. Since that time, new undergraduate majors have been developed in mathematics, chemistry, economics, and sport management. Several other programs have been substantially revised and new graduate programs have been developed in management, Christian leadership, and physician assistant studies.
Ward holds a bachelor of arts in economics and business from Calvin College, a master of business administration from University of Denver, and a doctor of philosophy in business from University of Illinois at Chicago. He has published in the areas of work values/work beliefs and provided consulting services to non-profit organizations on mission development and strategic planning.
New this year, a Graduate Hooding Ceremony will be held Saturday, May 18, at 10:00 a.m. in Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2155 University Avenue.
The University Baccalaureate Service will be held Friday, May 17, at 5:00 p.m. in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center.
Seminary Commencement Events
University of Dubuque Theological Seminary will hold a commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, at 9:30 a.m. in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center. Twenty-six students will receive degrees and four students will earn certificates.
Rev. Sherrie Ilg (MDiv’10, DMin’18) will deliver the commencement address, titled “To Equip God’s People.” Ilg has served at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, since 2010, first as associate pastor and then as lead pastor.
Prior to sensing a call into pastoral ministry, Ilg worked in adult education through Iowa State University Extension Service, began a custom window treatment and design business, served as a home economist for an international spice company, was a senior sales director for a home-based kitchen tool company, and served on the staff of Shueyville United Methodist Church in Shueyville, Iowa, as well as St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The Seminary Baccalaureate Service will be held Friday, May 17, at 1:30 p.m. in Blades Chapel.
