Judson commencement chance to celebrate school's anniversaries
Judson University will celebrate its Golden Centennial commencement Saturday, May 3.
The duel anniversaries mark 50 years since Judson's first commencement after it was established in Elgin, then known as Judson College. The school also is honoring its roots as the Northern Theological Seminary founded in 1913.
Spiritual formation researcher and author Mindy Caliguire will deliver the keynote address to graduates in two separate ceremonies, scheduled for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Lindner Fitness Center, 1151 N. State St., Elgin.
Caliguire is the founder of Soul Care, a spiritual formation ministry that exists to increase "soul health" in the body of Christ. She is the executive director for Engage International and served as the director of Transformation Ministry for the Willow Creek Association. She serves as a frequent speaker and leadership consultant, working with local churches and national organizations such as Renovare, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Salvation Army, and her own home congregation Willow Creek Community Church. She contributes to Leadership and Conversations journals. Her books include "STIR: Spiritual Transformation in Relationships," "Become Like Jesus, Discovering Soul Care, Spiritual Friendship, Soul Searching and Simplicity," as well as "Write for Your Soul: The Whys and Hows of Journaling," with her husband, Jeff Caliguire. Mindy, Jeff, and their three adventurous teenagers are all active members at Willow Creek Community Church.
At the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony, 94 students will graduate from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the School of Art, Design and Architecture. At the 2 p.m. ceremony, 86 students will graduate from the School of Education and the School of Leadership and Business.
In celebration of the university's 50th anniversary, Judson will honor alumni from the first graduating class in 1964 at a Golden Alumni Ceremony Friday, May 2, where they will be presented with a Golden Alumni Medallion. They will also be recognized at the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony on Saturday.