Preacher Efrem Smith to speak at Judson graduation

Judson University will celebrate its 73rd commencement Saturday, May 2. Speaker and preacher Efrem Smith 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.

Smith is an internationally recognized leader who uses humor, motivational speaking and dynamic preaching to equip people for a life of transformation. He also consults with churches, schools, and other organizations on matters of diversity, leadership, and community development.

Smith is the president and CEO of World Impact, an urban mission, church planting, and leadership-development organization, headquartered in Los Angeles, California. He also is an itinerant speaker with Kingdom Building Ministries and author of the books, "Raising Up Young Heroes," "The Hip Hop Church," "Jump" and "The Post-Black and Post-White Church." He served as a regional superintendent of the Evangelical Covenant Church prior to coming on board with World Impact.

Smith is a graduate of Saint John's University and Luther Theological Seminary, and he is currently a doctoral student in Church Leadership at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.

At the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony, 50 students will graduate from the School of Art, Design & Architecture, and 56 students will graduate from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

At the 2 p.m. ceremony, 88 students will graduate from the School of Leadership and Business, and eight will graduate from the School of Education.