May 4, 2024

Commencement

Commencement is the launching pad for our mission. As students walk across the stage, it symbolizes our students are now ready “for a life of faith and service in the church and society.” As this chapter of what it looks like to be a Raven at Anderson University closes, we’re looking forward to celebrating with you — everything you’ve accomplished and everything that’s to come!

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Anderson University will hold its annual Commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. May 4 in the Kardatzke Wellness Center (KWC). This year’s ceremony will once again combine aspects of Baccalaureate and Commencement into one celebration.

Kristian Andersen ’96 will serve as the Commencement speaker. Andersen is currently a co-founder and partner at High Alpha – a venture studio that conceives, launches, and scales technology companies. Prior to High Alpha, Andersen founded Studio Science – a leading design and innovation consultancy that he sold to an investment group in 2019. Andersen is an active angel investor and previously co-founded Gravity Ventures, a seed-stage venture fund, and a number of software companies, including Octiv, Lessonly, Visible, and Pathagility. In addition to serving on several corporate boards, he is actively involved in a number of philanthropic and nonprofit endeavors. 

Brian Martin will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker. Martin is a grateful, joyful, devoted believer in God who loves to share the love, truth, and grace of God to those around him. God has empowered him to earn a bachelor’s in Bible and religion from Harding University, a master’s in theological studies from Anderson University, and pursue a doctorate in global leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. Martin has been working at AU since 2014 and he currently serves as the director of AU’s Center for Intercultural Engagement.

Honorary degrees will be presented to Deanna K. Edwards ’65 and Andersen. Edwards earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Anderson College followed by a Master of Education from Ball State University. The wife of Dr. James L. Edwards, she spent 25 years as the first lady of Anderson University where she was an active ambassador to the campus and community, serving on several boards and committees.

Guests attending are encouraged to be in their seats by 1:30 p.m. The processional will enter at 1:45 p.m.

Additional Details

  • For cap and gown ordering, visit Anderson University on Jostens.
  • For Jostens’ orders, the online ordering date for graduate students is March 6, 2024. For undergraduate students it is March 20, 2024.
  • Graduates must check in for the commencement ceremony at 12:30 p.m. in Byrum Hall. Please be sure to eat sometime before you arrive, as you will not have time to eat again until after the ceremony, which will last approximately 2 to 2-1/2 hours.
  • Commencement will be held on the main floor of Kardatzke Wellness Center. Parking will be available on campus.
  • Students’ names who are not in attendance will not be read during the Commencement ceremony.

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“We are excited for our hundreds of graduates as they embark on the next phase of their life's journey, whether starting their careers or graduate school. We’re grateful to our outstanding faculty and staff who have walked with these graduates and worked with them to accomplish their goals. AU continues to make a difference for good in the world with these current grads."
John Pistole headshot
John S. Pistole

President

Anderson University