Commencement 2025
The Trustees and Faculty of Christian Theological Seminary will host a formal Commencement Ceremony to present Candidates for Degrees and graduate the 2025 Spring Class on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Please note: the Commencement Ceremony is a ticketed event by invite only, but Baccalaureate Chapel is open to all in person at Sweeney Chapel and by livestream on Friday, May 16 at 3:00pm Eastern.
Honorees
This year, CTS will be conferring honorary degrees to recognize Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, Mr. Mark A. Miller, and Rev. Rob Fuquay. The Presidential Award of Excellence will be presented to Mr. Donald E. Knebel, Esq.
Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale
Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale will receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity. A trailblazing pastor, mentor, and justice advocate, Dr. Hale is the founding and senior pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Decatur, Georgia. With more than four decades of ministry, she has shaped theological education and pastoral leadership through her commitment to mentoring clergy, fostering inclusive ministry spaces, and advocating for social justice.
Dr. Hale’s life work has challenged systemic barriers to leadership within the church, especially for Black women in ministry. Her pastoral mentoring organization, ELAH Pastoral Ministries, and the Women in Ministry Conference have equipped countless clergy for effective and transformative service. In addition to her local and national leadership, Dr. Hale’s voice has been instrumental in shaping discourse around justice and faith. As a preacher, author, and advocate, she embodies the CTS mission to embrace diversity and promote healing and wholeness in the church and society.
Dr. Hale will deliver the Commencement Address.
Mr. Mark A. Miller
Mr. Mark A. Miller will receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity. A renowned composer, worship leader, and advocate for justice through music, Miller has been a driving force for inclusiveness within church music. He currently serves as Lecturer in Sacred Music at Yale’s Institute of Sacred Music and Divinity School. A lifelong United Methodist, Miller’s compositions have deeply influenced the musical landscape of congregations across denominations, offering a prophetic voice for justice and equity.
His hymns and sacred music, known for their powerful messages of inclusion, challenge communities to embrace the dignity of all people. His career spans roles as a professor, musician, and worship leader, consistently using his platform to elevate marginalized voices within the church. Through his work, he exemplifies the CTS commitment to fostering spaces of belonging and transformation.
Miller will preach the message at Baccalaureate Chapel. A new hymn specially commissioned by CTS and composed by Miller will make its debut at the service.
Rev. Dr. Robert E. Fuquay, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Rob Fuquay will receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity. Rev. Fuquay is the senior pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, one of the largest United Methodist congregations in the United States. A visionary leader, he has championed LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the church, actively working to dismantle barriers that have historically excluded individuals from full participation in faith communities.
Under his leadership, St. Luke’s has become a national model for progressive and inclusive ministry. His advocacy for racial justice, commitment to community outreach, and emphasis on biblically grounded preaching make him a transformative leader within the United Methodist Church and beyond. Rev. Fuquay’s work aligns closely with CTS’s mission to form leaders who bring about healing and justice in the world.
Mr. Don E. Knebel, Esq.
CTS is proud to honor longtime supporter and current trustee Don E. Knebel with the 2025 Presidential Award of Excellence. This award is presented to an alumnus or friend of the Seminary whose life and accomplishments have earned the respect of their industry, profession, or community.
Don Knebel is a retired intellectual property litigator and dedicated civic leader. He practiced law for 39 years at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, handling cases in 23 states. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and was listed in The Best Lawyers in America® since its first edition in 1983. Since 2011, he has been an Adjunct Professor at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, earning the 2024 Adjunct Professor of the Year award.
Active in civic and charitable organizations, Don serves on the CTS Board of Trustees and the CTS Faith & Action Project Advisory Board. He has also served in nonprofit board leadership for Christel House International, ReCenter Indiana, Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, and the Center for Interfaith Cooperation. He has traveled extensively, seeking a better understanding of the world’s religions and cultures. Knebel is a frequent speaker on religious and political history, comparative religion, politics, and the First Amendment. He now publishes a travel blog on his website, donknebel.com. His book, Flushed with Curiosity: 101 Travel Tales with a Twist, showcases his global experiences. In 2019, Don was named Indiana Philanthropist of the Year by the Indiana Association of Fundraising Professionals.
