Robert W. EdgarEastern Mennonite University will hold its 88th annual commencement exercises 1 p.m. Sunday, Apr. 30, on the front lawn of campus, weather permitting.
President Loren E. Swartzendruber will confer 405 degrees – 314 undergraduate, 87 graduate, two associate degrees and two graduate certificates – on members of the graduating class of 2005. Last year, EMU awarded 380 degrees.
Robert W. Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, will give the commencement address on the theme, “Becoming the Leaders We Have Been Waiting For!”
Rev. Edgar took office on Jan. 1, 2000, as the 50-year-old organization began to reshape its life and mission. Under his leadership, the Council is focusing its energies on major initiatives in overcoming poverty, protecting the environment, fostering interfaith understanding and building international peace.
Edgar served eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives, followed by a 12-year tenure as president of Claremont School of Theology. An ordained United Methodist elder, Edgar has also been pastor of several congregations, a college chaplain, a candidate for the U.S. Senate and finance director for Paul Simon