Presenters

Dr. David Stubbs, Professor of Ethics and Theology and Co-Director of the Hope-Western Prison Education Program, Western Theological Seminary

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cherri WesthouseAdministrative Assistant and Event Coordinator

cherri.westhouse@westernsem.edu

Commencement 2025

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101 East 13th Street

Description

The 149th Commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 26th, at 4:30 PM in Dimnent Memorial Chapel at Hope College.

About the Commencement Speaker

Dr. David L. Stubbs serves as Professor of Ethics and Theology and Co-Director of the Hope-Western Prison Education Program at Western Theological Seminary.

Originally from Los Angeles, Dr. Stubbs earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from Stanford University and began his career as a seismic engineer in San Francisco. During this time, he was also actively involved in church ministry, leading him to pursue theological studies. He earned an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in theological ethics from Duke University before joining the faculty at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan.

Currently, Dr. Stubbs is co-directing the Hope-Western Prison Education Program and is engaged in multiple scholarly endeavors. He is the author of Table and Temple and Numbers: A Theological Bible Commentary from Leading Contemporary Theologians. Beyond his academic work, he enjoys outdoor activities, making music, cooking with his wife, Lynn, and savoring a good cup of coffee.

Upcoming Dates And Times

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Questions & Answers

When and where will commencement be held this year?

Commencement will be held at 4:30pm at Dimnent Chapel at Hope College, just a short walk to the north of our chapel, at 277 College Ave., Holland, MI 49423

Will commencement be livestreamed?

No. However it will be recorded, an email notification will go out when the link to the recording is posted.

Is there a restriction on the number of family and friends that can attend?

No, there is no restriction on the number of guests that you may invite. Tickets are not required.

Who is the commencement speaker?

Dr. David Stubbs, Professor of Ethics and Theology and Co-Director of the Hope-Western Prison Education Program at Western Theological Seminary. Read his bio here.

When do I pick up my gown, cap, tassel, and hood?

GCTH will be available for pick-up at WTS Thursday, April 24, between 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm, as well as after 11:30 am Commencement Day.

What is the schedule of events?

If you HAVE HAD your individual photo taken & You HAVE picked up your GCTH: Please arrive by 12:45 pm.

If you HAVE NOT had your individual photo taken & HAVE NOT picked up your GCTH: Please arrive between 11:30 am-12:30 pm to have your individual photo taken and to pick up your GCTH.

All graduates:

1:00-1:45 pm – Group photos in the WTS Atrium
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm – Rehearsal at Dimnent Chapel. Rehearsal is mandatory for all graduates and platform participants.
3:45 pm – Doors open at Dimnent Chapel for commencement guests
4:00 pm – Commencement Processional line-up. Graduates, faculty, platform participants gather in Dimnent Chapel basement.
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm - WTS 149th Commencement
6:15 pm-ish – Reception following commencement at WTS in The Commons

When and where is rehearsal?

Saturday, April 26, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, at Dimnent Memorial Chapel. All graduates should be at WTS in your “Home Room” by 1:45 pm to process together to Dimnent Chapel. Rehearsal will start promptly at 2:00 pm. It is critical that all graduates attend rehearsal.

Is rehearsal mandatory for all graduates?

Yes, rehearsal and group photos are mandatory. If you have an extreme reason that keeps you from attending rehearsal, you must contact the Faculty Marshal, Professor Sue Rozeboom, at sue.rozeboom@westernsem.edu, at least two weeks in advance.

How can I purchase my individual or degree group photos?

You do not need to purchase them. A couple of weeks following Commencement, WTS will email with a link to the photos. You can download and print any of them that you would like.

What time do graduates and all who are participants in the processional need to be at Dimnent?

Graduates, faculty, staff and all who are a part of the processional will gather at 4:00 pm in the lower level of Dimnent Chapel.

What time do the doors open at Dimnent Chapel for commencement guests?

Doors into the sanctuary for guest seating will open at 3:45 pm.

Where can graduates, family and guests park on the day of commencement?

Parking is available on the WTS campus as well as on nearby streets. Hope College has also made available to us parking in lot 12 by the A. Paul Schaap Science Building. (This is for the events of commencement day only.) There will also be a limited amount of handicapped parking in the north staff lot closest to Dimnent Chapel.

Will WTS have a reception following commencement?

Yes, you and your family and friends are welcome to a reception in the Commons at WTS. Faculty and staff will be present to celebrate with graduates.

Do I get to keep my gown, cap, tassel, and hood/stole?

Graduates who are participating in the commencement ceremony may keep their gown, cap, tassel, and hood/stole.

If I have question/s regarding commencement, who should I direct it to?

Your questions can be emailed to cherri.westhouse@westernsem.edu. She will direct it to the person or department most able to answer it.