Covenant College will celebrate its 56th commencement on Saturday, May 7, 2011, and pastor Kevin DeYoung will deliver this year’s commencement address.

A prolific author and blogger, DeYoung has been senior pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan, since 2004. He is the author of five books, including Why We’re Not Emergent and Just Do Something: How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky.

“Last year, we asked the 2011 class who they wanted as a graduation speaker,” says Timothy Vanvliet ’11, who served as junior class president. “We had a plethora of suggested authors, presidents, poets, and celebrities. But in general our class wanted someone who was impacting the world for Christ in a positive way and could teach us how to do the same thing. Kevin DeYoung has the wisdom and the message to tell us how to get out there and give an impact in today’s culture.”

Commencement is a momentous occasion when we at Covenant join our graduates and their families and friends in celebrating the accomplishments of these last years, thanking God for His grace and provision, and looking ahead to His purposes in the lives of our graduates. At Covenant, we earnestly believe that the One “who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Below you will find information on the upcoming commencement exercises and related events. This information will be updated as details are finalized. We look forward to families and friends joining us for this celebration!

To accommodate the large crowd expected, Commencement will be held at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Carter Street in downtown Chattanooga. With over 375 graduates participating in Commencement, and close to 4,000 seats for their guests, we expect to fill the hall to capacity. Please come early! Tickets are not required to attend commencement.

Other events that weekend include:

A Celebration Concert on Thursday, May 5, 2011, 8:00 p.m. in the Covenant College chapel. Covenant’s Department of Music presents this celebration concert in honor of the graduating class of 2011. The concert is free and open to all. Featuring the Chamber Orchestra, Covenant Chorale, and selected small ensembles and soloists.

Senior Banquet will be held Friday, May 6, 2010, 6:00 p.m., also at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Details are pending.

Accommodations
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Chattanooga Marriott adjacent to the Convention Center. Reservations made by April 14, 2011, are eligible for the discounted group rate of $119 plus tax per night. The discounted rate is available Thursday, May 5, through Sunday, May 8. Please use the group code CCCCCCA. You can make reservations by calling 800.841.1674 or by visiting the Marriott website.

We also have information on additional area accommodations you may wish to consider.