CIU to Celebrate Two Commencements May 18

CIU to Celebrate Two Commencements May 18

Dr. Jerry Rankin

The morning of May 18 will be full of celebration on the campus of Columbia International University (CIU) as 214 students receive diplomas recognizing degrees from bachelor’s to doctoral during two commencement exercises. The commencement exercises begin at 8:30 a.m. for graduate students and at 11:30 a.m. for undergraduate students. Both ceremonies will be held in Shortess Chapel.

Giving the commencement address tothe graduate students will be Dr. Jerry A. Rankin, president emeritus of the Southern Baptist International Mission Board (IMB). Rankin served with the IMB for 40 years, the last 17 as president. Prior to that, Rankin lived in Asia for 23 years doing missionary work. Today Rankin directs the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies at CIU. He has authored seven books; four about missions, two about spiritual warfare and one about the book of Psalms.

The commencement address to the undergraduate students will be delivered by Dr. Hans Finzel, the past president and CEO of WorldVenture.WorldVenture, based in Littleton, Colo., is a network of Christian workers in over 70 countries throughout the world. Finzel is also the founder of the ministry HDLeaders, committed to increasing the leadership effectiveness of church and ministry leaders. He has authored seven books, including the bestseller, “The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make.”    

Rankin and Finzel will both receive honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees from CIU.