For much of its history, the University of Wisconsin-Madison hosted a Baccalaureate Service, an ecumenical Christian celebration honoring the graduating class and commissioning them to a journey of service in the greater world. Graduating seniors, graduate students, families, and university community—join us on May 12 at Upper House to revive this tradition.

We believe that every person is made in the image of God and called to exercise their education and unique gifts for the common good. Together with friends, families, and the wider university community we will celebrate the great achievement of completing a degree at UW-Madison and God’s faithfulness in the lives of those who are graduating.

A time of commissioning will be led by outgoing Chancellor Rebecca Blank. After a time of musical worship, a message of encouragement will be offered by Pastor Adam Penning of Blackhawk Church Downtown.

Program Schedule

• Reception and Hors d’hoeuvres
• Time of Commissioning — Chancellor Rebecca Blank
• Musical Worship — Door Creek Church Northside
• Message of Encouragement — Pastor Adam Penning
• Prayer for Students — Campus Ministry Staff
• Benediction and Closing

Upper House is grateful for the generous support of the Madison Christian Giving Fund to help us host this special event.

Speakers

Rebecca Blank, Ph.D., is outgoing Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she has served since 2013. An internationally respected economist, Blank previously served in Washington, D.C. with three different administrations. From 1999 to 2008, Blank was dean and professor of public policy and economics in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. Among her publications, Blank authored Is the Market Moral?: A Dialogue on Religion, Economics and Justice (Brookings Institution Press, 2003). She attends First Congregational Church in Madison. In summer 2022, Blank begins her new role as president of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

Adam Penning serves as lead pastor of Blackhawk Church Downtown. Previously, he was the Cru Campus Ministry Director for the New York City Metro Area; from 2001 to 2015, Penning served with Badger Cru on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, including as Area Director. Penning studied at Iowa State University and earned an M.A. in Biblical Studies, Languages, and Urban Ministry from Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary.