Friends University will honor the 2024 graduating class at this year’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at INTRUST Bank Arena at 2 p.m. The ceremony will recognize graduates from the university’s Wichita and Overland Park sites as well as online graduates.
Dr. James Bryan Smith, author, minister, and founder and executive Director of the Apprentice Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation will give the commencement address. Smith has authored 12 books, most notably The Apprentice Series, which includes The Good and Beautiful God. He is also one of the founders, alongside Richard J. Foster and Dallas Willard, of the spiritual renewal ministry, Renovare. Smith is also the host of the Things Above Podcast.
James received his B.A. in Religion and Philosophy at Friends University, his M.Div. at Yale Divinity School, and his D.Min. at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has taught at Friends University for over 30 years, teaching primarily in the area of Christian spiritual formation and holds the title of Dallas Willard Chair for Christian Spiritual Formation.
Livestreaming will be available for those unable to attend in person. More information on the livestream link and Commencement can be found at friends.edu/commencement.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.
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