Commencement Day Details

  • Saturday, December 13, 2025

    Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
    Ceremony lasts approximately 2.5 hours

    Location: HGA – Dr. Henry Givens Jr. (DJW) Auditorium

    Graduate Arrival:
    All graduates must arrive on campus no later than 8:30 a.m. and report directly to HGA 311 for robing and lineup.

    Regalia Requirement:
    Full academic regalia is required to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

  • Regalia: Caps & Gowns

    Academic honor stoles will be handed out during graduation rehearsal.

    Regalia Pickup: Office of Career Engagement (HGA 119).

    All balances must be paid in full prior to retrieving your cap and gown, transcript, diploma.

  • Ceremony Guidelines

    Silence all cell phones and electronic devices during the ceremony.

    Balloons, large signs, noisemakers, and air horns are not permitted.

    Large purses, bags, and personal items are not allowed during the processional or on stage during degree presentation.

    Students must wear appropriate clothing under their academic regalia.

    After the ceremony, graduates should meet their guests outside the auditorium/gymnasium.

Commencement Speaker

Reverend Anthony L. Riley, M.Div., D.Min.
Pastor, Central Baptist Church of Saint Louis

Rev. Dr. Anthony L. Riley is the 14th Pastor of Central Baptist Church—one of the region’s oldest African American congregations—where he leads a ministry committed to transforming lives through faith, innovation, and community impact. Under his leadership, Central has expanded its digital reach, secured over $1M in grants and capital investments, strengthened youth programs, and launched initiatives such as The Black Saint Louis BuyOut to advance economic empowerment.

A respected civic and faith leader, Dr. Riley has championed historic preservation efforts including the Freedom Suites Memorial honoring Dred and Harriet Scott. He has served on the City Charter Commission, chaired community boards, and preached nationally across major Baptist conventions.

A scholar and educator, he teaches with the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving, mentors doctoral students, and contributes to national preaching conferences. He is also the author of two devotional books guiding readers through grief, growth, and spiritual reflection.

Above all, he is a devoted father to his son, Joshua Anthony.