Graduation
May 20, 2025 | Lake Williamson Christian Center
Come celebrate the First Class.
This year at the Illinois District Council, on Tuesday, May 20, we will gather to celebrate and honor the students who have completed our Called College ministry training program.
While our graduates will receive their AA degrees in Pastoral Studies or Global Studies from North Central University (recognized at a separate ceremony on May 2 in Minneapolis), this event is a unique time for us to celebrate them within our district family.
What to Expect on May 20
We have planned a meaningful day of celebration, including two special services and a reception:
📖 Baccalaureate Service | 3:30 PM | AC 207
This worship service will include:
✔️ Recognition of academic achievements
✔️ Inspiring student speakers
✔️ A special song performed by the graduates
✔️ A charge from our District Superintendent
✔️ A prayer of blessing over our students
⏳ Dinner Break | 5:00–6:00 PM | Moen Dining Hall
Graduates will meet in the Brotherhood building at 5:15pm for their own, provided dinner. Families are welcome to dine together on campus before the evening service. Dinner is available for $12/person in the Lake Williamson Dining Hall. There are also great local restaurants in Carlinville!
🎓 Diploma Recognition during the Ordination Service | 6:30 PM | Main Auditorium
During this special service, our graduating students will be awarded a Ministry Studies Diploma by the Illinois District Presbytery. They will wear their cap and gown, along with a special stole featuring the IDC and Called College emblems.
🎉 Reception | Following the Evening Service | IDC Office Building Atrium
We invite families and friends to join us in celebrating our graduates after the service with refreshments and fellowship.
Join Us in Honoring Our Students!
We would love for you to be part of this significant moment in our students’ journey. If you need overnight accommodations in Litchfield or would like to join us for dinner in Moen Dining Hall, please reach out to Erin Henderson at erinh@calledcollege.org.
We look forward to celebrating together!
Schedule
3:30 – 5pm
Baccalaureate Service
AC 207 (Activities Center)
5 – 6pm
Dinner Break
Guests may eat at the Lake Williamson Dining Hall for $12/person. Carlinville also has great local restaurants!
6:30pm
Credentialing Service / Graduation Ceremony
Auditorium
Reception immediately to follow
IDC Office Lobby
Accommodations
Forms
Student District Council Registration All current students (graduates included) who desire to attend District Council (May 18 – 21) must register here.
Cap & Gown Order Form (graduates only) All graduating students must order a cap, gown, and embroidered stole by April 14. Owned caps and gowns may not be used.
Family Registration Form Use this form to register family and friends of graduates for the Baccalaureate Service, Graduation Ceremony, and Reception.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many friends/family can graduates bring?
There is no attendance cap for guests of graduates.
Should I register through my church or through Called College?
Students who have been hired at a church should register as a Called College student, as there is no fee for Called College students to attend District Council. Use the Student District Council Registration form on this page. The food fee is optional.
Can I stay in student housing during District Council?
Current and graduating students may stay in student housing until and during District Council. They must fill out the End of Semester Move-Out form.
Can any Called College student attend Graduation?
All current students are invited to attend District Council and the Graduation activities!
What is Baccalaureate?
Baccalaureate is a religious observance of a graduation ceremony. At the Called College Baccalaureate, we will worship together, recognize student achievements, and hear from student speakers.
Questions? Send an email to info@calledcollege.org or call/text 877.225.5240