OBU Commencement set for May 3 at First Southern Baptist Church, Del City
April 22, 2025
The OBU spring class of 2025 will celebrate commencement at 2 p.m., May 3, at First Southern Baptist Church, Del City.
Dr. Carolyn Bishop, president of the Consortium for Global Education, will serve as this year’s commencement speaker.
OBU also announced that the tradition of “The Walk” of graduating seniors will be held on campus at 3 p.m. on May 1. Seniors will walk from the Oval, following the same path as their freshman walk, to the front steps of Raley Chapel.
Bishop was elected president of the CGE, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., in 2002. She leads in supporting the international efforts of more than 42 Christian private accredited colleges and universities located in the United States and 12 other nations. Their combined 241 overseas partnerships involve more than 80 countries. Her areas of expertise include professional development, international program and curriculum development, certificate programs, online opportunities and enhancing faculty and student global opportunities.
Over the years, Dr. Bishop has served on the boards of international schools and organizations. She coordinates educational conferences and workshops in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. She speaks on CGE campuses annually to share a global perspective and to stimulate interest in international relationships. Through CGE, she works with the presidents, provosts and faculties of affiliate institutions to promote the international visits, the internationalization of higher education, collaboration between U.S. universities and their overseas counterparts, and faculty-student exchanges.
Through CGE’s work in diverse nations, she promotes professional training programs for officials and educational leaders, study abroad for students, and teaching opportunities overseas that are based on quality academic experiences, mutual benefit and respect for sharing faith, values and cultures.
This spring will mark the fifth commencement at First Southern Baptist Church, Del City. Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium on the OBU campus has served as the traditional location for commencement since the iconic building was constructed in 1961. Due to damage caused by the EF2 tornado on April 19, 2023, the chapel’s auditorium is not available for the commencement ceremony. Renewal efforts are continuing at Raley Chapel.
Learn more about OBU’s Spring 2025 Commencement.