The spring 2023 graduation ceremony at Lancaster Bible College marks a special moment for Commencement speaker and President Emeritus Dr. Peter W. Teague and the Class of 2023. Members of this year’s undergraduate class, soon to depart LBC after four years of life and learning, first found their home at the college in August 2019—the start of Dr. Teague’s final fall semester as college president.

On Feb. 1, 2020, LBC | Capital’s current president, Dr. Thomas L. Kiedis, began his leadership, as Dr. Teague took on the advisory, mentoring and ambassadorship role of President Emeritus; presidency spanned 21 years.

So what are his words of wisdom to this class on its way to a new phase of life? Part of his special message to graduates will be shared through his commencement address: “A Graduation Gift You Can Hold in Your Hand and in Your Heart,” based on Psalm 19:

“On this banner day in your life, filled with celebrations, I pray the Word of God will be a light to your path and that you will use the wisdom of Scripture to direct your steps, and in so doing you will grow to love your Savior more and ever increasingly realize the height and width and depth of His love for you.”

Within the Class of 2023, 17 graduates are children of LBC | Capital alumni. In all, during the Lancaster graduation ceremony on May 5, the college will honor 191 graduates: 153 undergraduate, 33 graduate and five doctoral. Additional ceremonies are set for May 6 in Washington, D.C., May 13 in Philadelphia and May 27 in Kampala, Uganda.

Check out these photos of Dr. Teague from the archives!