Baccalaureate
Baccalaureate – Friday, May 8, 2026, at 7:30 PM | Marble Chapel
This special ceremony celebrates our graduates' academic achievements and offers a final encouragement from Scripture as they prepare to leave Emmaus and step into their next chapter as alumni.
Prior to Baccalaureate, you are invited to a Baccalaureate Dinner with your student and family. We will offer two serving times in the Robbie Pile Dining Hall: 5:00 PM and 5:45 PM. This event is complimentary for all 2026 graduates (one-year certificate, two-year associate, and four-year bachelor’s degree graduates). All other family and friends may purchase tickets at the following rates: $15 per adult, $10 for children ages 4–12, and free for children 3 and under.
Tickets are required for dinner, and space is limited for each serving time. All tickets must be purchased by May 1. Please use the following link to RSVP.
Please contact Abigail Hong for questions regarding the dinner at ahong@emmaus.edu.
Both events may be viewed via livestream by going to emmaus.edu/graduation. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Joel Carter at jcarter@emmaus.edu or (563) 588-8000.
Baccalaureate
Commencement
Commencement – Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:30 AM | Marble Chapel
Doors open at 9:30 AM for the 79th Commencement of Emmaus University. We are honored to welcome Dr. John Walker, a 2015 alumnus of Emmaus University, as our keynote speaker.
Both events may be viewed via livestream by going to emmaus.edu/graduation. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Joel Carter at jcarter@emmaus.edu or (563) 588-8000.
Commencement
Commencement Speaker
Dr. John Walker is a proud 2015 alumnus of Emmaus University, an experience he often describes as one of the most formative and joyful seasons of his life. During his time at Emmaus, he was actively involved in campus life, serving in student government, participating on the basketball team, working on the maintenance staff, and engaging deeply in the spiritual and relational community that shaped his personal and vocational calling.
Dr. Walker currently serves as Superintendent of Central Christian School in Hutchinson, Kansas, where he has provided strategic leadership in advancing the school’s mission, strengthening academic programs, and leading multiple successful capital campaigns. Under his leadership, the school has also achieved key accreditation milestones, positioning it for continued growth and long-term sustainability. In addition, he serves as a Congressional Fellow in the United States House of Representatives and contributes to higher education as an adjunct faculty member for several institutions, including Lancaster Bible College and Central Christian College.
Following his graduation from Emmaus, Dr. Walker returned to campus from 2016–2018 to serve as Director of Campus Life, a role he considers a privilege as it allowed him to invest in students in the same way he had been poured into during his undergraduate years. His continued connection to Emmaus reflects a deep gratitude for its Christ-centered education and enduring impact on his life and leadership.
Dr. Walker and his wife, Sarah, have been married for 15 years and have four children, two of whom were born in Dubuque during their time at Emmaus. In addition to his professional work, he serves as an elder at Grace Bible Church. He is also an accomplished author and speaker and enjoys competing in endurance sports.
Some local hotels we recommend in Dubuque are the following:
Please note that hotels fill up fast with four universities in Dubuque that generally hold commencement on the same weekend.
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson @ 563-291-3601
Baymont by Wyndham Dubuque
Hampton, Inn Dubuque
Both events may be viewed via livestream by going to emmaus.edu/graduation. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Joel Carter at jcarter@emmaus.edu or (563) 588-8000.
Students must be moved-out of residence halls by 3:00 PM on Sunday, May 10. Summer storage
is available for Fall 2026 returning students on a first-come, first-served basis:
Storage: $75 (May 12–Sept 1, 2026). Contracts can be picked up from the front desk.
Vehicle storage: $75
Payments (cash/check) are due by Tuesday, May 5 at the front desk.
For move-out questions, contact Brian Burton, Associate Dean for Residence Life, at bburton@emmaus.edu or (563) 588-8000 ext. 3015.