Honorary Degree Recipients Will Speak at Commencement Services  

 

With just over a month until the Spring semester ends, the CTS Board of Trustees has announced the speakers at the commencement ceremony and Baccalaureate chapel. Both events are celebrations not only of the students’ work but of the shared walk CTS students take to do justice and show mercy in a conflicted world.  

“Every year, our desire is to invite speakers who will inspire the assemble to do great things and to participate in God’s transforming the world,” said President David Mellott. “My hope is that those who attend the graduation events will walk away braver than ever before to lift up the inherent dignity of every human being.”  

 In addition to sharing a powerful message, each person will receive an honorary degree from the school. This year’s commencement speaker is Emma Vosicky, JD, MAT, and CEO of Gender Nexus which is in Indianapolis. According to her biography, Vosicky, a transwoman, grew up without available language to describe her experience and no safe support system to help form her own network. As a result, she has been motivated to devote her life to the LGBTQ community.  

 The mission of Gender Nexus is to empower gender-diverse people and their loved ones to lead healthy, authentic, and joyful lives. The organization offers a variety of education and support groups as well as classes and events. Gender Nexus also offers care coordination services which help address barriers that gender diverse people may face in academic, legal, and healthcare systems.  

 According to President Mellott, “CTS has been an outspoken supporter of the LGBTQ community. In addition, we have promised to help address the mental health needs of the LGBTQ community in Indiana. As CEO of Gender Nexus, Emma has been at the forefront of this work — helping to save lives every day through their work.” 

 Vosicky is a published author and sought after public speaker. Recently, she has developed a passion for storytelling and has combined her personal experiences with this new gift as a storyteller for OUTspoken. She will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony.  

 “Not only does Emma lead her organization in service of the community but also advocates for the community in public spaces,” Mellott said. “Emma shares the CTS values and embodies them every day.” 

 Rev. Dr. Daisy L. Machado, PhD, will be providing the Baccalaureate Homily ceremony which takes place the Friday before commencement.. She serves as the Executive Director of the Hispanic Summer Program and is Professor Emerita of American Religious History at Union Theological Seminary. In 1981, she became the first U.S. Latina ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Her work has been described as an expansive force; reshaping academic and theological conversations. 

 “Dr. Machado’s work consistently reminds us that theology is never abstract—it is lived, embodied, and shaped by the histories and communities we inhabit. Drawing on what Latina theologians describe as lo cotidiano, or la vida cotidiana—the everyday realities of life as a primary site of theological reflection—she shows that theology emerges not only from texts, but from lived experience, memory, and struggle,” said Dr. Francisco Lozada, Jr. Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty. “This is theology done en conjunto—in community—and latinamente, from the lived realities and perspectives of Latine life.” 

Lozada described her scholarship on the history of Christianity, and the southern borderlands invites others to consider voices that have too often been overlooked. “She brings a clarity of vision and a deep commitment to justice—especially in and for Latine communities, and Latina communities in particular, today and into the future—that continues to influence students, colleagues, and institutions alike.” 

Dr. Mellott echoed the Dean’s words, describing Dr. Machado as a highly respected theologian, academic administrator, organizational leader, and pastor. “She transforms everything she touches.” She will receive an Honorary Doctor of Divinity.  

 While there will be several opportunities for gatherings during the Commencement activities, the Baccalaureate Service gives a special opportunity for students, faculty and guests to reflect and celebrate.  

 CTS is proud to honor longtime supporter and Trustee Emeritus Ellen Annala with the 2026 Presidential Award of Excellence. This award is presented to an alumnus or friend of the Seminary whose life and accomplishments have earned the respect of their industry, profession, or community. Annala has been a devoted champion of CTS, serving as past Chair of the Board of Trustees and continuing to offer leadership as Trustee Emeritus. Her distinguished career of community leadership—including her recent tenure as CEO of the United Way of Central Indiana—has had a profound impact on the Indianapolis region. Her life and work reflect the very best of CTS’s mission, vision, and core values. 

 “Commencement is the crowning of the year, when we get to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our graduates and honorees,” Mellott said. “The seminary has had another incredible year of growth and impact on the community. We look forward to honoring them.”  

 This year’s Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 16, in the Shelton Auditorium. It is a ticketed event for graduates and invited guests. The Baccalaureate Chapel, scheduled for Friday, May 15 at 3pm, is open to the public and will also be livestreamed. It will take place in Sweeney Chapel.