MEQUON, Wis. - Concordia University Wisconsin will award degrees to approximately 221 undergraduate students, 111 masters candidates and 4 doctoral candidates at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, December 16, in the R. John Buuck Field House.

The Rev. Paul Devantier will be the university's commencement speaker. Devantier serves in Washington, D.C. to support and strengthen the efforts of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services along with several Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod entities.  He concentrates his efforts on services to those with developmental disabilities, housing projects, disaster relief, and child welfare

Devantier's experience in Washington, D.C. includes serving as National Director of the Infant Adoption Awareness Training Program.  The extensive program he managed was the result of "Adoption Awareness" legislation passed by the United States Congress. 

Since 1974, Devantier has been the speaker on the internationally syndicated daily radio program BY THE WAY, which is currently heard on more than 400 radio stations daily. He successfully defended religious freedom in broadcasting in a nine-year case involving KFUO Radio, St. Louis. The case ended in a positive, landmark decision by the Federal Appeals Court in Washington, D.C. that affirmed religious freedom in broadcasting. 

The print, radio and television productions he has supervised have received numerous awards from the National Association of Broadcasters (including its Marconi Award), Hollywood-based Excellence in Media (including its Gold Angel Award and 12 Silver Angel Awards), Religion Communicators Council (including its Wilbur Award), Associated Church Press (including its Best of Class Award), the Telley Award and others.  A network television special for which he was Executive Producer received an Emmy nomination. The Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities honored him in 2002 for his media efforts on behalf of those with developmental disabilities. 

Devantier and his family have been honored for their work with children, including the 2002 Outstanding Adoptive/Foster Parent award from the Adoption and Foster Care Coalition of Missouri and the 2006 "Friend of Adoption" award from the National Council for Adoption.