MEQUON, Wis. –   Concordia University leaders are proud to announce that baseball Hall of Famer and Milwaukee Braves legend, Hank Aaron, will be offering inspiring words of wisdom to Concordia’s spring graduates as part of this year’s commencement on Saturday, May 17, at 1:30 p.m.

Approximately ­­­­392 undergraduate students, 174 Master’s candidates and 20 Doctor of Physical Therapy students will be receiving degrees at the event in the R. John Buuck Field House.

Aaron is currently the senior vice president of Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc. Prior to joining Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., Aaron enjoyed a 23-year major league career during which he rewrote baseball’s hitting record book. He holds more major league batting records than any other player in the game’s history, including most runs batted in, lifetime, 2,297. On May 17, 1970, Aaron became the first player to compile both 3,000 career hits and more than 500 homers. Along with Frank Robinson, Aaron was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, NY, on August 1, 1982.

The noteworthy baseball player will also be receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Concordia. It will recognize him for the inspirational service he has provided to the nation through his leadership in America’s favorite pastime and his creation of the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation which helps children with limited opportunities develop their talents and pursue their dream.

The following other awards will also be presented as part of the service:; Honorary Doctorate of Divinity will be awarded to the Rev. Armand J. Boehme, STM of Northfield, MN; Faculty Laureate will be awarded to Dr. Angus Menuge of Sheboygan; Alumnus of the Year Award will be awarded to Rev. Dr. Jon T. Diefenthaler of Columbia Maryland; the Ronald L. Berg Christo et Ecclesiae will be award to Geraldine Burkee of New Berlin, WI; the Juergensen Educator of the Year Award will be awarded to Jeff Jurss of Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School, Sheboygan, WI; and the Sohn Educator of the Year Award will be awarded to Judy Schultz, Lutheran Special Schools, Milwaukee, WI.