BETHANY, W.Va. (May 5, 2025) — Bethany College is proud to announce Asa Johnson, social justice advocate and longtime supporter of the College, as the distinguished commencement speaker for the Class of 2025.
A New York City native and graduate of Williams College, Johnson is the founder of the Johnson Justice Fellowship, a program dedicated to preparing individuals for careers in service of the public good. He is also the owner of Bar Meridian in Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights neighborhood and has spent more than two decades working with social justice nonprofits across New York and the country.
Johnson has served on Bethany’s Board of Trustees since 2010, continuing a multi-generational family legacy of leadership and philanthropy at the College dating back to 1865. In his time as a trustee, he has contributed to key committees—including Church Relations, Academic Affairs, and Audit—and serves as the alumni liaison through the Alumni Council Association. Johnson’s commitment to the College’s mission has made him an active and passionate voice in shaping its future.
Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi expresses excitement about Johnson’s involvement, saying, “Asa Johnson’s dedication to public service and his genuine connection to Bethany’s mission and community make him a truly meaningful choice for this year’s commencement speaker. His thoughtful leadership, shaped by a strong family legacy, will offer our graduates both inspiration and a powerful example of service across generations.”
“It is an honor to return to Bethany College, an institution that holds a special place in my heart and has played such an important role in my family’s history,” says Johnson. “I’m humbled to stand before the Class of 2025 and share in this moment of celebration as they embark on the next chapter of their journey.”
Commencement will take place at 10 a.m. on May 10 at Hummel Field House.
Graduating seniors will also make their last ceremonial walk through the Oglebay Gates as they proceed to Commencement Hall for Baccalaureate. This year, the Reverend William Lee will provide the address. A native of Nuttsville, Virginia, Lee earned degrees from Virginia State University, Duke Divinity School, Ashland Theological Seminary, and Christian Theological Seminary. He served 39 years as pastor of Loudon Avenue Christian Church in Roanoke, Va., and is widely recognized for founding New Horizons Health Care, a center providing critical medical services to the underserved. A former Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Lee continues to shape future leaders through his roles with Lexington Theological Seminary and Duke Divinity School. He is a three-time recipient of the key to the City of Roanoke, most recently as 2011 Roanoke’s Citizen of the Year.
Baccalaureate will be held on May 9 at 5 p.m.
Both events will be livestreamed on our Facebook page.
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