Commencement Speaker: Asa Johnson

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.

Baccalaureate Speaker: the Reverend William Lee

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. 

Number of Guests: There is no limit to the amount of guests a graduate can bring to Baccalaureate and Commencement. Tickets will not be used to determine who can attend 2025 Graduation Weekend.

Parking and Shuttle Service: Signs and security officers will direct you to appropriate parking locations on campus, and a shuttle service will be available to transport guests to Commencement. View our campus map ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the area.

Photography: All students will be photographed receiving their diploma. Graduation photography will be available on Bethany College’s Flickr page, where photos can be downloaded for free at full resolution.