To educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.
OUR PROMISE
ACU is a vibrant, innovative, Christ-centered community that engages students in authentic spiritual and intellectual growth, equipping them to make a real difference in the world.
The Academic Hood
The academic regalia worn at college commencements, consisting of a gown, mortarboard cap and hood, originated in medieval Europe. When universities began about the 12th century, the basic item of apparel worn by men and women alike was a long gown or robe. The colors and materials often indicated the social status and wealth of the wearer. An outer cloak was worn over the gown in cold weather. The cloak had a hood hanging down the back, which could be pulled up to cover the head. The modern academic hood has evolved from this medieval garment. Over the centuries, fashion changed, but the European universities retained the medieval dress. The scholars’ apparel was prescribed by university rules and distinguished the scholar from the commoner. In the 18th century, King’s College (now Columbia University) in New York and other colonial colleges began to use the academic apparel of English universities at their graduation ceremonies. The practice spread widely in the U.S. after 1880, and in 1895 an Intercollegiate Commission adopted a code of academic dress that most colleges follow today.
The hood is a symbol of the degree the wearer holds and is the most distinctive part of the academic dress. The colors of the hood identify the degree and university or college that conferred it. Hoods worn by the faculty of Abilene Christian University in the Commencement processional are a colorful spectacle representing the many graduate schools faculty members have attended.
The hood is lined and carries the colors of the institution conferring the degree – the hoods for all ACU degrees are lined with the familiar purple and white. The velvet border on the outside of the hood identifies the degree: white for the B.A., M.A. and M.L.A.; gold for the B.S., M.S. and S.S.P.; tan for the B.B.A., M.Acc. and MBA; brown for the B.F.A.; pink for the B.M.; orange for the B.S.E.; apricot for the B.S.N. and DNP; sage green for the M.A.T., M.H.A. and O.T.D.; citron for the M.S.S.W.; light blue for the M.Ed., Ed.D. and Ed.S.; and scarlet for the M.Div., M.A.C.M., M.A.T.S., M.M.F.T. and D.Min.
The undergraduate hooding ceremony is one of the high points in an ACU Commencement, for in this ceremony a loved one or friend is privileged to place upon the graduate the centuries-old symbol of his or her academic degree.
ACU Commencement Stole
The ACU Commencement Stole is worn by bachelor’s degree candidates during Commencement. The stole features the academic seal and the interlocking ACU logo, which symbolize the academic and co-curricular experiences that comprise the ACU student experience. After the ceremony, it may be passed on to encourage a current or future Wildcat to reach this same milestone themselves.
A Charge to the Graduate Class of 2024
Alejandro Ezquerra
Bilingual Minister at University Church of Christ in Abilene
Alejandro Ezquerra (’20 M.Div.) began serving as the bilingual minister at the University Church of Christ in August 2022. Prior to his work in Abilene, he spent 15 years preaching at the Bammel Church of Christ in Houston. Ezquerra is also a chaplain and holds bachelor’s degrees in theology and journalism and a Master of Divinity from ACU. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at ACU.
In addition to his pastoral work, Ezquerra is an adjunct professor for ACU Abilene and ACU Dallas. His reputation as a dynamic and insightful speaker has made him a soughtafter presenter across the U.S. and Latin America. Ezquerra has written two books: The Other Side of the Pulpit and Conversations at the Table.
A lover of music, Alejandro enjoys exploring diverse genres, including The Beatles, postrock, Italian and jazz. His passion for faith, education and creativity continues to inspire and enrich those he serves. He and his wife, Paulina, have been married for 25 years and have three daughters and two grandsons.
A Charge to the Undergraduate Class of 2024
Dr. Houston Heflin
Professor of Bible, Missions and Ministry
Director of the Contemplative Ministers’ Initiative
Dr. Houston Heflin (’95), professor in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry, was named ACU’s Teacher of the Year in May 2024. Heflin teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on spiritual formation, church ministry, and the scholarship of teaching and learning, as well as Cornerstone classes for the Honors College. He holds an Ed.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and an M.S. and a B.S. from ACU.
Before his 14 years of teaching at ACU, he spent 12 years in church ministry. These experiences led him to enjoy equipping teachers, teaching churches and mentoring ministers, which he does in his role as director of the Contemplative Ministers’ Initiative through ACU’s Siburt Institute.
He also is the author of several books, including Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry, Pray Like You Breathe: Exploring the Practice of Breath Prayer, I Promise It’s True, and the recently published Faith in Mirrors, a book of mirror poems based on the life and teachings of Jesus. Houston and his wife, Karen (Cherry ’98), have been married for 25 years and have four children.
In the 2024 Teacher of the Year nominations, students said:
• “He constantly challenges us to grow not just in our knowledge, but in our faith.”
• “He opens his home to his classes and allows his students to be poured into by his family.”
• “He genuinely expresses interest and care in his students and their plans for the future.”
• “He exemplifies the spirit of Christ.”
• “He teaches his students how to engage in healthy spiritual practices so they are sustained for a life of service.”
Order of Ceremony
Friday, December 13, 2024 | 7 p.m.
Processional “Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar Audience will please remain seated.
Welcome Dr. Susan Lewis Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Call to Worship “To God Be the Glory” .......................................................................... Dr. David Kneip Associate Professor, Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry
Scripture Reading
Invocation
Dr. Marcia Sotelo Dean, College of Health and Human Services
Dr. J. Dirk Nelson Dean, College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
Introduction to Commencement .................................................................................. Dr. Robert Rhodes Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Master of Ceremonies
Dr. Phil Schubert President
Introduction of Commencement Speaker ......................................................... Dr. George Saltsman Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dallas
A Charge to the Class of 2024 Alejandro Ezquerra Bilingual Minister, University Church of Christ
Presentation of Doctoral and Master’s Degree Graduates ............................. Dr. Robert Rhodes
Conferral of Doctoral and Master’s Degree Graduates
Dr. Phil Schubert
Introduction of Doctoral and Master’s Degree Graduates .................................... Kelly Barneche Assistant Professor, School of Social Work
Hooding of Doctoral Degree Graduates
Dr. Carson Reed Dean, Graduate School of Theology
Presentation of Diplomas April Anthony Chair, ACU Board of Trustees
Presentation of Awards and Honors............................................................................. Dr. Robert Rhodes
“Oh, Dear Christian College” ................................................................................................ Dr. David Kneip
“Oh, Dear Christian College”
Oh, dear Christian College, we love you, Our dear Alma Mater, today; Like the stars shining brightly above you, Your fame shall shine brightly for aye. To you we’ll prove faithful and loyal, While ever upholding the right, And gladly we’ll give forth the royal, Three cheers for the purple and white. Then we’ll pledge our love to Christian, To her is honor due; While we gaily sing let praises ring, For our Alma Mater true.
Benediction ............................................................................................................................... Dr. Drew Jamieson College Associate Professor, Online Marriage and Family Therapy
“Crown Imperial” by Sir William Walton Audience will please remain seated.
Each graduate will be greeted on stage by the dean of their college.
Dr. Phil Schubert, President
Dr. Robert Rhodes, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Susan Lewis, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. George Saltsman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dallas
Dr. Rachael Milligan, Dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. Ken Cukrowski, Dean, College of Biblical Studies
Dr. Andy Little, Interim Dean, College of Business Administration
Dr. J. Dirk Nelson, Dean, College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Marcia Sotelo, Dean, College of Health and Human Services
Dr. Meghan Hope, Dean, College of Leadership and Professional Studies
Dr. Nannette Glenn, Dean, College of Learning and Development
Dr. Carson Reed, Dean, Graduate School of Theology
Dr. Charla Miertschin, Dean, Onstead College of Science and Engineering
A reception for graduates and invited guests will follow outside the south doors of Moody Coliseum in the mall area of campus.
NOTE TO
AUDIENCE
Photographs for university publicity will be taken at this event. Sign language interpretation is available in a reserved seating section in the front rows of section 02.
Candidates for Graduate Degrees
Doctor of Education
Amanda Jo Arrambide (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ......................... Stephenville, Texas
Dissertation: A Phenomenological Study of Hispanic First-Generation High School Graduates that Do Not Pursue Higher Education
Chair : Dr. Misty Resendez Woods
Larry Ray Berger (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ...................................................... Alvin, Texas
Dissertation: Cabinet-Level School Administrators Intragroup and Intergroup Identity and Positive Leader-Member Exchange Dynamics: A Single Case Study
Chair : Dr. John Harrison
Brett M. Bradley (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Bethany, Oklahoma
Dissertation: Exploring Principal Turnover in Oklahoma
Chair : Dr. Andrew Lumpe
Alison Harris Busick (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Washougal, Washington
Dissertation: Work-Family Conflict and Burnout in Healthcare: A Qualitative Study
Chair : Dr. Timothy Atkinson
† Stephen Richard Campbell (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Milford, Connecticut
Dissertation: The Narrative Inquiries of How Community School Directors Implement Servant Leadership at Full-Service Community Schools in New York City
Chair : Dr. Timothy Jones
† Angela Marie Cavazos-Barajas (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) San Antonio, Texas
Dissertation: Strategies for Success: Developing the Hero Within to Increase Persistence of Community College Students Returning from Academic Dismissal
Dissertation: The Role of Nonverbal Communication on Trust in Online Mediation: A Case Study of the United States Postal Service REDRESS® Mediation Program
Dissertation: Impact of Workplace Spirituality on Turnover Intention, Employee Engagement, and Job Satisfaction: An Empirical Study on Allied Health Care Professionals in the United States
Chair : Dr. Stuart Allen
Amanda R. Jolivet (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Houston, Texas
Dissertation: Texas High School Counselors’ and Advisors’ CCMR Self-Efficacy: An Exploratory Descriptive Study
Chair : Dr. Jeff Cranmore
Brian Thomas Jones (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Odessa, Texas
Dissertation: Bridging Gaps. The Role of School Leaders in Implementing the McKinney-Vento Act for Homeless Student Success
Dissertation: Unlocking Academic Success: Exploring the Interplay of Relational Capacity in Educational Leadership and Student Achievement
Chair : Dr. Gary Railsback
† Yunru Shen (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Little Rock, Arkansas
Dissertation: A Qualitative Study of the Career Experiences of Asian and Asian American Female Administrators in U.S. Higher Education
Chair : Dr. Hoiwah Benny Fong
Laterrious Levan Starks (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Washington, DC
Dissertation: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study of the U.S. Army’s Performance Evaluation Process and its Impact on Minority Groups: Diversity, Bias, and Military Readiness
Chair : Dr. Joe Perez
† Kristopher Michael Sutton (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ........................ Hawley, Texas
Dissertation: Diversity Management and Organizational Resilience Among Midsized CCCU Institutions in Christian Higher Education
Dissertation: The Perceptions of Teachers’ Beliefs and Attitudes on Technology Integration: A Suburban Middle School Case Study in the South-Central United States
Dissertation: Impacts of Class Size on Online Students’ Academic Achievements and Cost of Instruction
Chair : Dr. Timothy Stafford
Christina Marie Walker (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Killeen, Texas
Dissertation: School Administrators’ Perspectives on Dyslexia and Transformational Leadership and Implications for Teacher Placement
Chair : Dr. John Harrison
Mayrion Ann Washington (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Crowley, Texas
Dissertation: A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences of Black Entrepreneur Women’s Personal Development and its Effect on Their Self-Identity
Kaitlin Vang-Thao (M.Ed., Higher Education) ................................................. Saint Paul, Minnesota
Candice Trier Wilson (M.Ed., Higher Education) Grand Prairie, Texas
Key to Degree Abbreviations
D.Min. – Doctor of Ministry
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
Ed.D. – Doctor of Education
Ed.S. – Education Specialist
M.A. – Master of Arts
M.Acc. – Master of Accountancy
M.A.C.M. – Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
MBA – Master of Business Administration
M.Div. – Master of Divinity
M.Ed. – Master of Education
M.H.A. – Master of Healthcare Administration
M.M.F.T. – Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
M.S. – Master of Science
M.S.S.W. – Master of Science in Social Work
M.T.S. – Master of Theological Studies
O.T.D. – Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Students listed in the program are candidates for the indicated degree, but inclusion in the program does not confirm a degree has been earned. The degree will only be awarded after all degree requirements have been completed.
Graduate Awards
Outstanding Project
Megan Akacsos (DNP)
Implementation of a Transition-of-Care Model for Adult Ischemic Stroke Survivors
Chair: Dr. Christina Ryan
ACU Online Teacher of the Year
Dr. Drew Jamieson
Order of Ceremony
Saturday, December 14 , 2024 | 10 a.m.
Processional “Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar Audience will please remain seated.
Welcome Dr. Susan Lewis Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Call to Worship “To God Be the Glory” .......................................................................... Dr. David Kneip Associate Professor, Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry
Scripture Reading Dr. Rachael Milligan Dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Invocation Dr. Meghan Hope Dean, College of Leadership and Professional Studies
Introduction to Commencement
Dr. Robert Rhodes Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Master of Ceremonies ............................................................................................................ Dr. Phil Schubert President
Introduction of Commencement Speaker Dr. Susan Lewis
A Charge to the Class of 2024 ........................................................................................
Dr. Houston Heflin Professor, Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry
Presentation of Bachelor’s Degrees
Conferring of Bachelor’s Degrees .....................................................................................
Dr. Robert Rhodes
Dr. Phil Schubert
Introduction of Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Dr. Ron Morgan Professor, Department of History and Global Studies
Presentation of Diplomas ............................................................................................................ April Anthony Chair, ACU Board of Trustees
Presentation of Awards and Honors ........................................................................... Dr. Robert Rhodes
“Oh, Dear Christian College” Dr. David Kneip
“Oh, Dear Christian College”
Oh, dear Christian College, we love you, Our dear Alma Mater, today; Like the stars shining brightly above you, Your fame shall shine brightly for aye. To you we’ll prove faithful and loyal, While ever upholding the right, And gladly we’ll give forth the royal, Three cheers for the purple and white. Then we’ll pledge our love to Christian, To her is honor due; While we gaily sing let praises ring, For our Alma Mater true.
Benediction
Dr. Andy Little
Interim Dean, College of Business Administration
“The Lord Bless You and Keep You” .................................................................................. Dr. David Kneip
Recessional “Crown Imperial” by Sir William Walton Audience will please remain seated.
Each graduate will be greeted on stage by the dean of their college.
Dr. Phil Schubert, President
Dr. Robert Rhodes, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Susan Lewis, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. George Saltsman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dallas
Dr. Rachael Milligan, Dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. Ken Cukrowski, Dean, College of Biblical Studies
Dr. Andy Little, Interim Dean, College of Business Administration
Dr. J. Dirk Nelson, Dean, College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Marcia Sotelo, Dean, College of Health and Human Services
Dr. Meghan Hope, Dean, College of Leadership and Professional Studies
Dr. Nannette Glenn, Dean, College of Learning and Development
Dr. Carson Reed, Dean, Graduate School of Theology
Dr. Charla Miertschin, Dean, Onstead College of Science and Engineering
A reception for graduates and invited guests will follow outside the south doors of Moody Coliseum in the mall area of campus.
NOTE
TO AUDIENCE
Photographs for university publicity will be taken at this event. Sign language interpretation is available in a reserved seating section in the front rows of section 02.
Candidates for Undergraduate Degrees
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Art and Design
Isabella Noelle Birsinger (B.F.A., Art) Magna Cum Laude Fulshear, Texas
Hunter Scott Malone (B.S., Social Work) Atascocita, Texas
College of Health and Human Services
Child and Family Services
Chellyn Anderson (B.S., Child and Family Services) ......................................................... Provo, Utah
Angela Cecilia Barrera (B.S., Child and Family Services) Magna Cum Laude ........................................ Amarillo, Texas
Tasha R. Briscoe (B.S., Child and Family Services) Winnsboro, Texas
† Jennifer Colleen Corzine (B.S., Child and Family Services) Summa Cum Laude Richardson, Texas
Makenna Cheyenne Dasch
(B.S., Child and Family Services) Summa Cum Laude Kerrville, Texas
† Leira Enid Ferrer
(B.S., Child and Family Services) Summa Cum Laude Hitchcock, Texas
Viviana Giraldo (B.S., Child and Family Services) .......................................................... El Paso, Texas
Marquita Yvette Hafford
(B.S., Child and Family Services) Summa Cum Laude .................................. Fort Worth, Texas
Keslie Noelle Henderson (B.S., Child and Family Services) Jacksonville, North Carolina
Leslie Henrichs (B.S., Child and Family Services) Little Elm, Texas
Lisa M. Olivarez (B.S., Child and Family Services) Niceville, Florida
Candice Renee Pipes (B.S., Child and Family Services) Van, Texas
Cassondra Lynne Singleton (B.S., Child and Family Services) Burleson, Texas
Kristine L. Weeks (B.S., Child and Family Services) Cum Laude Goldthwaite, Texas
† Monica Denise White
(B.S., Child and Family Services) Summa Cum Laude Daingerfield, Texas
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Sade T’nya Ard (B.S., Communication Disorders) ................................................ Cedar Park, Texas
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
Alexandria Avila (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude ............. San Antonio, Texas
† Karah E. Baker (B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude Hallsville, Texas
Darrianna Becker (B.S., Communication Disorders) ......................................... League City, Texas
Hadley V. Blalock (B.S., Communication Disorders) Moody, Alabama
Crystal Lee Brindley (B.S., Communication Disorders) Magna Cum Laude ........ Tyler, Texas
† Danielle Marie Burnham
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude .............................. Brighton, Colorado
Jennifer Lee Carlile (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude Kerrville, Texas
Karleigh Charbonneau (B.S., Communication Disorders) ....................... Johnstown, Colorado
Addison Grace Cottrell (B.S., Communication Disorders) Paradise, Texas
Peyton Grace Crawford
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude New Kent, Virginia
Hayla Caroline Drum (B.S., Communication Disorders) Morganton, North Carolina
Victoria Flores (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude Horizon City, Texas
Elena Garcia (B.S., Communication Disorders) Magna Cum Laude Houston, Texas
Kaitlyn B. Giles
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Magna Cum Laude Doddridge, Arkansas
Natalie Guerra
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude Nashua, New Hampshire
Raegan A. Guess (B.S., Communication Disorders) ..................................................... Elkhart, Texas
Brandy Guzman
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude .................................... Converse, Texas
Jaelyn Renee Howell
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Magna Cum Laude ............................................ Forney, Texas
Emma Christine Krolikiewicz (B.S., Communication Disorders) Farmingville, New York
Bryanne D. Kuykendall (B.S., Communication Disorders) ........................... Los Angeles, Texas
Raejiene D. Lambert (B.S., Communication Disorders) San Antonio, Texas
Marilyn Lo (B.S., Communication Disorders) ............................................. Sacramento, California
Madison Nykol McKinney
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Magna Cum Laude .................................... Rosenberg, Texas
Faith Elaine Nienstadt
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude .................................. Carrollton, Texas
Tosha Lynn Ochoa
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude ...................... Easley, South Carolina
Marisa N. Pendery
(B.S., Communication Disorders) ......................................................... North Richland Hills, Texas
Brianna Marie Quinonez
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude ............................. San Antonio, Texas
Monica Ramos (B.S., Communication Disorders) Missouri City, Texas
Rejunea Ratcliff (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cypress, Texas
Nikki J. Rodriguez
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude Ingram, Texas
Joseline Sanchez (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude Seffner, Florida
Madison N. Sawyer (B.S., Communication Disorders) San Angelo, Texas
Ashley Nicole Schroeder (B.S., Communication Disorders) ................. New Braunfels, Texas
Faith Rankin Thomas (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude Old Town, Florida
Anna R. Vallas (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude ................................. Irving, Texas
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
Robyn Van Roekel
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude Prosper, Texas
† Chloe Hannah Warren (B.S., Communication Disorders) .......................... Yukon, Oklahoma
Kayla Wesner
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude .............................. Fort Myers, Florida
† Elizabeth Marie Zamudio
(B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude .................................. Greenville, Texas
Health and Human Performance
Wyatt Paul Ayers (B.S., Health and Human Performance) Aubrey, Texas
Caraline Suzann Davis
(B.S., Health and Human Performance) Magna Cum Laude Tyler, Texas
Julie Ann Espinoza (B.S., Health and Human Performance) ............................ Kaufman, Texas
Bellalisa Valerie Gomez Reutelhuber (B.S., Health and Human Performance) ................................................................ League City, Texas
Jason Benjamin Keith (B.S., Health and Human Performance) Fort Worth, Texas
Gabriella Lizette Medellin (B.S., Health and Human Performance) Alice, Texas
Deizy Ruvalcaba
(B.S., Health and Human Performance) Summa Cum Laude Bridgeport, Texas
Lance John Spangler (B.S., Health and Human Performance) Wylie, Texas
Keisha Nicole Stark (B.S., Health and Human Performance) Cum Laude Aledo, Texas
Mohammad Unnas Tauqir (B.S., Health and Human Performance) ...................... Katy, Texas
College of Leadership and Professional Studies
Christian Service and Spiritual Formation
Modina Antoina Leta (B.S., Christian Service and Formation) .............................. Dallas, Texas
Edward Mitchell
(B.S., Christian Service and Formation) Cum Laude Grand Rapids, Michigan
Howard Watson (B.S., Christian Service and Formation) Houston, Texas
Criminal Justice
Noah B. Haymes (B.S., Criminal Justice) Dallas, Texas
Courtney Marie Hertzog (B.S., Criminal Justice) Temple, Texas
Healthcare Administration
† Shaylin Marie Bertelson (B.S., Healthcare Administration) Summa Cum Laude Christoval, Texas
Roman R. Briano (B.S., Healthcare Administration) Summa Cum Laude Amarillo, Texas
Jennika Evette Cantu (B.S., Healthcare Administration) Cum Laude San Diego, Texas
Ebony S. Carter (B.S., Healthcare Administration) ......................................................... Mexia, Texas
Brenda Hernandez (B.S., Healthcare Administration) Houston, Texas
Neddy Chepkoech (B.S., Mathematics) ........................................................................... Kipkelion, Kenya
Darius Juel Ellis Thompson (B.A., Mathematics) Katy, Texas
Key to Degree Abbreviations
B.A. – Bachelor of Arts
B.B.A. – Bachelor of Business Administration
B.F.A. – Bachelor of Fine Arts
B.M. – Bachelor of Music
B.S. – Bachelor of Science
B.S.E. – Bachelor of Science in Engineering
B.S.N. – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
Undergraduate Academic Honors
Honors at Commencement are based on a student’s GPA on courses taken at Abilene Christian. Students must complete at least 60 hours of course work at ACU to qualify to graduate with honors. The GPA thresholds for honors at graduation are 3.6 for cum laude, 3.75 for magna cum laude, and 3.9 for summa cum laude.
Honors listed in the Commencement program are based on the current GPA at the time of the graduation. If the final semester’s grades alter the student’s standing, the correct honor will be noted on the diploma.
For the distinction of Honors Scholar or Honors Associate, a student’s degree must be enriched with course work through the Honors College. The distinction also requires a GPA of at least 3.5 at the time of graduation. Honors College graduates wear gold stoles in Commencement.
University Scholars have superior academic records combined with outstanding service to their department and the university. These students must be recommended by their department and their college to receive this honor. They receive a medallion to be worn with their academic regalia.
Students listed in the program are candidates for the indicated degree, but inclusion in the program does not confirm a degree has been earned. The degree will only be awarded after all degree requirements have been completed.
Undergraduate Awards
Lemoine G. Lewis Valedictorian Award (4.0 GPA)
Lyric N. Anderson
Karah E. Baker
Shaylin Marie Bertelson
Emily Paige Boucher
Danielle Marie Burnham
Joanne Renee Carman
Jennifer Colleen Corzine
Avery Jane Cottrell
Callie Elizabeth Dobbs
Leira Enid Ferrer
Emily Breann Fulton
Natalie Guerra
Brandy Guzman
Honor Man
Kylie Elizabeth McLeod
Faith Elaine Nienstadt
Annie Kay Palasota
Brianna Marie Quinonez
Vanessa Kay Robinson
Caleb Ross Shields
Benjamin D. Smith
Taryn Speakman
Ethan Michael Swaney
Kimberly Ford Thomason
Robyn Van Roekel
Monica Denise White
Elizabeth Marie Zamudio
Benjamin D. Smith
Honor Woman
Emma Grace Horn
Trustees Award
Arriyana D. Graham
B Sherrod Scholarship
Emy Julianna Petiluna Pablico
Diana Pauline Weilbacher
Dean Adams Achievement Award
Laura Kate Masters
ACU Box 29131, Abilene, Texas 79699-9131
325-674-2622 • 800-373-4220
acu.edu/alumni
Dear ACU Graduate,
On behalf of the ACU Alumni Association, congratulations – and welcome! My team and I are so proud of you and your accomplishments throughout your time here.
You now join tens of thousands of alumni who have embarked on the journey you are about to undertake. Your hard work, dedication and perseverance have made it possible for you to achieve this impressive milestone. We have been where you are and remember the excitement you feel today.
I hope you’ll continue your relationship with your alma mater. By being an active member of the alumni community, you can be instrumental in the continued success of ACU – and, by extension, the thousands of students who will come after you.
Don’t be a stranger! If there is any way we can be of service, reach out to us at alumni @acu.edu. Don’t forget to visit our website at acu.edu/alumni to keep in touch and create your account on the alumni directory so you can start receiving your ACU Today magazine. Stay connected with us on Instagram (@acualumni), and you also can connect to ACU through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Be sure to visit acu.edu/news to stay on top of the latest campus happenings.
Congratulations again on a job well done. Take the opportunity to make a real difference in the world by sharing the love of Jesus with everyone you meet and continuing to practice the unique service-based leadership to which he has called us.
Please share your ACU experiences with those you meet and come back to campus whenever possible. We’ll be here to welcome you.
For the Purple and White,
Craig Fisher (’92) Associate Vice President for Advancement and Alumni