2024 Graduate Commencement Program

The 153rd Commencement

graduate commencement

University Mall

Elmhurst, Illinois

8:45 a.m. May 18, 2024

Elmhurst University Graduate Commencement

Presiding

Dr. Troy D. VanAken

President

Prelude

Elmhurst University Wind Ensemble

James Hile

Conductor

Ringing of the Hash Bell

Processional*

“Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1,” Edward Elgar

Order of Academic Procession*

The University Chaplain: The Rev. H. Scott Matheney

The Standard Bearers

The Assistant Marshals

The Program Directors

The Degree Candidates

The University Marshal: Alan W. Weiger ’72

The Faculty

The Administrative Officers

The Trustees

The Platform Party

Convocation

Dr. Dean A. Pribbenow

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty

Invocation

Very Rev. Tom Paul

Pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Elmhurst

*All those who are able, please stand.

President’s Remarks

President VanAken

The Conferral of the Honorary Degree

President VanAken

Hugh McLean

Chair, Elmhurst University Board of Trustees

Doctor of Law

Alpha M. Brady ’83

Executive Director, American Bar Association

Presented by Dr. Darcel Brady ’75

Commencement Address

Alpha M. Brady ’83

Presentation of Candidates

Dean Pribbenow

Janice Pohl

Professor, Department of Theatre and Dance

Program Directors

Conferral of Degrees

President VanAken

Message from the Dean

Carrie Hewitt ’96, M.A. ’06

Interim Dean, School of Graduate Studies

Message from the Board of Trustees

Hugh McLean

Charge to the Graduates

President VanAken

Benediction*

The Rev. H. Scott Matheney

University Chaplain

Recessional*

“Coronation March,” John Williams

“Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Philip Sousa

Postlude

Elmhurst University Wind Ensemble

*All those who are able, please stand.

Candidates for the Master’s Degree

Master of Business Administration

Tyler Ray Abuelhawa Villa Park, Illinois

Nathalie Aguirre Northlake, Illinois

Amenah M. Azeez Oak Brook, Illinois

Hailey Marie Bantog Des Plaines, Illinois

Judy Beyer Hobart, Wisconsin

Meghan Paula Creed Elmhurst, Illinois

Anthony Keith Daniels Elmhurst, Illinois

Karina De Oliveira Claudino Chicago, Illinois

Tyrone Q. Darey Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Irisi Demollari-Alba Chicago, Illinois

Ansebel Du Toit Des Plaines, Illinois

Meray Estephan Elmhurst, Illinois

Ian E. Evans Oak Park, Illinois

Luke Pascal Fernandez Richmond, Virginia

Catherine Marie Ferrer Montgomery, Illinois

Alexis Marie Gahan-Lopez Chicago, Illinois

Kailey Jane Godfrey Park Falls, Wisconsin

Samuel Matthew Gonzalez Arlington Heights, Illinois

Erik Gromacki Naperville, Illinois

Kelly Brian Hagan Woodridge, Illinois

Bryant William Harner Bartlett, Illinois

Gayle Lynn Harrop McHenry, Illinois

Christopher James Haycock

Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

Aidan Donahoe Hickey Elmhurst, Illinois

Elizabeth Ann Holtquist Lombard, Illinois

Lee Edward Humphrey II Plano, Illinois

Jacob Kaippassery John Elmhurst, Illinois

Sara Rose Kern Elgin, Illinois

Sadiya Khan Hillside, Illinois

Yixian Ly West Chicago, Illinois

Michelle Malecki Bolingbrook, Illinois

Kajsa Månsson Elmhurst, Illinois

Frederick William March Itasca, Illinois

Jon R. Marquardt Arlington Heights, Illinois

Andrew S. Matuszewski Carol Stream, Illinois

Jessica N. Maybrun Westmont, Illinois

Al Mirani Elmhurst, Illinois

Kyran Oneal Mitchell, Jr. Reading, Pennsylvania

Ryan Patrick Neris Elmhurst, Illinois

Nicole Elizabeth Petri St. Charles, Illinois

Daniela Elisa Ramos Garcia

Huixquilucan, Mexico

Alyson Mary Reardon Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Luke Allan Rohrbacher Elgin, Illinois

Davis Schuller Lisle, Illinois

Valbona Shameti Villa Park, Illinois

Diana Sosa Cardenas Waukegan, Illinois

Emilio G. Suarez Elmhurst, Illinois

Lam T. Van Tan An, Vietnam

Jonathan Alipio Vargas Downers Grove, Illinois

Edmund William Verven Bloomingdale, Illinois

Matthew Russell Williams Raleigh, North Carolina

Christopher Jeffrey Wojciak Willow Springs, Illinois

Hannah Marie Zver Park Ridge, Illinois

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Paige Makana Boucher Hainesville, Illinois

Sara Nohely Carrillo Northlake, Illinois

Kate Kennedy Devereux Elmhurst, Illinois

Colleen M. Durkan Chicago, Illinois

Emanuele Virgil Meneses

Fernando Des Plaines, Illinois

Liana Paula Gorenyuk Glenview, Illinois

Habiba Ishtiaq Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Brittney S. Joseph Des Plaines, Illinois

Grace Ann Larkin Lombard, Illinois

Katelyn Anne Law Batavia, Illinois

Lauren Lozneanu Des Plaines, Illinois

Marissa Grace Lutz Chicago, Illinois

Joseph Scott McTague Palatine, Illinois

Lizette Mojica Villa Park, Illinois

Sharai Giselle Orozco Streamwood, Illinois

Megan Ann Polivka Cary, Illinois

Julia Alexandria Pollina Mount Prospect, Illinois

Emily Collins Porta Northbrook, Illinois

Jenna Rose Salemi Bloomingdale, Illinois

Eden Rose Saraceno Oak Park, Illinois

Valerie Marie Schallmo Montgomery, Illinois

Michelle Soto Berwyn, Illinois

Madison Grace Stompor Schiller Park, Illinois

Julia E. Strazecki Addison, Illinois

Krista Marie Thuer Mount Prospect, Illinois

Dalia Valadez Roselle, Illinois

Abigail M. Wagener Buffalo Grove, Illinois

Lauryn Elizabeth Wesoloski Geneva, Illinois

Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems

Abdulkader Aidarus Abbas Chicago, Illinois

Brian Bergstrom Northlake, Illinois

Christopher Ryan Fox Hampton, Virginia

Craig Andrew Raffenberg Bay Harbor Island, Florida

Paul Strootman San Diego, California

Braden Clyde Tyrrell Germantown, Tennessee

Roger Anthony Williams Leander, Texas

Master of Science in Computer Information Technology

Hareesh Kumar Arikatla Chicago, Illinois

Sai Kiran Banda Telangana, India

Vengalarao Banoth Telangana, India

Rakesh Bavu Romeoville, Illinois

Koushik Boinpally Romeoville, Illinois

Gouthami Reddy Challa Indianapolis, Indiana

Gowtham Raj Cheruku Lombard, Illinois

Raghu Babu Cherukuri Romeoville, Illinois

Sai Dheeraj Devalla Schaumburg, Illinois

Sai Greeshmanth Reddy Dodla Chicago, Illinois

Nalini Priya Eerla Chicago, Illinois

Kevin Weng-Wah Gau Morton Grove, Illinois

Zouheir Ghali Elmhurst, Illinois

Sai Geethika Ghattamaneni Andhra Pradesh, India

Sameen Hafsa Lombard, Illinois

Mudassir Hashmi Hyderabed, India

Vamshi Kandukuri Jangaon, India

Naveen Reddy Kallu Chicago, Illinois

Balaji Kanakapuram Wheeling, Illinois

Amitha Reddy Karra Chicago, Illinois

Shezan Khan Skokie, Illinois

Sumanth Reddy Kunta Wheeling, Illinois

Kunalreddy Loka Wheeling, Illinois

Brian Mada Chicago, Illinois

Mounika Mada Chicago, Illinois

Vijay Kumar Madupally Romeoville, Illinois

Harika Manapati Telangana, India

Ayyub Khan Mohammad Karimnager, India

Suleman Khan

Mohammad Skokie, Illinois

Adnan Khan Mohammed Skokie, Illinois

Ali Mohammed Chicago, Illinois

Haseeb Uddin Zeeshan

Mohammed Telangana, India

Noman Uddin Mohammed Chicago, Illinois

Khaja Sohail Mohammed Telangana, India

Shahid Ali Khan

Mohammed Glendale Heights, Illinois

Arun Kumar Nalla Wheeling, Illinois

Kruthivas Nallavelli Wheeling, Illinois

Venkaiah Naidu Namburi Lombard, Illinois

Undral Naran Chicago, Illinois

Bushra Naseer Villa Park, Illinois

Venkata Asuthosh Polavarapu Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Mohamed Abdul Qutubuddin Zakee Bollingbrook, Illinois

Venu Babu Ravuri Lombard, Illinois

Syed Mujtaba Hussain Razvi Elmhurst, Illinois

Sami Mohammed Saleem Chicago, Illinois

Sai Teja Samidala Chicago, Illinois

Mohteshim Ahmed Syed Khammam, India

Rahul Mani Varma Vallabhaneni Elgin, Illinois

Shanmuka Surya Hemanth Vattimilli Andhra Pradesh, India

Vinay Reddy Yelalachinnolla Nizamabad, India

Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics

Daniel G. Barstow St. Charles, Illinois

Robert Hunter Bauer Elmhurst, Illinois

Prakash Bhandari Carol Stream, Illinois

Viola Brudniak Darien, Illinois

Ashley Budyak Barrington, Illinois

Jared Everett Cowing Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Andrew J. Frew Schaumburg, Illinois

Aleis Daniel Martinez Austin, Texas

Christina Michaela Mooshil Chicago, Illinois

Evan Reba-Jones Helena, Montana

Chelsea Marie RotheryArriola Saint Joseph, Illinois

Umair Ahmed Shah Downers Grove, Illinois

Anish Sharma Edison, New Jersey

Brian Joseph Tammaro Brandywine, Maryland

Master of Education in Teacher Leadership

Tori Ann Hudgins Westmont, Illinois

Brianna Murray Carol Stream, Illinois

Niki A. Passaris Chicago, Illinois

Gabriela Nicole Slonke Prospect Heights, Illinois

Master of Science in Nursing Master Entry

Daniel Charles Wiggin Prospect Heights, Illinois

Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Mary Amelia Caliendo Naperville, Illinois

Viktoriya V. Chornopyska Naperville, Illinois

Jillian Marilla Cole Springfield, Illinois

Blake Curtis Twin Lakes, Wisconsin

Mitchell C. Dale Elmhurst, Illinois

Alexsis H. Davis Lindenhurst, Illinois

Lauryn Louise Holm Concord Township, Ohio

Nathan T. Kekelik Munster, Indiana

Akaash Khusal Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Katherine L. King Patterson, New York

Luceana Jaqueline Luna Northlake, Illinois

Rachael Kathryn Mason Elmhurst, Illinois

Milena Morais Lopez Oak Park, Illinois

Pollyana Moskwyn Lisle, Illinois

Kacper Jozef Pachut Wheaton, Illinois

Master of Science in Nursing

Nancy Andino North Riverside, Illinois

Tricia Ann Beelman Hartland, Wisconsin

Elizabeth Ann Boerma Chicago, Illinois

Sonia Caban Berkeley, Illinois

Noema Camacho Chicago, Illinois

Catherine Mary-David Fitt Oak Park, Illinois

Emma Lynn Johnson Chicago, Illinois

Kristina Laniewski Chicago, Illinois

Nicolette Catherine LeBrun Winnetka, Illinois

Michael Thomas Lyskawka Arlington Heights, Illinois

Rachel E. McDade New Lenox, Illinois

Emily Ann McGiness Brookfield, Illinois

Kathleen Elizabeth McGowan

Chicago, Illinois

Alexandra N. Mickow Plainfield, Illinois

Elma Chelsea Rama Elmwood Park, Illinois

Natalie Monique Ramos Villa Park, Illinois

Jenna Rose Saigh Canton, Georgia

Kimberly Sue Schmelzer St. Charles, Illinois

Grace Riddhi Tibbs Marshfield, Missouri

Kimberly Crystal Uribe Lombard, Illinois

Teresa Michele Ward Racine, Wisconsin

Katherine Lynn Nejdl Mount Prospect, Illinois

Claudia Perez Chicago, Illinois

Yolanda Rivera Joliet, Illinois

Amanda Marie Rodriguez Chicago, Illinois

Alexandria Isabella Scheidecker Chicago, Illinois

Annette Sieczka Palos Park, Illinois

Lindsey Reed Vierow Chicago, Illinois

Claire Elizabeth Vola Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Kayla Mae Anderson Chicago, Illinois

Helen C. Abioye Munster, Indiana

Mary Kathleen Affrunti Ottawa, Illinois

Maria Guadalupe Alaniz Chicago, Illinois

Samuel M. Anderson Andover, Minnesota

Kendra L. Anifer Lemont, Illinois

Doris Janina Anton Bensenville, Illinois

Larry Alexander Armfield London, Kentucky

Olamide O. Ayodele Chicago, Illinois

Chloe Sue Babbs Springfield, Illinois

Valerie J. Bajorat Chicago, Illinois

Inessa Bellini Naperville, Illinois

Lexi Marie Boedigheimer Anoka, Minnesota

Lily Rebecca Brooks Greenwood Village, Colorado

Ayanna Janae' Brown Belleville, Illinois

Doria M. Bruny Indianapolis, Indiana

Laura Frances Cahill Bristol, Vermont

Mikayla Rose Cameron Bolingbrook, Illinois

Amber Danae Camp Canfield, Ohio

Roberta Rita Cicala Arlington Heights, Illinois

Julia M. Colucci Carol Stream, Illinois

Brenna Mae Daley Fitchburg, Wisconsin

Emily D'Antonio Elmhurst, Illinois

Maria Hailey Di Gerlando Yorkville, Illinois

Roxana Diaz Chicago, Illinois

Anta Diop Dolton, Illinois

Stephen Donkor-Boadu Westmenster, Vermont

Grace Emerson Drinane Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Samuel Hart Driver Golden Valley, Minnesota

Ibukun Ayodeji Durosanya Des Plaines, Illinois

Taylor H. Ebersohl Grayslake, Illinois

Princess Ejegreh South Holland, Illinois

Jenna L. Endres Black Earth, Wisconsin

Erin Evans Decatur, Illinois

Karina Fernandez Blue Island, Illinois

Jocelyn Samani Filiyaro Saint Cloud, Minnesota

Julianne Elizabeth Finley Louisburg, Kansas

Brianna Marie Froehling Farmington, Minnesota

Kristin Lynn Gemkow Lombard, Illinois

Alyssa Lynn Taylor

Gieselmann Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Katelyn Marie Gott Aitkin, Minnesota

Paula R. Gulliver Lexington, Kentucky

Patrick Harrison Harte Lisle, Illinois

Linsey D. Heuschmidt Elgin, Illinois

Elizabeth Ann Houlihan Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Allen Joel Iza Chicago, Illinois

Nakendra A Jackson Chicago, Illinois

Hannah Jones Morris, Illinois

Megan Lynn Jones Valparaiso, Indiana

Jessica Ellen Joseph Poplar Grove, Illinois

Brett Patrick Kentnich Winfield, Illinois

Julia Lynn Krause Woodridge, Illinois

Carie Jo Kuehn Clinton, Iowa

Shea Matthew Laycock Peru, Indiana

Elizabeth Zoo Lee Saint Paul, Minnesota

Elizabeth A. Lucas Chesterton, Indiana

Bridgette Michaela Macander Bourbonnais, Illinois

Jasmine Marsh Streamwood, Illinois

Cassidy Rose McCusker Louisville, Kentucky

Rebecca P. McDonald Simpsonville, Kentucky

Suzanna Marie Mendoza Darien, Illinois

Alexia Marie Milligan Algonquin, Illinois

Sumaya Mohamed Hopkins, Minnesota

Alivia L. Morales Bettendorf, Iowa

Ashley K. Moran Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Maegan Christine Nero Carol Stream, Illinois

Amanda N. Notter St. Charles, Illinois

Alissa Christine Oestreich Golden Valley, Minnesota

Temitope Abiodun Ogunkoya Avon, Indiana

Ayan S. Omar Minneapolis, Minnesota

Edoise Christiana Omoike Woodridge, Illinois

Rebecca C. Orellana Round Lake, Illinois

Sabrina Melinda Ortega Sandwich, Illinois

Heather M Pendleton Riverside, California

Sonali Rajput Berkeley, Illinois

Haley Nicole Carpenter Greenwood, Indiana

Micheala Maria Richardson Downers Grove, Illinois

Jacob Karl Reinhardt Princeton, Illinois

Jacqueline Jane Robertson Chicago, Illinois

Katarzyna Sadowska Chicago, Illinois

Courtney Marie Schoolcraft (Posthumous) Crest Hill, Illinois

Sarah E. Schwacher Waterford, Wisconsin

Hannah N. Schwichtenberg Genoa, Illinois

Alexis Segura Cicero, Illinois

Catherine Figkela Sewoyeba Oakdale, Minnesota

Joshua Shafley Grand Rapids, Michigan

Master of Occupational Therapy

Celia Ann Bono Bartlett, Illinois

Kelsey Anne Briggs Carol Stream, Illinois

Nicholas Eric Brown Lisle, Illinois

Nicole Adelita Brown Waukegan, Illinois

Xhekson Bufi Chicago, Illinois

Bevin Yvonne Carter Chicago, Illinois

Samantha Ashley Cave Chicago, Illinois

Tracy Lin Choy Chicago, Illinois

Alexa Marie Deceglia Brooklyn, New York

David G. Fernquist Arlington Heights, Illinois

Samantha J. Geenen Lake in the Hills, Illinois

Robert John Heimann Mount Prospect, Illinois

Peri Lauren Holland Wheaton, Illinois

Anita Montano Chicago, Illinois

Hanan S. Shiferaw Saint Paul, Minnesota

BreAnna Lee Skinner Waukee, Iowa

Tyrnnon Kayla Steffen Elmhurst, Illinois

Anthony Robert Stevenson Rochester, Minnesota

Mukhtar Ali Syed Naperville, Illinois

Taylor Anne Tenaglio Elgin, Illinois

Jessica Lee Tierney Algonquin, Illinois

Tricia L. Vankirk Bangor, Maine

Kody Coy Walker Elgin, Illinois

Bernice Williams South Portland, Maine

Jessica E. Wolf Wheaton, Illinois

Master in Project Management

Jillian Acevedo Lombard, Illinois

Kevin Edward Baffoe Oak Lawn, Illinois

Serena Grace Bliss Clarendon Hills, Illinois

Brittany J. Buie Tinley Park, Illinois

Beatriz Bustamante Glendale Height, Illinois

Diana M. Cuaycuan Hernandez Clarendon Hills, Illinois

Heloisa Vitoria Ribeiro Da Paz Chicago, Illinois

Master in Public Health

Natisha Booker Grayslake, Illinois

Sarah Marie Cimino Streamwood, Illinois

Sara Golebiowska Mount Prospect, Illinois

Jonathan McConnell Oswego, Illinois

Isaura A. Naveda Monroe, Georgia

Cathleen Marie O'Donnell Aurora, Illinois

Francesca Rose Orlando Itasca, Illinois

Mitzy Arielle Perez Franklin Park, Illinois

Elijah Paul Sanchez Belvidere, Illinois

Donald E. Swager Schaumburg, Illinois

Sofia J Zarnowiecki La Grange, Illinois

Clare Marie Groch Elmhurst, Illinois Katarzyna Kinga Krawczyk Roselle, Illinois

Jennifer Solis Villa Park, Illinois

Nina Pillai Des Plaines, Illinois

Jose Antonio Sosa Northlake, Illinois

Master of Science in Supply Chain Management

Benjamin Jack Blackmore Plantation, Florida

Matthew John Cook Park Ridge, Illinois

Lydwina S. Denson Bensenville, Illinois

Chris Flaschberger Palm City, Florida

Joseph Kruzel Addison, Illinois

Tanuksha Ann Mathew Berkeley, Illinois

Peter Miras Elmwood Park, Illinois

Firas Raaid Mustafa Morton Grove, Illinois

Anthony Nitto Collegeville, Pennsylvania

Vukoje Petrovic Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Martha Poplawski Buffalo Grove, Illinois

Davin M. Potvin Lisle, Illinois

Brian Jason Woodward Long Grove, Illinois

Master of Science in Education Special Education

Caitlin Elizabeth Berry Naperville, Illinois

Michelle Marie Interrante Villa Park, Illinois

Kailee Ann Keyser Schaumburg, Illinois

Jennifer June Nadolski Gilberts, Illinois

Omoleye Olatunbosun Oak Park, Illinois

Takiyah

Honorary Degree Recipient

Alpha M. Brady ’83 Doctor of Law

Alpha M. Brady is the executive director and chief operating officer of the American Bar Association (ABA). In this role, she serves as the executive staff leader of more than 1,000 staff members in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Texas and California. She is responsible for a $220 million budget, including significant grant funding and 501(c)(3) contributions.

Before becoming executive director, Ms. Brady, who joined the ABA in 1988, had executive management responsibilities for ABA entities that provide management, national leadership, legal policy development and strategic planning for ABA entities and affiliates. These include the Division of Policy and Planning Administration, the Center for Professional Responsibility, the Division for Public Education, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, the Center for Innovation and others.

She is a member of the ABA, the National Association of Women Lawyers and the American Society of Association Executives. She serves on the Law Board of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, and as president of the Center for Re-Creation and Family Training, Inc.

Ms. Brady received her bachelor’s degree in business administration and history from Elmhurst University and her J.D. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.

Graduate Program Directors

Judith K. Bock, Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems

Lawrence Brown, Master of Business Administration

Eric Sanders, Master in Project Management

Ali Ghane, Master of Science in Computer Information Technology

Jennifer Kremkow, Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Jessica Sim, Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Rebecca Hulett, Master of Science in Nursing

James Kulich, Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics

Laura Minarich, Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Master Entry

Roby Thomas, Master of Science in Supply Chain Management

Molly Tran, Master in Public Health

Beverly Troiano, Master of Education in Teacher Leadership and Master of Science in Education in Special Education

Elizabeth Wanka, Master of Occupational Therapy

Academic Dress

Academic regalia worn today dates back to the universities of the Middle Ages, when a warm gown and hood were useful for scholars and clerics in unheated buildings. Such gowns set the students apart from their fellow citizens; hence the phrase “town and gown.”

Until after the Civil War, students at most American universities wore caps and gowns daily while in residence. These varied in design until they were standardized by the American Intercollegiate Commission in 1894. Now used only on formal academic occasions, the caps and gowns indicate the degree earned, the academic discipline in which that degree was earned, and the college or university granting the degree.

Candidates for the baccalaureate degree at Elmhurst University are in navy robes with long pointed sleeves, blue mortarboards and white stoles. Master’s gowns are similar in appearance, with sleeves that are long and closed. The blue and white linings of their hoods indicate Elmhurst’s colors. Velvet edging on the hoods indicate the degree: white for arts, white for liberal studies, yellow for science, light blue for education, and pink for music.

In the Elmhurst University processional, flag or standard bearers are robed in navy, with assistant marshals in silver. These participants are underclassmen. Styles and colors of the faculty hoods likewise indicate alma maters and disciplines. Velvet edging on faculty hoods are in colors established by the Intercollegiate Code to represent the different departments of learning.

Arts, Letters and Humanities White Nursing Apricot Business Administration Olive Drab Philosophy Dark Blue Economics Copper Physical Education Sage Green Education Light Blue Science Gold/Yellow Fine Arts Brown Social Science Citron

Library Science Lemon Theology Scarlet Music Pink

Doctors’ gowns usually are faced with velvet and have long, full sleeves that carry three bands of velvet above the elbows. Institutions may add distinctive variations; for example, some have replaced the black mortarboard with a soft velvet beret.

Sign Language Interpreter

Linda Green

Elmhurst University Symbols and Icons

Four unique icons and symbols help Elmhurst University to honor its rich heritage and attest to its ongoing legacy. Each symbolizes the essence of the institution and the discipline and mutual responsibility to which we are called.

The University Seal

Elmhurst College President H. Richard Niebuhr commissioned the original seal in the 1920s. Updated in 2020 to reflect the name change to Elmhurst University, the face of the seal still features the image of an open Bible bearing the legend from Psalm 36:9, In Lumine Tuo Videbimus Lumen, or “In Thy Light We Shall See Light.” The torch behind the Bible symbolizes leadership in imparting knowledge, truth and inspiration. In the outer ring, the institution’s name is on full display, as is the University’s founding year of 1871.

The University Hash Bell

In Elmhurst’s early years, the Hash Bell kept the school on schedule waking students in the morning, assembling them for classes and activities, and calling them from their chores to dinner. The origin of the name “Hash Bell” remains a mystery, although it may speak to the division of the day as “hash marks” do a football field, or to the frequent appearance of hash on the dinner menu. Today, the Hash Bell is often rung at Elmhurst University ceremonies and remains a cherished symbol of our community.

The University Mace

A symbol of authority and of the institution’s essence, the Elmhurst University mace is carried by the University Marshal at all official convocations. Created in 1991, the mace rests vertically in a stand and represents the emergence of Elmhurst from the educational traditions of the Renaissance and Reformation. The top of the mace displays the University seal, the seal of the United Church of Christ, the towers of Old Main and Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, and a crown of elm leaves.

The Presidential Medallion

Symbolizing the presidency of Elmhurst University, the university president wears the medallion at all ceremonial occasions. It is a replica of the Elmhurst University seal, depicting an open Bible superimposed on a lighted torch, circumscribed by the institutional name and founding year. The medallion suspends from a gold chain and is three inches in diameter.

Trustees and Officers of

Trustees

Sergio E. Acosta

Leslie Banks ’01

Julius Wesley Becton III

Brian Blaha

Susan Bowers ’74

William Canady ’00

Frank Cerrone ’95

Sarah J. Clarin ’04

Julie W. Curran

Kent T. Dahlgren

Dr. Rosie Phillips Davis ’71

Dr. Cathy C. Doucette

Elizabeth Dudek ’73

Maricela Guzman

Rev. Dr. L. Bernard Jakes ’97

Steven W. Jemison ’72

Dr. Rajeev Khanna

Grant A. Kief ’86

Alfred N. Koplin ’15

Trustees Emeriti

Hon. William J. Bauer ’49, ’69

David R. Bertran

Dr. Larry A. Braskamp ’16

Kenne P. Bristol

William A. Castellano ’70

Sharon Reese Dalenberg

Dr. Paul H. DeBruine ’55, ’13

Virginia J. Harmon

Joel G. Herter ’59, ’21

Alice A. Jepson

Officers of the University

Dr. Troy D. VanAken

President

Kurt Ashley

Vice President for Operations and Technology

Michelle Lanter Smith

Barbara J. Lucks ’73

JoAnn M. McGuinness ’15, ’19

Hugh H. McLean

Edward J. Momkus ’74

Judith B. Morley ’69

Dr. William A. Nelson ’68, ’06

Dr. Judith A. Paice ’79, ’09

Paula Pforzheimer ’89

Virginia Prochaska ’88

Harold Rice

Frank A. Ruffolo ’92

Rev. Dr. Mary Schaller Blaufuss

Eva W. Tameling ’78

Rev. Robert O. Ullman ’71

Joan Vilim

Michael P. Wagner ’87

Kevin L. York

Thomas A. Kloet ’18

J. Clifford Lenahan Jr.

Ronald L. Luken

Dr. Ralph E. Lundgren ’57, ’01

Loran F. Nordgren

Dr. Jean E. Sander ’74

John W. Terrill Jr. ’67

Thomas N. Tyrrell ’67

Russell G. Weigand ’64, ’23

James S. Yerbic ’22

A special thank you to Alan Weiger ’72, Associate Professor, Department of Theatre and Dance, who has served as the University Marshal for 23 years. The Marshal is selected by the faculty and it is the duty of the Marshal to supervise arrangements for academic processions in consultation with the President and the Dean of the Faculty. Happy retirement, Alan!

Bruce King

Vice President for Equity and Inclusion

Andrew Knap

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Dr. Dean A. Pribbenow

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty

Christine Grenier

Vice President for Admission

Dr. Phillip Riordan

Vice President for Student Affairs

Julie Suderman

Vice President for Business and Finance

The Elmhurst University logo represents an evolution of the institutional mark while remaining true to its spirit. The heraldic shield speaks of the importance of heritage and lasting values. Against the background of the shield, a flame springs to life in a stylized form that suggests the “E” of the University’s name as well as its early roots in the German Evangelical Church. The flame, an ancient symbol of learning and purposefulness, comes from the torch in the University’s official seal. It reminds us of the continuing relevance of the words President H. Richard Niebuhr wrote in 1925, that “the most urgent need of the present generation … is light and warmth, the light of knowledge and the warmth of high idealism.”

190 Prospect Avenue

Elmhurst, Illinois 60126

elmhurst.edu