COMMENCEMENT
MAY 21, 2023
MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
MAY 21, 2023
President James M. Reynolds, Presiding with Provost Mary M. Black
FACULTY MARSHALS:
STUDENT MARSHALS:
Dr. Julie Bates, Associate Professor of English Dr. Jorge Chavez-Rojas, Associate Professor of Sociology
Quincy G. Collings, Junior Nursing Major Page T. Shields, Junior English Writing Major
The audience will rise with the entrance of the Academic Procession and will remain standing until President speaks.
PROCESSIONAL
“Bass Face” — Kenny Burrell
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
President Reynolds
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Provost Black
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKERS
“Big and Blue” — Jarius J. Ingram, Class of 2023
“To Infinity and Beyond” — Gavin King, Class of 2023
SPECIAL RECOGNITION & PRESENTATION OF HONORARY DEGREE
John G. Skeffington — Chairman, Board of Trustees
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
“Freedom Follows” — Jodi Benson, Class of 1993
PRESENTATION OF HONORARY DEGREES
The Doctor of Fine Arts Degree
The Doctor of Humane Letters
THE CONFERRING OF DEGREES
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree, College of Professional Studies
The Master of Science in Nursing Degree, College of Professional Studies
The Bachelor of Arts Degree, College of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Science Degree, College of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, College of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Music Degree, College of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Arts Degree, College of Professional Studies
The Bachelor of Science Degree, College of Professional Studies
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, College of Professional Studies
The Master of Business Administration Degree, Tabor School of Business
The Bachelor of Arts Degree, College of Arts and Sciences
The Bachelor of Science Degree, College of Arts and Sciences
The Bachelor of Science Degree, Tabor School of Business
CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
John G. Skeffington — Chairman, Board of Trustees
WELCOME TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Eric Sorensen, Class of 1985 — Alumni Association Board
TASSEL CEREMONY
Isabella Benning, Class of 2023
Ximena Gomez-Rios, Class of 2023
The audience will rise and remain standing for the Alma Mater and Academic Recession.
THE MILLIKIN ALMA MATER
Howard Akers (1913–1984)
Abbey Engelmann, Emma West will lead the Alma Mater
To the Blue and the White we will loyal be, Hail our Alma Mater With our voices we’ll sing ever faithfully, Hail our Alma Mater Her cherished traditions we’ll uphold, Our loyalty will ne’er grow old Loyal sons and daughters we always will be, Hail our Alma Mater.
RECESSIONAL
“Bernie’s Tune” — Gerry Mulligan
Millikin University Faculty Jazz Ensemble
David Moore, trumpet; Perry Rask, alto & baritone saxophone; Mark Tonelli, guitar; Emma Taylor, bass; Brian Justison, drums
JARIUS INGRAM
College of Arts & Sciences | Bachelor of Science
BIOLOGY, PRE-MEDICINE
DECATUR, ILLINOIS
GAVIN KING
College of Fine Arts | Bachelor of Fine Arts
THEATRE, ACTING
GRANDVIEW, MISSOURI
CLASS OF 2023 // STUDENT SPEAKERS
CLASS OF 2023 // COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
JODI BENSON
Class of 1993
Jodi Benson received worldwide recognition and critical acclaim as the beloved singing and speaking voice of Ariel in the Academy Award-winning Walt Disney animated feature film, “The Little Mermaid,” as well as the bubbly voice of Tour Guide Barbie in Disney Pixar’s “Toy Story II,” winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture. Jodi received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in 1992 for her performance of Polly Baker in the Broadway musical “Crazy For You.” In 2011, she was honored as the recipient of the prestigious Disney Legend Award, recognizing individuals who have made an extraordinary and integral contribution to The Walt Disney Company. In 2022, Jodi authored a memoir, “Part of My World: What I’ve Learned from The Little Mermaid about Love, Faith and Finding My Voice,” that shares behind-the-scenes stories from her career.
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Co-Dean
Julia Kay Auton
Decatur, IL Nursing Practice
LaToya L Bond
Decatur, IL Nursing Practice
Christel Gayle Wheeler
Decatur, IL Nursing Practice
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Co-Dean
Aseem Adoni
Champaign, IL Nurse Educator
Sarah Lynne Olson
Decatur, IL Nurse Educator
Jacob Busey
Decatur, IL Nurse Educator
Amanda McCampbell Drain
Decatur, IL Nurse Educator
Ryan Daniel Gersch
Chatham, IL Nurse Educator
Aqueliana Christina Sanders
Decatur, IL Nurse Educator
Melissa Ann Swati Tallent
Decatur, IL Nurse Educator
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Laura Ledford, Dean
Nathan I Amaya
Indianapolis, IN
Arts Technology
Katharine Pauline
Baumann*
Carrollton, IL
Theatre & Performance
Gabriel Wayne Henderson
Trilla, IL
Theatre & Performance
Grace Ann Jegle
Saint Louis, MO
Theatre & Performance
Samantha Keza*
Kigali, Rwanda
Arts Technology
Emily E Lux
Dalton City, IL
Arts Administration
Skylar Y Meents
Downers Grove, IL Arts Technology
Julia Anna Mlynowski*
Arlington Heights, IL
Arts Technology
Joshua Adam Pierce Jr.†
Davenport, IA
Theatre & Performance
Alan Ramirez*
Schiller Park, IL
Music, Psychology
Rachel Nicole Silvey*
Mahomet, IL
Theatre
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Laura Ledford, Dean
Landen Paul Antonini†
Pekin, IL
Arts Technology
Leslie Chinonso Anukwu**
Champaign, IL
Arts Technology
Austin Seth Cannon
Decatur, IL
Arts Technology
Trent Edward Champagne
Saint Charles, MO
Multimedia Communication
Mitchell Reegin Garrett
Marshall, IL
Arts Technology
Harrison W Myers
Dalton City, IL
Arts Technology
Conor M Reynolds
Decatur, IL
Arts Technology
Grant Allen Unruh*
Topeka, KS
Arts Technology
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Laura Ledford, Dean
Christian Saint Anthony Andrews-Stewart
Morton Grove, IL Acting
Kelsey RaeAnn Baker*
Moline, IL Acting Jeremy Banzon
Mokena, IL Theatre
Sarah Francina Bielicki*
Huntington Beach, CA Acting
Mira Elizabeth Burens
Chicago, IL Theatre
Grace Dutton Callahan**
Sarasota, FL Musical Theatre
Raeven I Carroll*
Kankakee, IL Theatre
Mara Nicole Currens*
Saint Paul, MN Acting
Deven Brandon Desai
Griffin, GA
Design & Production
Lacey Ann Edwards*
Mount Pulaski, IL
Art Therapy
Jake Luciano Faragalli
Sicklerville, NJ Musical Theatre
Chloe Ann Fisher*
Clarksville, TN Acting
Nathan Robert Gallop*
Saint Louis, MO
Musical Theatre
Josephine Maureen Gompf†
Fargo, ND Musical Theatre
Grace Catherine Haney*
Flower Mound, TX Musical Theatre
Logan Christopher Hanson*
Washington, IA
Theatre
Julien Richard Harris†
Bozeman, MT Acting
Cole Steven Hintz*
Defiance, MO Acting
Maria Patricia HollowayRacine*
DeKalb, IL Acting
Hunter Royale IntVeld†
Blue Grass, IA
Design & Production
Rebecca Faren Jaffe*
Saint Louis, MO
Musical Theatre
Kyle Jordan*
Champaign, IL Theatre
Gavin Jermale King†
Grandview, MO Theatre
Coleman Warner Klimek
Fargo, ND Acting
Naomi M Latta**
Bartlett, IL
Musical Theatre
Hannah Sadie Magy*
Birmingham, MI
Musical Theatre
Jonathan James Neustifter
Racine, WI Theatre
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS // BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Erica Pamson*
Decatur, IL
Art Therapy
Leah E Paxton**
Decatur, IL
Studio Art
Darcy Rose Reimler*
Holmen, WI
Musical Theatre
Matthew Ryan Sander
Decatur, IL
Studio Art
Courtney A Schudel
O’ Fallon, MO
Art Therapy
Zachary Carter Scott*
Evansville, IN
Acting
Bryn Ellie Sentnor*
Creve Coeur, MO
Theatre
Magdalyn Grace Strubhar*
Washington, IL
Art Therapy
Jazmine Tamayo
Antioch, IL
Musical Theatre
Sydney N Wilson**
Lombard, IL
Studio Art
Isabelle Rose Zoeller**
Bell Buckle, TX
Stage Management
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF
Laura Ledford, Dean
MUSIC
Kaela Nicole Adams*
Yukon, OK
Music Education - Vocal
Elizabeth Anne Armstrong*
Saint Charles, IL
Commercial Music
Bailey Lyn Banks**
Ottawa, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Isabelle M DeCator Bencke
Rio Rancho, NM
Commercial Music
Molly Elizabeth Calvert†
Oswego, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Jorie Lynn Clark
Springfield, IL
Music Performance - Vocal
Mary Grace Cleary†
Kirkwood, MO
Music Education - Vocal
Mikayla Marie Craw*
Warrensburg, IL
Music Education - Instrumental
Jaden Hubert DeLay*
Springfield, IL
Commercial Music
Spencer Andrew Domer**
Alton, IL
Music Performance - Vocal
Emily MacKenzie Elsea
Columbia, MO
Music Education - Vocal
Abbey Diana Engelmann*
Sainte Genevieve, MO
Music Performance - Vocal
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS // BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Kayla Fisher**
O’ Fallon, IL
Music Performance - Vocal
Stefani Nicole Graff*
Franklin Park, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Maleka Faith Hames*
Decatur, IL
Music Education - Instrumental
Aidan James Hart**
New Lenox, IL
Music Business, Commercial Music
Evalena Elizabeth Hartke*
Saint Charles, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Mason Daniel Hoyt†
Kansas City, MO
Commercial Music
Eleanora Rose Klick
Salem, WI
Music Education - Vocal
Emily L Kouzios**
Crystal Lake, IL
Music Performance - Vocal
Erin Elizabeth Leone*
Elkhart, IL
Music Education - Instrumental
William Austin Long†
Decatur, IL
Commercial Music
Marjhe D’Galvion Mason
Lombard, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Nacyla Zhene’ Mitchell
Flossmoor, IL
Music Education - Instrumental
Samuel Robert Moore*
Huntley, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Elizabeth MacKenzie Nold**
Aurora, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Cara Christine Rivecco*
Taylorville, IL
Music Performance - Instrumental
Jared Nathan Romero†
Zion, IL
Music Education - Instrumental
Neaven Raye Rytel**
Crystal Lake, IL
Commercial Music
Adrian Sanchez Rodriguez†
Merida, Venezuela
Music Performance - Instrumental
Logan Joseph Scalf*
Sandwich, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Zachary Wilson Smith*
Mattoon, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Sydney Elizabeth Strader
Fort Mill, SC
Music Performance - Vocal
Robert Walter Tant**
Paragould, AR
Music Education - Instrumental
Caroline Marie Welte*
Sandwich, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Emma Grace West*
Lexington, NC
Music Performance - Vocal
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Co-Dean
Taylor Nicole Chase
Bedford, IN
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
Ruth Ann Edwards
Springfield, IL
Elementary Education
Sydney Finch*
Waterloo, IL
Early Childhood Education
Taylor Elizabeth Gibson
Pana, IL
Elementary Education
Johanna McCabe Donovan
Tolono, IL
Elementary Education
Emilie Mineo
Naperville, IL
Elementary Education
Simen Linnes Nodland*
Moss, Norway
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
Cade W Sloan
Mount Zion, IL
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Co-Dean
Justin R Allen*
Oswego, IL
Physical Education
Luke James Anderko
Griffith, IN
Exercise Science
Macheila Jaydin Marie Anderson
Champaign, IL
Exercise Science
Roy Umberto Baggio Jr
Decatur, IL
Exercise Science
Isabella Rose Benning*
Sullivan, IL
Elementary Education
Kynleigh Blake**
Mt Zion, IL
Exercise Science
Jacy Blunt*
Effingham, IL
Early Childhood Developmental Therapy
Ellen Anne Bortmess*
Rochester, IL
Elementary Education
Allyson L Bragg*
Argenta, IL
Elementary Education
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Austin Joe Bridgman
Decatur, IL
Physical Education
James Carlos Broach IV**
Normal, IL
Elementary Education
Nickolas Javon Burks
Memphis, TN
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
Sam Butler**
Champaign, IL
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
LaVareon Travis Campbell
Bloomington, IL
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
Maegan Elizabeth Carter**
Decatur, IL
Early Childhood Education
Jensen Nichole Cearlock**
Decatur, IL
Health Promotion
Kale D Crawford
Union, MO
Physical Education
Leandra Elizabeth
Foreman**
Riverton, IL
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
Nicholas Robert Fornoff†
Pekin, IL
Exercise Science
Kaylee Susan Goluch**
Inverness, IL
Instructional Development
McKenzie Ray Kane**
Decatur, IL
Early Childhood Education
Timothy Klein*
Urbana, IL
Elementary Education
Robert Maida
Lockport, IL
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
Quinton James Miller†
Houston, TX
Exercise Science
DeQuarius James Delonn
Millett
Granite City, IL
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
Sarah Louise Ness*
Sandwich, IL
Exercise Science
Makenna L Parkhouse
Gridley, IL
Health Promotion
Alexander Perkins
Chicago, IL
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
Serron Monte Pettis Jr.
Chicago, IL
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
Emma Jane Raleigh
Decatur, IL
Early Childhood Education
Arturo Sanchez
Niles, IL
Physical Education
Taylor Elizabeth Schippert*
Watseka, IL
Elementary Education
Julia Alexandra Seaman†
Marshall, IL
Early Childhood Education
Justin R Allen*
Oswego, IL
Early Childhood Education
Abby Elizabeth Smith*
Blue Mound, IL
Early Childhood Education
Valerie C Smith
Decatur, IL
Elementary Education
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Emma Elizabeth Spurgetis
Colona, IL
Elementary Education
Kailee Stewart*
Decatur, IL
Elementary Education
Trey Vorwald†
Manteno, IL
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
Nicolas White
Chicago, IL
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
Emanuel Lachansan Whiteside
Saint Louis, MO
Health, Fitness and Recreation
Tessa Mae Wiegand
Eureka, IL
Exercise Science
Elisha Williams IV
Creve Coeur, MO
Sport & Rec Mgmt.
Jada Janae Wilson†
Decatur, IL
Early Childhood Education
Lauren Tess Wyatt*
Mt Zion, IL
Elementary Education
Gabrielle Faith Yeakley**
Decatur, IL
Exercise Science
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Co-Dean
Dane Christian Alexander
Bloomington, IL
Nursing
Morgan E Bailey*
Mt Zion, IL
Nursing
Ellarie Anne Barrett
Geneseo, IL
Nursing
Kristian Paul Boado
Algonquin, IL Nursing
Allie Elizabeth Bonk
Poplar Grove, IL
Nursing
Emily Brewer**
Springfield, IL Nursing
Jenna Eileen Cheek†
Geneseo, IL Nursing
Devyn Nicole Dubose
Canyon Lake, CA
Nursing
Jessica Eckart**
Forsyth, IL Nursing
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Naomi Maryah Hall**
Decatur, IL
Nursing
Chloe Christine Hugo
Mount Zion, IL
Nursing
Kaitlyn Renee McIntyre
Decatur, IL
Nursing
MacKenzie Raelyn Moyer
Carlinville, IL
Nursing
Aubrey Lynne Oitker
Bloomington, IL
Nursing
Nanami Rose Owada
Plainview, IL
Nursing
Sophia Rose Pierre-Antoine
North Liberty, IA
Nursing
Cleah Mariana Jene Roberts
Decatur, IL
Nursing
Madalynn Renee Robinette
Girard, IL
Nursing
Addison Marie Sargent
Mount Vernon, IL
Nursing
Alyssa Anna Marie
Satterfield
Crystal Lake, IL
Nursing
Madison Elaine Schultz
Decatur, IL
Nursing
Sadie N Scott
Decatur, IL
Nursing
Jessica Rose Sheeler*
Geneva, IL
Nursing
Alexander W Shingleton
Macon, IL
Nursing
Murielle Ntwali Umuhoza
Goma, Zaire
Nursing
Catherine Walezca Vila
Decatur, IL
Nursing
Rylee Madisen Vought**
Decatur, IL
Nursing
Christina Ann
Wasserstrom**
Winfield, IL
Nursing Rachael Lynn Welburn†
Assumption, IL
Nursing
Daisy Lynne Whitaker
Argenta, IL
Nursing
Brandi Elizabeth Woods
Manteno, IL
Nursing
Madelyn Grace Yeakley
Decatur, IL
Nursing
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dr. Nancy Curtin, Dean
Ariel Siáñez-Avitia**
Cicero, IL
Criminal Justice
Jacob Thomas Bailey**
Lombard, IL
Mathematics Actuarial Science
Christopher Joseph Bruno
Arlington Heights, IL History
Riley Nicole Cremeens
Mapleton, IL Human Services
Antonio Roberto Cruz*
Palos Heights, IL Human Services, Theatre & Performance
Zachary Tyler Harper*
Decatur, IL
Philosophy, Communication
Isabel Hochleutner
Elwood, IL English Education
Maria Patricia HollowayRacine*
DeKalb, IL
Environmental Studies
Stephanie Holsinger
Tinley Park, IL
Mathematics Actuarial Science
Jessica Marie Janus New Lenox, IL English Education
Gwendolyn Grace Klinkey* Saint Charles, IL English: Literature, English: Writing
Margaret Elaine Kusar* Chicago, IL English: Writing
Jessica Lynn McCoy** Mount Zion, IL Spanish
Isabel Del Carmen MendezAristondo† Speedway, IN Human Services, Communication
Stephanie Munoz Round Lake Beach, IL Human Services
Alena Grace Neal Montgomery, IL Human Services
Rebecka Ann Ngoya
Rantoul, IL
Political Science
Adriyanna D Patterson†
Georgetown, IL
Criminal Justice
Valerie Dianne Pugh
Plainfield, IL Human Services, Communication
Jayme Lynne Reed*
Atlanta, IL
Mathematics, Philosophy
Sadie N Scott
Decatur, IL Spanish
Matthew Wayne Skeffington
Decatur, IL
Communication
Braden J. Snyder
Decatur, IL
Social Science (Sec. Teaching)
Rolande Umuhoza**
Saint Paul, MN Computer Science
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Nancy Curtin, Dean
Katie Marie Abell
Jacksonville, IL
Biology
Aaron Woodrow Agee† Maroa, IL
Criminal Justice
Donovon Ray Anderson* Country Club Hills, IL
Criminal Justice
Rebekah Paige Barnes Oakley, IL
Psychology
Katharine Pauline Baumann*
Carrollton, IL
Biology
Ashlyn Nicole Bennett Oreana, IL
Criminal Justice
Madalyn Mae Bochantine**
Decatur, IL
Chemistry
Gabrielle Madison Boomer
Decatur, IL
Biology: Life Science Studies
Morgan Teresa Boward* Downs, IL
Environmental Studies
Keagan Joseph Brady
Charleston, IL
Chemistry
Caleb Christopher Buehrle Wildwood, MO
Communication
Demetrious Antwon Burtin
Broadview, IL Criminal Justice
Justin Daniel Caldwell Decatur, IL
Biology
Rylie Shawn Casey*
Warrensburg, IL Human Services
Jasmine Breanna Clark
Decatur, IL
Chemistry
Charles William Corley III† Forsyth, IL
Environmental Studies
Shannon M Cornthwaite Macon, IL
Psychology
Seth Aaron Crull† Normal, IL Biology
Summer Esley Dick
Pekin, IL
Physics
Mia Danielle Eshoo
Wentzville, MO
Communication
Miranda E Fox*
Altamont, IL
Communication
Brian Andrew Freeman*
Cary, IL
Mathematics Data Science, Computer Science
Chelsea Paige Getz
Decatur, IL
Mathematics
Zachary Shane Govan Calument Park, IL
Sociology
Sydney Marie Griggs*
Decatur, IL
Chemistry
Jaime Isidro Gutierrez de Calderon Martinez
Madrid, Spain
Engineering Science, Mathematics
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Jontae Malik Hardaway
Portland, OR
Psychology
Olivia Marie Hedinger**
Jasper, IN
Psychology, Criminal Justice
MaKennah Laniesa Hollon
Oreana, IL Biology
Morgan C Hollon
Oreana, IL Biology
Samuel Lucas Hopkins
Maroa, IL
Mathematics Actuarial Science
Bushra Ibrahim*
Decatur, IL
Computer Science
Bushra Ibrahim*
Decatur, IL
Mathematics Data Science
Jarius James Ingram*
Decatur, IL
Biology, Pre-Medicine
Jade Bandy Kallenbach**
Blue Mound, IL
Sociology, Criminal Justice
Cherissa Kaze Bujumbura, Burundi Biology
Emily Elizabeth Griffith Kemp*
Tuscola, IL Psychology
Jessi L Kreder*
Saint Charles, MO Biology
Chloe Isabelle La Prairie Canyon Country, CA Biology
Enrique Martin Laguna Oak Forest, IL
Criminal Justice
Allison Nevik Manning
Chicago, IL Human Services
Jessica Lynn McCoy**
Mount Zion, IL Biology
Peter Andrew McCusker†
Rantoul, IL
Computer Science
Charles Leroy McLarenMustread IV
Peoria, IL Physics
Jordan Michael Moats
Taylorville, IL
Communication
Nikol Anita Obradovic**
San Jose, CA Biology
Kolby Jarrett Osborne
Decatur, IL
Criminal Justice
Jocelin Junior Pierre
Lehigh Acres, FL Physics
Hannah Marie Prochnow**
Decatur, IL
Environmental Studies, Philosophy
Christian Mcree Ragain**
Webster Groves, MO
Biology: Life Science Studies
Madeline Nikole Romaker
Lincoln, IL
Biology: Life Science Studies
Madeeha Salik*
Forsyth, IL Chemistry
Camryn Kaylea Skundberg
Mount Zion, IL
Mathematics Secondary Education
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Bradley Ryan Spradlin
Rockton, IL
Communication
Victoria Fayth Stuart*
Florissant, MO
Biology
Joshua Allen Stump
Cerro Gordo, IL
Nursing
Keely Lauren Watkins**
Decatur, IL
Psychology
Aaron Michael Wendt*
Oreana, IL
Communication
Emily Elizabeth Clara
Godinez-Woerman
Aurora, IL
Psychology
Keri Jean Wozniak*
Carpentersville, IL
Psychology
Joshua Alan Yeo
Chicago, IL
Communication
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Daniel R Baker
Savoy, IL
Management
Ashley Nichole Galloway
Decatur, IL
Management
Sergio Javier Gonzalez Guth
Decatur, IL
Management
Brynn Abigail Kickle
Decatur, IL
Management
Ryan James Kirkley
Decatur, IL
Management
Heather Michelle Mihaly
Rantoul, IL
Management
Hubert William Murray
Decatur, IL
Management
Shiv Shankar Paswan
Decatur, IL
Management
Kadi D Smith
St Joseph, IL Management
Skielyr Kathleen Trenkle
Decatur, IL
Management
Jennifer Diane Vincent
Maroa, IL
Management
Jonathon Robert Warnick
Decatur, IL
Management
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Michael O Akinwumi
Ballwin, MO
Business Communication
Iliriana Asani*
Decatur, IL
Finance
Chris Darryl Barambona*
Bujumbura, Burundi
Mgmt. Info. Systems
Brianna M Barconi**
South Elgin, IL
Digital Media Marketing
Caleb Alexander Bleich
Melvin, IL Management
Madisyn R Carpenter*
Lakewood, CO
Management
Bailey Lindey Lee Coffman*
Heyworth, IL
Management
Amaya Janel Coleman
Oak Park, IL
Finance
John David Collins**
Jerseyville, IL
Accounting
Kameron J Cummuta
Lombard, IL
Digital Media Marketing
Rylan James Doran**
Mount Zion, IL
Digital Media Marketing
Brandon Dale Embry**
Decatur, IL
Mgmt. Info. Systems
Morgan P Christison†
Argenta, IL
Organizational Leadership
Jacob Patrick Garrett
Decatur, IL
Cybersecurity
Ximena Gomez-Rios*
Hoffman Estates, IL
Organizational Leadership, Spanish
Shade Lafaye Havard**
Decatur, IL
Accounting
Bella Ingabire*
Bujumbura, Burundi Management
Kentina Annie Ishimwe
Bujumbura, Burundi
Finance
Gamir Taishawn Jackson
Decatur, IL
Digital Media Marketing
Luke Robert Kelton
Champaign, IL
Management
Nate Christian Kelton
Champaign, IL
Management
Gaelle Kashironge Kinja†
Decatur, IL
Digital Media Marketing
Clayton Steven Maack*
Wildwood, MO Management
Keshawn Kenzeal Marshall
Decatur, IL Management
Maekeitha Denise Matthews
Decatur, IL
Organizational Leadership
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Mayer
Centralia, IL
Digital Media Marketing
Amandine Isaro Mayogi
Goma, Zaire
Digital Media Marketing
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Chelsea Julianna McCullum*
Oswego, IL
Digital Media Marketing, Spanish
Andrea Lynn Miller
Lake City, IL
Accounting
Sean W Miller*
Hope, IN
Finance
Sean W Miller*
Hope, IN
Mgmt. Info. Systems
Cynthia L Monkman**
Clinton, IL
Organizational Leadership
Stephie Morene Niyomwungere*
Bujumbura, Burundi
Digital Media Marketing
Wyatt D Nottelmann
Decatur, IL
Management
Griffin Samuel Nyi**
Pontiac, IL
Accounting
Luke David Owsley†
Springfield, IL
Finance
Libby Michelle Pressley
Decatur, IL
Management
Abigail Jean Ratsch**
Springfield, IL
Accounting
Thomas Russell
Brookfield, IL Management
Larissa Olympe Senga Ms.**
Decatur, IL
Mgmt. Info. Systems
Bryce Alan Shumaker*
Decatur, IL
Entrepreneurship
Brooklynn Noelle Smith*
Carlyle, IL
Mgmt. Info. Systems
Hunter Drake Smith
Highland, IL Management
Kierra D Turner
Sauk Village, IL
Cybersecurity
Kellia Urujeni
Kigali, Rwanda
Finance
Julianna Marie Vassallo
Sugar Grove, IL
Digital Media Marketing
Kylie Michelle Venable**
Irvington, IL
Digital Media Marketing
Trevor Johnthomas Voss
Quincy, IL
Finance
Camryn Hope Wagner
Decatur, IL
Digital Media Marketing
Tanner Alan Whitworth
Florissant, MO
Accounting
Edwin Y Acha**
Decatur, IL
Mgmt. Info. Systems
Alexander Preston Zogg†
Bloomington, IL
Management
HONORS SCHOLARS
Macheila Jaydin Marie Anderson
Elizabeth Anne Armstrong
Jacob Thomas Bailey
Kelsey RaeAnn Baker
Bailey Lyn Banks
Jeremy Banzon
Katharine Pauline Baumann
Sarah Francina Bielicki
Madalyn Mae Bochantine
Grace Dutton Callahan
Raeven I Carroll
John David Collins
Seth Aaron Crull
Antonio Roberto Cruz
Mara Nicole Currens
Jaden Hubert DeLay
Deven Brandon Desai
Nathan Robert Gallop
Stefani Nicole Graff
Sydney Marie Griggs
Grace Catherine Haney
Logan Christopher Hanson
Julien Richard Harris
Aidan James Hart
Evalena Elizabeth Hartke
Gabriel Wayne Henderson
Cole Steven Hintz
Mason Daniel Hoyt
Bushra Ibrahim
Jarius James Ingram
Chloe Ann Fisher
Leandra Elizabeth Foreman
Miranda E Fox
Brian Andrew Freeman
Rebecca Faren Jaffe
Kyle Jordan
Emily Elizabeth Griffith Kemp
Gwendolyn Grace Klinkey
Jessi L Kreder
Margaret Elaine Kusar
Hannah Sadie Magy
Allison Nevik Manning
Chelsea Julianna McCullum
Peter Andrew McCusker
Sean W Miller
Samuel Robert Moore
Griffin Samuel Nyi
Nikol Anita Obradovic
Hannah Marie Prochnow
Maria Patricia Holloway- Racine
Christian Mcree Ragain
Alan Ramirez
Abigail Jean Ratsch
Jayme Lynne Reed
Cara Christine Rivecco
Adrian Sanchez Rodriguez
Madeeha Salik
Logan Joseph Scalf
Courtney A Schudel
Sadie N Scott
Zachary Carter Scott
Bryn Ellie Sentnor
Magdalyn Grace Strubhar
Victoria Fayth Stuart
Grant Allen Unruh
Caroline Marie Welte
Emma Grace West
Tanner Alan Whitworth
Keri Jean Wozniak
Lauren Tess Wyatt
* graduating Summa Cum Laude with a minimum 3.8 grade point average (pending final grade calculations)
** graduating Magna Cum Laude with a minimum 3.65 grade point average (pending final grade calculations)
† graduating Cum Laude with a minimum 3.5 grade point average (pending final grade calculations)
LONG-VANDERBURG SCHOLARS
Macheila Jaydin Marie Anderson
Evalena Elizabeth Hartke
Bushra Ibrahim
Jarius James Ingram
Allison Nevik Manning
JAMES MILLIKIN HONORS SCHOLARS
Madalyn Mae Bochantine
Nathan Robert Gallop
Sean W Miller
Chelsea Julianna McCullum
Sydney Marie Griggs
Adrian Sanchez Rodriguez
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
Bailey Lyn Banks
Raeven I Carroll
Sydney Marie Griggs
Maria Patricia HollowayRacine
Mason Daniel Hoyt
Jarius James Ingram
Samuel Robert Moore
Jayme Lynne Reed
Emma Grace West
The appearance of names on this program does not necessarily signify the issuance of degrees. Honors are based on previous term. We regret that later changes may not be reflected in the Commencement Program.
The regalia worn by participants in this academic procession are an extension of a medieval tradition and symbolize the highest academic degree earned by the wearer and the academic institution awarding the degree.
The robe is usually black with a semi-stiff yoke and pleated front. The bachelor’s gown has pointed open sleeves with no ornamentation; the master’s gown has longer, crescent-shaped sleeves; the doctor’s gown has full-length lapels of velvet and bell-shaped sleeves with three horizontal velvet bars. The doctor’s gown and the velvet bars may be a color reflecting the wearer’s field of study.
The doctor’s hood is the longest and fullest. The color of lining of the hood indicates the degreegranting institution. The doctoral gown is usually faced with black or blue velvet down the front, and there are three bars of black or blue velvet across the sleeves. The facing and crossbars may also be done in velvet in the color distinctive of the subject for which the degree was awarded, or in colors of the institution awarding the degree. The color of the trim signifies the field of study: white, arts and letters; golden yellow, science; purple, law; apricot, nursing; green, medicine; olive drab, business and accounting; lemon, library science; scarlet, theology; dark blue, philosophy; pink, music; light blue, education. Candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Professional Studies at Millikin University wear white tassels except
for nursing degree candidates who wear apricot tassels. Candidates for the bachelor of science degree in the Tabor School of Business wear olive drab tassels. Students in the College of Fine Arts wear brown tassels except for bachelor of music candidates who wear pink tassels.
Tassels are worn on the right side of the mortarboard until the degree is conferred and then will be shifted to the left side by the entire graduating class.
Members of the faculty with advanced degrees wear hoods in the colors of their degrees and the granting institutions. The facing of the hood denotes the field of study while the colors of the lining are those of the college or university which conferred the degree. Millikin University confers honorary doctorates; linings for these hoods are Yale blue and white.
Tassels for advanced degrees are normally black, except doctorates may be of gold metallic thread. Tassels may also be colored as are the facings of the hoods for advanced degrees: arts, letters and humanities, white; business and accounting, olive drab; education, light blue; music, pink; philosophy, dark blue; science, golden yellow; law, purple; library science, lemon; theology, scarlet; etc.
The processional is led by student marshals, who are generally selected by Student Senate. Two senior professors serve as faculty marshals. Following them in the processional are the faculty; University trustees, who wear distinguishing purple hoods and mortarboards; and the platform party.
Millikin prepares students for professional success; democratic citizenship in a global environment; and a personal life of meaning and value.
