MAY 19, 2024
COMMENCEMENT
MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
MAY
19, 2024
President James M. Reynolds, Presiding with Provost Mary M. Black
FACULTY MARSHALS:
STUDENT MARSHALS:
Dr. Joel Blanco, Associate Professor of Exercise Science & Sport
Dr. Katherine Leo, Associate Professor of Music
Zachary Hollis, Sophomore, Communication Major Reed Pierson, Junior, Human Services Major
The audience will rise with the entrance of the Academic Procession and will remain standing until President speaks.
PROCESSIONAL
Millikin Faculty Jazz Quintet
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
President Reynolds
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Provost Black
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKERS
“Authenticity & Appreciation” — Jacob Shumaker, Class of 2024 “Time to Shine” — Alela Kinyua, Class of 2024
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
“Do it Scared, Do it Anyway” — Amber Kaylor, Class of 2006, Master of Business Administration 2016 “What Is Meant for You” — LaVon Fisher-Wilson, Class of 1995
THE CONFERRING OF DEGREES
The Master of Business Administration Degree, Tabor School of Business
The Bachelor of Science Degree, Tabor School of Business
The Bachelor of Arts Degree, College of Arts & Sciences
The Bachelor of Science Degree, College of Arts & Sciences
The Master of Science in Nursing Degree, College of Professional Studies
The Bachelor of Arts Degree, College of Professional Studies
The Bachelor of Science Degree, College of Professional Studies
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, 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
HONORARY DEGREE
President Reynolds
CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ronald L. Branch — Chairman, Board of Trustees
WELCOME TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Lindsey Quick, Class of 2015
TASSEL CEREMONY
Nhi Ngoc Yen Nguyen, Class of 2024
Kara Montgomery, Class of 2024
The audience will rise and remain standing for the Alma Mater and Academic Recession.
THE MILLIKIN ALMA MATER
Howard Akers (1913–1984)
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
Millikin Faculty Jazz Quintet
Millikin University Faculty Jazz Quintet
Perry Rask, saxophone; David Moore, trumpet; Mark Tonelli, guitar; Emma Taylor, bass; Brian Justison, drums
JACOB SHUMAKER
College of Arts & Sciences | Bachelor of Science
COMPUTER SCIENCE
MT. ZION, ILLINOIS
L. KINYUA
College of Fine Arts | Bachelor of Fine Arts
ART THERAPY
HINESVILLE, GEORGIA
ALELA
CLASS OF 2024 // STUDENT SPEAKERS
AMBER KAYLOR
Class of 2006, MBA Class of 2016
CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois, Amber Kaylor, is a seasoned professional in the not-for-profit industry. A double alumna, Kaylor is driven by a commitment to serving others and has aided multiple organizations in reaching significant financial milestones. Previously, Kaylor served as the President and CEO of the Children’s Museum of Illinois, where she successfully executed a notable expansion focusing on first responders.
LAVON FISHERWILSON
Class of 1995
Actress and singer LaVon Fisher-Wilson has spent close to 20 years performing on the Broadway stage with major roles in “The Color Purple,” “Chicago,” “Lysistrata Jones” and “Newsies.” Her credits also include television and film roles, appearing in “Quantico,” HBO’s “Divorce,” Disney’s “Teen Beach Movie,” and many others. With the love of her husband, Darrell Wilson, LaVon names her three best productions as Darrell Jr., Darrien and DaVonna Wilson.
CLASS OF 2024 // COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Donovon Ray Anderson Country Club Hills, IL Management
Christian Michael Badorek Mt. Zion, IL Management
Jacob Thomas Bailey Lombard, IL Management
Brianna Marie Barconi South Elgin, IL Management
Warren Bradley Beals Shelbyville, IL Management
Caleb Alexander Bleich Melvin, IL Management
Caleb Christopher Buehrle Wildwood, MO Management
Neidra Necole Burries Decatur, IL Management
LaVareon Travis Campbell Bloomington, IL Management
Bailey Lindey Lee Coffman
Heyworth, IL Management
Leandra Elizabeth Foreman Riverton, IL Management
Austin Friend Moweaqua, IL Management
Leandro Primo Govatto Mt. Zion, IL Management
Aidan James Hart New Lenox, IL Management
Lee’Vonte Allen Kelley Decatur, IL Management
Derekah Tye Gaynell Kingery Decatur, IL Management
Michael Lee Klasko Mt. Zion, IL Management
Alena Grace Neal Montgomery, IL Management
Mitchell J. Paquette Claremont, NH Management
Adriyanna Dawnyelle Patterson Georgetown, IL Management
Kendall Robison Decatur, IL Management
Larissa Olympe Senga Kigali, Rwanda Management
Bryce Alan Shumaker Decatur, IL Management
Edwin Yenika Decatur, IL Management
Alexander Preston Zogg Bloomington, IL Management
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Eduart Aliu
Decatur, IL
International Business
Isabelle Josephine Alwardt
Decatur, IL Digital Media Marketing
Dylan Austin Mt. Zion, IL
Mgmt. Info. Systems
Nicholas Ryan Auton* Decatur, IL
Cybersecurity
Zachary William Auton** Decatur, IL Management
Omar Ayad
Decatur, IL
Digital Marketing, Communication
McKenna Beth Beals†
Decatur, IL Finance
Joseph Beardsley†
St. Louis, MO
Accounting
Mia L. Brandenburg†
Cerro Gordo, IL
Business Communication
Mary Helen Burdick
Galesburg, IL
Communication
Chloe Buzicky†
Mahomet, IL Management
Enrique Carrera Dorado** Madrid, Spain
International Business
Elyssa J. Clanton† Fisher, IL Management
Paige Emily Coleman* Findlay, IL
Mgmt. Info. Systems, Management
Drew Paul Detmers** Chatham, IL Finance
Kaitlyn Michele Farrar**
Decatur, IL
Organizational Leadership
Huseyin Emre Guraslan Frontignan, France
International Business
Evelyn Gutierrez
Decatur, IL
Mgmt. Info. Systems
Ethan Peter Gutzmer**
Mt. Prospect, IL
Management
Jorge Hernandez Vega**
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , Spain
Digital Media Marketing
Christian Hill
Mt. Zion, IL Management
Sheila A. Jackman* Decatur, IL
Accounting
Rye N. Johnson Weldon, IL Finance
Tanner William Kaufman† Argenta, IL
Organizational Leadership
Justin Brian Kirk
Mt. Zion, IL
Mgmt. Info. Systems
Elyce Mae Knudsen* Philo, IL Finance
Devin Manning Chicago, IL
Management
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Joshua Manuel Martinez** Chicago, IL Cybersecurity
Nhi Ngoc Yen Nguyen* Long Xuyen, Vietnam Accounting, Mgmt. Info. Systems
McKenna Marie O’Donnell** Channahon, IL Management
Frazier Ott Chesterfield, MO Finance
Caden Dale Owens
Mt. Zion, IL Management
Trey Allen Pearcy Charleston, IL Management
James Raycraft Riverton, IL Management, Finance
Claire Alexandria Rendleman Maryville, IL Business Communication
Lucas Christopher Ryan** Chatham, IL Finance
Sean R. Shook* Normal, IL Management
Johannes Smaaberg† Flateby, Norway Management
Jacobrionna Shajai Tennin Decatur, IL Finance
Victor Teodoro Frankfort, IL Business Communication
Charly Christine Warlow* Le Roy, IL Accounting, Finance
Matthew David Edward Wilson Decatur, IL Finance
Megan B. Wood* Forsyth, IL Accounting
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dr. Nancy Curtin, Dean
Oscar Almonte García* West Chicago, IL Spanish
Olivia Marie Cooper** Mt. Pulaski, IL English Education
Jadon C. Cox* Decatur, IL Political Science
Madelyn Cummins* Aurora, IL
English - Writing
Shikiria Cunningham Decatur, IL Criminal Justice
Bryan Andrew Dabulskis* Decatur, IL Philosophy - Ethics
Jalyn Lynnette Dampier Sauk Village, IL Human Services
Ernest Kenneth Davis IV Crete, IL Criminal Justice
Rhys J. Deiter* Fortville, IN
Political Science
Sheiliane Gragg
Decatur, IL Criminal Justice
Rhiannon Hartman Decatur, IL History
Jolie Nicole Henschen Decatur, IL English Education
Carin Elizabeth Houser Decatur, IL
English - Writing
Miyu Kikuchi Ichinoseki-shi, Japan Interdepartmental
Krista R. Koke* Havana, IL Political Science
Trinity Michelle Mata** Decatur, IL Computer Science, Arts Technology
Garren Christine Meeker* Decatur, IL History, Political Science
Sophia Marie Nicholson* Evansville, IN
English - Literature, English - Writing
Madeline Suzanne Regan* Frankfort, IL
Human Services, Spanish
Caden Foley Scott Tolono, IL Criminal Justice
Page Theresa Shields* Manchester, NJ English - Writing
Kavonte Damond Smith Chicago, IL Criminal Justice
Jacqueline Torres Herrera Milwaukee, WI Spanish, Criminal Justice
Albiona Veliu* Decatur, IL Philosophy
Gabrielle Elaine Watson* Murphysboro, IL Political Science, Philosophy
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Nancy Curtin, Dean
Amil Nishae Allen Cahokia, IL Human Services
Emma Marie Antonelli Mt. Zion, IL Biology
Amelia Lynn Ayotte† Brentwood, MO Biology
Kayli Ann Biros Morris, IL Psychology
Shay Nicole Buchanan* Orlando, FL Computer Science
Analynn Grace Bullock* Kansas City, MO Mathematics Actuarial Science
Tyler G. Byers Decatur, IL Criminal Justice
Ladapa Chalermnon Bangkok, Thailand Psychology
Alayna Renee Chizmark Joliet, IL
Biology
Bryan Andrew Dabulskis* Decatur, IL Environmental Studies
Sophie C. Dorgan* Bloomington, IL Biology
Danielle Ahlia Farrar Decatur, IL Psychology
Hayley Marie Fitzpatrick† Decatur, IL Psychology
Jayden Dale Flesch Decatur, IL Criminal Justice
Madison Alexandria-Rose Gentry* Mt. Zion, IL Human Services
Andres Emiliano Guzman Kirkwood, MO Mathematics Data Science
Melina Christine Hall* Pekin, IL
Biology - Molecular Cell
Tamia Camille Henderson† Broadview, IL Criminal Justice, Sociology
D’Anthony E. Hopkins Bolingbrook, IL Sociology
Landon E. Phillip Johnson Wentzville, MO Criminal Justice, Sociology
Mackenzie Noel Jones* Oreana, IL Psychology
Tristan James Keller Forsyth, IL Chemistry
Madeline Elizabeth Klinger** Blue Mound, IL Biochemistry
Hannah Elizabeth Lilly Nashville, TN Psychology
Jensen Ruegyr Mast* Reedsport, OR Biology, Chemistry
Russell Dean Mendenhall III Buffalo, IL Computer Science
Gillian Samantha Monroe† Danville, IN Biology
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Christopher Louis Montgomery Chicago, IL Chemistry
Olga Kaze Murego Kigali, Rwanda Physics
Bradyn Matthew Olmstead† Bloomington, IL Computer Science, Mathematics Data Science
Sierra Madison Nicole Peeples Decatur, IL Biology
Anna Grace Peter Oreana, IL Communication
Jessel Edin Samuel Prabhu† Saint Ann, MO Biology
Moath Adeeb Qattoum Decatur, IL Biology - Pre-Professional Studies
Kathryn Audrey Risner Avon, IN Chemistry
Alyssa Gabrielle Ruiz† San Diego, CA Biology
Aidan Michael Schlichting* Freeburg, IL Biology - Molecular Cell
Jacob Ryan Shumaker** Decatur, IL Computer Science
Zachary David Smith* Lincoln, IL Criminal Justice
Victoria Villagomez Cicero, IL Psychology, Human Services
Eyja Jewelyse Heaven Watkins Cahokia Heights, IL Criminal Justice
Sydney Xiaoya Young Sleepy Hollow, IL Psychology
Thomas Ronald Shaw Elburn, IL Environmental Studies
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Interim Dean
Erika Rose Castanon
Valparaiso, IN
Nurse Educator
Chinwe Jane Emenike
Decatur, IL
Nurse Educator
Hannah Marie Watts Maroa, IL
Nurse Educator
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Interim Dean
Jacquelin Marie Anderson* Glen Carbon, IL
Elementary Education
Chloe M. Book* Germantown, IL
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
Chambrielle Katrice Evans Decatur, IL
Elementary Education
Destiny Alyssa Galvan** Levelland, TX
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
Collin Jeffrey Hancock Evansville, IN
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
Sydney Grace Janvrin Decatur, IL
Elementary Education
Sarah Lahner* Elburn, IL
Elementary Education
Cole Lacklan Laurence Farmington, MO
Elementary Education
Gracey Lynn Reynolds** Mt. Zion, IL
Early Childhood Education
Ethan Matthew Eugene Spain† Decatur, IL
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
Taylor Jordan Young* Lockport, IL
Elementary Education
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Interim Dean
Steven Keith Allen† Mt. Zion, IL
Elementary Education
Madison Elaine Ashcraft Pana, IL
Elementary Education
Kendra LeAnn Barbee* Monticello, IL
Early Childhood Education
Rylee Sierra Blake** Muscatine, IA
Exercise Science
Bailee Elizabeth Blecker* Loves Park, IL
Elementary Education
Colton Burtle Springfield, IL
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Nathan Callaway Oswego, IL
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
Shanelle “Nelly” Paula Clark Romeoville, IL
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
MacKenzie Lynn Claypool* Argenta, IL
Early Childhood Education
Sophie I. Darden† Channahon, IL
Exercise Science
Derek Jeffrey Dayton Tolono, IL
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
Kelby Michael Golladay Decatur, IL
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
Andrew James Henderson Huntley, IL
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
Hannah Elizabeth Henson** Lockport, IL
Elementary Education
Ryan G. Hoang Addison, IL
Physical Education
Abigail Marie Huels† Alton, IL
Early Childhood Dev. Therapy
Sarah Reckers Isaf* Paris, IL
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
Ryan Alan Janssen* Nokomis, IL
Physical Education
Chloe Allison Klemstein
Milwaukee, WI
Exercise Science
Megan M. Larson Florissant, MO
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
Chloe Isabella Lobmaster Springfield, IL
Physical Education
Kacey Lynn Mitchell Oak Forest, IL
Physical Education
Nash D. Mose*
Mt. Zion, IL
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
Lane C. Ohlemeyer† Maroa, IL
Elementary Education
Leah Marie Pierantoni* Decatur, IL
Elementary Education
Mitchell Anthony Pollock Newman, IL
Physical Education
Evan Michael Rivera Coal City, IL
Physical Education
Drew Sutton† Wentzville, MO
Physical Education
Gabrielle Faith Thomason* Cottleville, MO
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
Justin Dremon Wiley Jr. Granite City, IL
Sport & Rec. Mgmt.
Kayla Ann Wolf Streamwood, IL
Elementary Education
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Interim Dean
Bianca Aguilar Carol Stream, IL Nursing
Reece Breann Brown** Kankakee, IL Nursing
Jacey M. Centola** Harristown, IL Nursing
Quincy Grace Collings* Mattoon, IL Nursing
Julia Marie Druml† Wonder Lake, IL Nursing
Carlene Lachelle Hawkins Decatur, IL Nursing
Diana Hernandez** Plainfield, IL Nursing
Christine Michelle Hoffman Decatur, IL Nursing
Danielle Summer Kelso† Decatur, IL Nursing
Caitlyn Marie Kesler Monticello, IL Nursing
Addison Riley Kirkpatrick Mt. Zion, IL Nursing
Emma Jane Lewandowski** Crown Point, IN Nursing
Faith LeeAnn Marinier† Palos Park, IL Nursing
Taylor Lynn Milholland Westville, IL Nursing
Kara Nicole Montgomery Maroa, IL Nursing
Ashley Aiko Phillips Springfield, IL Nursing
Jaclyn Mattenah Reed** Pana, IL Nursing
Alexis Nicole Riser† Forsyth, IL Nursing
Kelsey Tinder Springfield, IL Nursing
Nicholas Alfredo Velazquez Romeoville, IL Nursing
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Jessa Wilcoxen, Interim Dean
Mikayla Juliet Sullivan Penngrove, CA Music
Emily Jane Barton** Saint Peters, MO Theatre & Performance
Cora Elizabeth Carr* Naperville, IL Music
Lauren Ashley Dalton Peoria, IL
Theatre & Performance
Jacob Chamberlain Deetz† Blue Mound, IL
Theatre & Performance
Dylan Tyler Hill Pekin, IL
Theatre & Performance
Jordan Lois Jones† Vancouver, WA Theatre & Performance
Eliana Renee Kettley** Aurora, IL Music, Theatre & Performance
Rebekah Catherine Leipold* Buckingham, IA
Theatre & Performance
Axel Madrigal Decatur, IL
Multimedia Communication
Logan McCormick** Romeoville, IL Arts Technology
Kyle Joseph McMillen† Warrensburg, IL Arts Technology
Emily Lorene Moore** Fountain Run, KY Theatre & Performance
Logan James Mulholland Villa Park, IL
Art (Specialist K-12)
Fred Rama Semana Decatur, IL Arts Technology
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Jessa Wilcoxen, Interim Dean
Maxwell Christopher Atkinson† Decatur, IL
Music Business
Divine Inshuti Kigali, Rwanda Arts Technology
Mark Philip Jensen Algonquin, IL
Multimedia Communication
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Jessa Wilcoxen, Interim Dean
Lorimer Arteaga
Carpentersville, IL Musical Theatre
Natallie Lucia Marie Buchanan Carrollton, TX Art Therapy
Skylyr Shae Choe** Gurnee, IL
Art Therapy
Daniel Alan Clear
St. Louis, MO Theatre
Kaden Michael Cutler** Orange, CA Design & Production
Katelynn Elizabeth Domonkos** Lusby, MD
Acting
Jacob Michael Dorris** New Lenox, IL Theatre
Nathaniel Earley-Ochwada
New Albany, IN Theatre
Cooper James Eidson Lawrence, KS Theatre
Ramsey Rose Folkerts** Minnetonka, MN
Musical Theatre
Gabriella Noel Galluzzo* Roscoe, IL
Musical Theatre
Adriana Sarah Goodall Cary, IL
Art Therapy
Lauren Hartley** Novato, CA
Musical Theatre
Avery Mae Hoffman Fargo, ND Musical Theatre
Brittney Huerta** Beach Park, IL Theatre
Alela Louise Kinyua Hinesville, GA Art Therapy
Isabelle N. Lambert
North Aurora, IL Theatre
Jeri Madison Leader† Cambridge, ON
Musical Theatre
Rosalia Maria Lentini
Bushnell, IL
Graphic Design/Computer Art
Demitri Alexander Magas**
Appleton, WI Theatre
Gia Elisa Marino†
La Jolla, CA
Musical Theatre
Reagan Cole Minnette* Crawfordsville, IN
Musical Theatre
Kaelana Mong** Lansing, KS
Musical Theatre
Alex Moreno del Rio† Arganda del Rey, Spain
Graphic Design/Computer Art
Emily Christine Nicholas
Elko New Market, MN Theatre, Arts Administration
Maya N. Norwood† Charlotte , NC
Musical Theatre
Emily Margaret Ostrowski** Algonquin, IL
Stage Management
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS // BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Quinn Marie Perez† Earlville, IL
Musical Theatre
Catherine Margaret Phillips* Chesterfield, MO
Musical Theatre
Collette Michelle Phillips** Austin, TX
Musical Theatre
Nina M. Polivka Lemont, IL
Graphic Design
Conner Hensley Schroeder** Lafayette, IN
Musical Theatre
Cody Michael Smith** Girard, IL
Art (Specialist K-12)
Audrey Noel Smith-Phillips† Decatur, IL Theatre
Rachel Lynne Terry
Round Lake Heights, IL Design & Production
Whitney Paige Turner* Wamego, KS
Musical Theatre
Abigail Luanne Urquhart* Decatur, IL Theatre
Zariah Kealohilani Wherry Pekin, IL
Graphic Design/Computer Art
Jorge Yague Madrid, Spain
Graphic Design/Computer Art
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Jessa Wilcoxen, Interim Dean
Josiah Thomas Bailey Grinnell, IA
Commercial Music
Daniel Colby Cavanagh Springfield, IL
Commercial Music
Carson Shane Cole Sherman, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Camron Nicholas Cross
South Holland, IL
Music Business
Tyler J. Dooley** Lockport, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Connor Glenn Edwards Illiopolis, IL
Music Education - Instrumental
Dane Clark Edwards Grinnell, IA
Commercial Music
Madison Paige Foreman Canton, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Joseph Michael Goodwin Rolling Meadows, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Zachary Joseph Hojdik Homer Glen, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Victor Carl Lawton II† Fort Lauderdale, FL
Music Performance - Instrumental
Ian M. Marshall*
St. Louis, MO
Music Education - Vocal
Adriana Francesca Martinez**
Pingree Grove, IL
Music Education - Vocal
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS // BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Rachel Anne Pusateri** Plainfield , IL
Music Education - Vocal
Priscilla Sabourin Chesterton, IN
Commercial Music
Trevor Martin Schaefer† Decatur, IL
Music Performance - Instrumental
Megan Christine Schippert**
Watseka, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Cooper John Self† Dahinda, IL
Commercial Music
Quetzalli Lizeth SorianoGuitron†
La Grange Park, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Savannah Eliza Watts* Athens, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Morgen Elizabeth Weir** Lusby, MD
Music Education - Vocal
JAMES MILLIKIN HONORS SCHOLARS
Oscar Almonte García
Jacquelin Marie Anderson
Amelia Lynn Ayotte
Emily Jane Barton
Reece Breann Brown
Shay Nicole Buchanan
Cora Elizabeth Carr
Alayna Renee Chizmark
Skylyr Shae Choe
Daniel Alan Clear
Carson Shane Cole
Rhys J. Deiter
Tyler J. Dooley
Sophie C. Dorgan
Leandra Elizabeth Foreman
Gabriella Noel Galluzzo
Melina Christine Hall
Diana Hernandez
Avery Mae Hoffman
Rye N. Johnson
Mackenzie Noel Jones
Eliana Renee Kettley
Madeline Elizabeth Klinger
Rebekah Catherine Leipold
Gia Elisa Marino
Ian M. Marshall
Garren Christine Meeker
Emily Lorene Moore
Emily Christine Nicholas
Sophia Marie Nicholson
Bradyn Matthew Olmstead
Emily Margaret Ostrowski
Catherine Margaret Phillips
Jessel Edin Samuel Prabhu
Rachel Anne Pusateri
Madeline Suzanne Regan
Kathryn Audrey Risner
Lucas Christopher Ryan
Priscilla Sabourin
Aidan Michael Schlichting
Conner Hensley Schroeder
Page Theresa Shields
Jacob Ryan Shumaker
Nicholas Alfredo Velazquez
Gabrielle Elaine Watson
Savannah Eliza Watts
Megan B. Wood
* 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
Amelia Lynn Ayotte
Diana Hernandez
Quinn Marie Perez
Taylor Jordan Young
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
Oscar Almonte García
Amelia Lynn Ayotte
Daniel Alan Clear
Carson Shane Cole
Sophie C. Dorgan
Emily Lorene Moore
Priscilla Sabourin
Page Theresa Shields
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.
Millikin prepares students for professional success; democratic citizenship in a global environment; and a personal life of meaning and value.
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 degree-granting 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.
