COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
DECEMBER 11, 2022
MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
DECEMBER 11, 2022
President Dr. 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 the President speaks.
PROCESSIONAL
“Pomp and Circumstance, March No. 2” — Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934), arr. by Diego Marani
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
President Reynolds
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER
“Always Learning” — Isabella M. Voss, Class of 2022
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
“The Choice and Challenge to Stand” — Erica Melton, Class of 2005
THE CONFERRING OF DEGREES
The Doctor of Nursing Practice 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 Arts Degree, College of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Music Degree, College of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Fine Arts 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 Degree in Nursing, College of Professional Studies
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
Lindsay Quick, Class of 2015 — Alumni Association Board
TASSEL CEREMONY
Dalton L. Krum, Class of 2022
The audience will rise and remain standing for the Alma Mater, Benediction and Academic Recession.
SINGING OF THE ALMA MATER
Howard Akers (1913-1984)
Spencer Domer 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
“Entry of the Queen of Sheba” — George Frederic Händel (1685–1759), arr. by J. Vander Linden
MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE
Dr. Perry Rask, Director
Cara Rivecco, sopranino
Mackenzie Mann, soprano
Perry Rask, soprano
Claire Taylor, alto
Cuyler Lantry, alto
Connor Edwards, alto
Victor Lawton, alto
Erin Leone, tenor
Grant Gillen, tenor
Samantha Katschke, tenor
Brycton Curry, baritone
ISABELLA VOSS
Class 0f 2022
Isabella Voss is graduating with a B.S. in Management Information Systems and a minor in Pre-Law. During her time at Millikin, Isabella has been honored to serve as the President of Women in Business, Vice President of the Tabor Student Advisory Council, and Senior Consultant in the student-run venture Millikin University Performance Consulting. As a member of the Honors Program and Delta Mu Delta Honor Society, Isabella has been able to develop her knowledge and network with alumni and local businesses.
ERICA MELTON
Class 0f 2005
Director of Finance/City Treasurer for the City of San Fernando in Los Angeles, California. In her fifteen-year career, she has served as a dedicated public financial and performance manager in various state, municipal, and education administrative roles. Melton is also a member of the 2022/2023 Coro Southern California Lead LA Cohort, working alongside like-minded change-makers and community leaders in her region.
CLASS OF 2022 // STUDENT SPEAKERS CLASS OF 2022 // COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
Dr. Chris Cunnings, Director
Jessica Afua Addai
Saint Louis, MO
Nurse Anesthesia
Jessica Jo Alumbaugh
Bement, IL Family Nurse Practitioner
Leah Marie Cummings
Decatur, IL
Family Nurse Practitioner
Jason David
Decatur, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Nathaniel James Gibson
Champaign, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Lauren Elizabeth Horve
Forsyth, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Taylor Michele Hull
Decatur, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Courtney Janiec
Decatur, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
David Janisch
Chicago, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Clarissa LaTulip
Bloomington, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Adam Michael Magerl
Springfield, IL Nurse Anesthesia
Dorothy Wanjeru Mbondo
Sacramento, CA Nurse Anesthesia
Francis Abiola Oke
Springfield, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Katharine Mary Strompolis
Decatur, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dr. Nancy Curtin, Dean
Kimberly Anne Boyd Springfield, IL
Communication
Collin William Budd*
Arcola, IL
Philosophy
DeAnna Elyce Burton
Gary, IN
Criminal Justice
Evan Michael Cook*
Decatur, IL
Social Science (Sec. Teaching)
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Shaquille R. BarkerThomas
Astoria, NY
Business Administration
Danielle Elizabeth Beard
Oak Brook, IL
Business Administration
Gabrielle Nicole Correa
Silvis, IL
Business Administration
Mackenzie Ellyse Dixon
Mt Sterling, IL
Business Administration
Caleb Jonathan Michael Ferguson
Naperville, IL
Business Administration
Jordan Mikka Hildebrand Mendon, IL
Business Administration
Matthew Stevens Kern
Decatur, IL
Business Administration
Benjamin Breda Prisching McHenry, IL
Business Administration
Brandon Alan Rowe Oakwood, IL Business Administration
Gabriel Jesse Soria Cape Coral, FL Business Administration
Conor Shaun Woods
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, UK Business Administration
Tyrice Hines Jr. Saint Louis, MO
Criminal Justice
Lee’Vonte Allen Kelley
East Chicago, IN
Communication
Sharon “Ronnie”
Ovando-Gomez
Burbank, IL
Communication
Nanette Ariel Perez
Chicago, IL
Criminal Justice
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Nancy Curtin, Dean
Jasimine Monique Ash* Chicago, IL Psychology
Hannah Grace Cunningham** Warrensburg, IL Biology
Kaytlyn Renae Hinton** Decatur, IL Biology
Nicholas Houston Steger, IL Criminal Justice
Leah Nicole Jackson Decatur, IL Biology
David Dusabe Kabalisa Kigali, Rwanda Biology
Erin Katherine Klasing+ Okawville, IL Mathematics Actuarial Science
Shelby Lynn McKenzie*
Mt Zion, IL Psychology
Savanna Prasun** Assumption, IL History, English - Literature
Madison Brooke Roberson* Decatur, IL Social Science (Sec. Teaching), Spanish Education
Mallorie Clair Selvage Berwyn, IL Criminal Justice
Ariana N Speagle Decatur, IL Criminal Justice, Sociology
Justin Ryan Mysliwiec Westmont, IL Sociology
Sara Marie Upchurch Wilmington, IL Criminal Justice
Cyla M Vos** Decatur, IL Psychology, Human Services
Addison Grace Wagner
Decatur, IL Environmental Studies
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Laura A. Ledford, Dean
Eva Catherine Comerford** Mokena, IL Theatre
Zachary Phillip Cook Taylorville, IL Arts Technology
Taylor Faith Davis+ Collinsville, IL
Arts Administration, Theatre & Performance
Kev Dionysus Decatur, IL
Arts Administration
Allison Marie Durham* Santee, CA Theatre & Performance
Jasmine-Kalei Renee Humphrey Paducah, KY Theatre
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Laura A. Ledford, Dean
Terezz Thomas
Kahoku’OKalani Isaiah Lee
Newport News, VA Arts Technology, Arts Administration
Rebecca Erin Murphy*
Saint Louis, MO Theatre & Performance
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Laura A. Ledford, Dean
Cecilia Marie Antonelle
Holtsville, NY
Musical Performance - Vocal
Katelyn Ann Block
Decatur, IL
Musical Performance - Vocal
Hannah Marie Carinci
Naperville, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Britney Leigh Conover
Decatur, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Dalton Lee Krum
Tiffin, IA
Commercial Business, Music Business
Madison Lynn Leek*
Harvel, IL
Music Education - Instrumental
Kara Mallory Sheridan
Normal, IL
Music Education - Instrumental
Chloe Louise Jancosek Munster, IN Musical Theatre
Sage Belinda Lash+ De Witt, IL Arts Therapy
Margaret Ann Luckenbill Forsyth, IL
Art Therapy
Anya Dayv Moritz Plainfield, IL Art Therapy
Lindsay Marie Thompson Decatur, IL
Studio Art
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Chris Cunnings, Director
Mario Becerra*
Champaign, IL
Elementary Education
Jennifer Ann Bramel** Mount Auburn, IL
Elementary Education
Malik Tyron Brooks
Florissant, MO
Health/Fitness/Recreation
Katiera Catriece Clark
Plainfield, IL Sport & Recreation Management
Alexis Jannelle Doyle*
Decatur, IL
Elementary Education
Gretchen A Gould*
Sterling, IL
Elementary Education
Elian Angel Martinez
Chicago, IL
Exercise Science
Kate E McCray*
Oreana, IL
Early Childhood Education
Brianna Renee Mitchell*
Oak Forest, IL
Elementary Education
Satara Nicole Lynn
Nelson
Decatur, IL
Elementary Education
Danielle J Neuleib**
Kewanee, IL
Elementary Education
Bradyn Matthew Nokes
Quincy, IL
Sport Management
Kelsey Jo Rigsby*
Decatur, IL
Early Childhood Education
Joseph Andrew Roedl New Lenox, IL
Instructional Development
Sara N Runyen Cerro Gordo, IL Physical Education
Ashley Nicole Spent
Decatur, IL
Elementary Education
Mikhala Nicole SumptionBrown*
Decatur, IL Elementary Education
Holly Taylor*
Moweaqua, IL Elementary Education
Elijah James Willingham Summit Argo, IL Exercise Science
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dr. Chris Cunnings, Director
Jayda K Smith Country Club Hills, IL Instructional Development
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Dr. Chris Cunnings, Director
Brandy Lee Ann Adams+ Monticello, IL Nursing
Sierra Lynne Barnette Decatur, IL Nursing
Grace Elizabeth Burris+ Springfield, IL Nursing
David Catanus Beach Park, IL Nursing
Bailee Marie Clouse Mahomet, IL Nursing
Annaliese Patrice Couri Decatur, IL Nursing
Ghordann Lee Gobel Decatur, IL Nursing
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Laura Kristen Atkinson* Subang Jaya, Malaysia Entrepreneurship
Mason James Brownlow Decatur, IL Management
Sunshine Ray Fegett Springfield, IL Organizational Leadership
Sean Patrick Griffin* Dyer, IN Management, Digital Media Marketing
Nelainey Nicole Harris Pana, IL Nursing
Kierra Maranne Henke Auburn, IL Nursing
Jaden Caroline Lockard Centennial, CO Nursing
Wade Michael Mills Decatur, IL Nursing
Madison Marie Snow Decatur, IL Nursing
Natalie Ann Snyder Taylorville, IL Nursing
O’Livia K Stalter+ Goodfield, IL Nursing
Yves Izabe Kigalo, Rwanda Management Information Systems
Marah Lynn Kiefer* Smithfield, PA Finance
Alison M. Kite ** Decatur, IL Organizational Leadership
Caleb Michael Logan Decatur, IL Management
Elijah Wynn McClinton Swansea, IL Management Atiqa Walji Minneapolis, MN Nursing
Samuel Richard Hagerman** Sullivan, IL Management
Jaci Paige Wichus Monticello, IL Nursing
Collin W Wilson Bolingbrook, IL Nursing
Billie Grace Wooldridge New Berlin, IL Nursing
Aubrey Danielle Wright Cerro Gordo, IL Nursing
Jesse Ngoga Decatur, IL Management Information Systems
Tyler James Reitz Lombard, IL Management
Jacob William Vietti** Chillicothe, IL Entrepreneurship
Isabella Marie Voss* Lockport, IL Management Information Systems
Kelsie Marie Wujek* Decatur, IL Organizational Leadership
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
Rebecca Erin Murphy
JAMES MILLIKIN HONORS SCHOLARS
Jasimine Monique Ash
Erin Katherine Klasing
HONORS SCHOLARS
Jasimine Monique Ash
Hannah Grace Cunningham
Taylor Faith Davis
Allison Marie Durham
Erin Katherine Klasing
Rebecca Erin Murphy
Cyla M Vos
Isabella Marie Voss
* 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)
The regalia worn by participants in this afternoon’s 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.
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.
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 Graduation Program.
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
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.
