COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY DECEMBER 12, 2021
MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
DECEMBER 12, 2021 President Dr. James M. Reynolds, Presiding with Provost Mary M. Black FACULTY MARSHALS: STUDENT MARSHALS:
Kyle Knust, Associate Professor of Chemistry Jessa Wilcoxen, Associate Professor of Arts Technology Jarius J. Ingram, Junior Biology Major Chelsea J. McCullum, Junior Digital Media Marketing Major
THE CONFERRING OF DEGREES The Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree, College of Professional Studies 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 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
SPECIAL MUSIC “Tango from Espana, Op. 165” — Isaac Albeniz (1860-1909) arr. by Bela Kovacs Millikin Clarinet Quintet — Dr. David Cook, Director
CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES The audience will rise with the entrance of the Academic Procession and will remain standing for the Invocation.
John G. Skeffington — Chairman, Board of Trustees
WELCOME TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Traccye Starling Love, Class of 2005 — Alumni Association Board
PROCESSIONAL “Pomp and Circumstance, March No. 1, Op. 39, No. 1” — Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) arr. by David Cook Millikin Clarinet Quintet — Dr. David Cook, Director
INVOCATION Reverend Walter Carlson — Pastor, Sharon United Methodist Church, Decatur, Ill.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION President Reynolds
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER “Don’t Wait” — Audrianna E. Bartholomew, Class of 2021
GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER “Some of What I Know in this Point of Life” — Bear Emerson Evan Haring, Class of 2021
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS “You Don’t Know What You Just Learned” — Kirsten M. Williams Uttich and Zachary R. Uttich, Class of 2007
TASSEL CEREMONY Ashley N. Galloway, Class of 2021
The audience will rise and remain standing for the Alma Mater, Benediction and Academic Recession.
THE MILLIKIN ALMA MATER Howard Akers (1913-1984) arr. by David Cook Millikin Clarinet Quintet — Dr. David Cook, Director 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.
BENEDICTION Reverend Carlson
RECESSIONAL “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Solomon” — George Frederick Handel arr. by David Cook Millikin Clarinet Quintet — Dr. David Cook, Director
Millikin Clarinet Quintet Members: Julia I. Funck, Clarinet & E-flat Clarinet; Victor C. Lawton, Clarinet;
Cara C. Rivecco, Clarinet; Erin E. Leone, Clarinet; Kody M. Myhra, Bass Clarinet; Dr. David Cook, Director
C L A S S O F 2 0 2 1 // S T U D E N T S P E A K E R S
BEAR HARING
AUDRIANNA BARTHOLOMEW
Doctor of Nurse Practice NURSE ANESTHESIA
Bachelor of Fine Arts M U S I C A L T H E AT R E
W I N K , T E XA S
PA SA D E N A , C A L I F O R N I A
C L A S S O F 2 0 2 1 // C O M M E N C E M E N T S P E A K E R S
KIRSTEN & ZACH UTTICH
Class 0f 2007
Zach and Kirsten, both Class of 2007, have made a name for themselves as custom clothiers. Owners of Chicago’s BLVDier, the Uttichs’ business model has been guided by the mantra, “make it better.” Using this guiding principle has paid off — in 2020, the Uttichs opened a new storefront nearly double the size of their previous space and expanded their clothing and accessory offerings.
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Dr. Pam Lindsey, Dean
Dr. Randy M. Brooks, Dean
D O C T OR OF N U R SI NG PR AC T IC E
BAC H E L OR OF SC I E NC E
Marshall Barr Bergen
Bear Haring
Jamie Michelle Killian
Victoria Leigh Ade+
Dalton M. Gilbert
Jayro Gabriel Cortez
Randell Aaron Hendley
Brien Matthew Macon
Harrison David Atkins*
Kurt Robert Gilsinger
Decatur, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia
Oak Lawn, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia
Cole Jacob Dill Tremont, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia
Amanda Leann Ealy Mount Zion, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia
Rachel A. Grigoletti Peoria, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia
Peoria, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia
DeSoto, Texas Nurse Anesthesia
Tanner Jacob Hulin West Lafayette, Ind. Nurse Anesthesia
Derek J. Humphres East Peoria, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia
Tammy JnCharles Fairfield, Calif. Nurse Anesthesia
Decatur, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia
Little Rock, Ark. Nurse Anesthesia
Kimberly Denay Shaver Lexington, Ky. Nurse Anesthesia
Jessica Megan Stevens Urbana, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia
Felipe Torres Chicago, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia
Moweaqua, Ill. Chemistry
Chicago, Ill. Human Services
Kaitlyn Baker+ Decatur, Ill. Human Services
Lindsey Nicole Bangert** Lockport, Ill. Biology
Charles A. Bollinger Decatur, Ill. Environmental Studies
Vonkesha Michelle Brent Decatur, Ill. Organizational Leadership
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Quincy, Ill. Psychology
Wildwood, Mo. Biology
Olivia Paige Graham Taylorville, Ill. Biology
Briley G. Housh Findlay, Ill. Criminal Justice
Sean Louis Irons** Decatur, Ill. Human Services
Laura A. Ledford, Dean
Robert Jefferson Money*
Rachel Elizabeth Roberts**
Richard Kionte Carter
Rieff Sanders
Kyung Ryung Kim+
Brooke Renée Oitker**
Chelsea Ray Walters+
Nat Mars Long**
Hanna Katherine Selk
Bloomington, Ill. English - Literature
Decatur, Ill. Sociology
Paige Alexandra Spitzner* Clay City, Ill. Biology
Jerome James Allen Wheeler Decatur, Ill. Biology
Kendrick James Williba Granite City, Ill. Criminal Justice
Clinton, Ill. Human Services
Elijah Thomas England
Forsyth, Ill. Social Science Education
Karyn Gail Smith+
Alexandra Ariel Nicole Lobano
BAC H E L OR OF A RT S
Dr. Randy M. Brooks, Dean
Champaign, Ill. Philosophy
Tinley Park, Ill. Environmental Studies, Criminal Justice
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BAC H E L OR OF A RT S
Decatur, Ill. Political Science
Lucas Xavier Russo
Mound, Minn. English Education
Decatur, Ill. Philosophy, Political Science
Oak Lawn, Ill. Arts Technology
Verona, Wis. Theatre, Biology
Chicago, Ill. Theatre
Aurora, Ill. Music
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BAC H E L OR OF M USIC Laura A. Ledford, Dean
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BAC H E L OR OF SC I E NC E Dr. Pam Lindsey, Dean
Jaylen Lavelle Davis
Elyse Marie Morehead+
Madelyn Gail Genz
Caleb Nathaniel Ruff-Bates
Gurnee, Ill. Music Education - Vocal
Springfield, Ill. Music Performance - Instrumental
Baylee Ann Baxter*
Jody L. Ruff
Richard Bostic Jr.
Kaitlyn Leigh Saterfield
Lukah Rose Case*
Tyquesha Taliyah Selvy
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
Kei’Von Zashon Evans Sr.
Samantha Ann Stidham*
Laura A. Ledford, Dean
Evan Ray Lawrence Shiloh, Ill. Physical Education
Kenneth Williams II
Courtney Ann Layton*
Alexis Rose Woodside
Callaghan Robert Pohrte
Shae Mariah Wright+
Elgin, Ill. Music Education - Vocal
Crystal Lake, Ill. Commercial Music
Catherine Shelby Hicks
Eureka, Ill. Elementary Education
Saint Louis, Mo. Health, Fitness and Recreation
Carpentersville, Ill. Music Education - Vocal
Clinton, Ill. Elementary Education
BAC H E L OR OF F I N E A RT S
Audrianna Bartholomew**
Elliot James Mahon
Bryce Philip Bayer
Taylor Lynn Rotz**
Shannon L. Cook*
Jared M. Scott**
Brittany Marie Hannan
Sawyer Nicole Wolter
Van Nuys, Calif. Musical Theatre
St. Petersburg, Fla. Musical Theatre
Decatur, Ill. Art (Specialist K-12)
Decatur, Ill. Art Therapy
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Acting
Altamonte Springs, Fla. Acting
Nashville, Tenn. Acting
Chandler, Ariz. Acting
Rockford, Ill. Physical Education
Decatur, Ill. Elementary Education
New Lenox, Ill. Sport Management
Lincoln, Ill. Early Childhood Education
Chicago, Ill. Elementary Education
Turrell, Ariz. Physical Education
Oakley, Ill. Elementary Education
Bolingbrook, Ill. Physical Education
Springfield, Ill. Elementary Education
Wapella, Ill. Early Childhood Education
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Dr. Pam Lindsey, Dean
RJ Podeschi, Dean
BAC H E L OR OF SC I E NC E I N N U R SI NG
BAC H E L OR OF SC I E NC E
Sarah Rose Barter
Luke Edward Laker
Andrew Justin Auton
Elizabeth M. Shipman+
Sera Amanda Bebon
Margaret Cecelia Moody
Ashley Nichole Galloway*
Deja Janae Simon
Danielle Marie Bickel
Hannah Elizabeth Paquette
Austin Bradley Hardin**
Paul Gabriel Smith
Daryann Tálora Birt
Emma Rose Rogers
Jequan Treshea Harrell
Anastasia Marie Taylor*
Zakari Asha Briggs
Holly Nicole Schmidt
Anna Josephine Hooker
Tatum Nolan Teicher
Lily Anna Huffman
Kaitlyn Ashlee Siltman
Tyler Lamont Madding Sr.
Nhung Thi Hong Tran+
Sarah C. Kauffman
Prasanth Talluri**
Zachary David McReynolds*
Amanda Joann Brandt
Bethany Lane Kostenski
Katelyn Angela Tillman
Armando Miguel Nevarez**
Michael Wilkin Jr.*
Decatur, Ill. Nursing
Erie, Ill. Nursing
Saint Louis, Mo. Nursing
Saint Joseph, Ill. Nursing
Decatur, Ill. Nursing
Decatur, Ill. Nursing
Atwood, Ill. Nursing
Mount Zion, Ill. Nursing
Taylorville, Ill. Nursing
Forsyth, Ill. Nursing
Altamont, Ill. Nursing
Athens, Ill. Nursing
Decatur, Ill. Nursing
Clinton, Ill. Nursing
Forsyth, Ill. Nursing
Decatur, Ill. Nursing
Decatur, Ill. Management
Decatur, Ill. Organizational Leadership
Warrensburg, Ill. Organizational Leadership
Blue Island, Ill. Management
Decatur, Ill. Management Information Systems
Decatur, Ill. International Business
Peoria, Ill. Entrepreneurship
Bolingbrook, Ill. Management, Spanish
Matthew Gene Ranney** Mount Zion, Ill. Cybersecurity
Atwood, Ill. Management Information Systems
New Lenox, Ill. International Business, Spanish
Decatur, Ill. Management Information Systems
East Alton, Ill. Organizational Leadership
Ballwin, Mo. Management
Decatur, Ill. International Business
Decatur, Ill. Organizational Leadership
Decatur, Ill. Organizational Leadership
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
Millikin prepares students for professional success; democratic citizenship in a global environment; and a personal life of meaning and value.
Zachary David McReynolds
JAMES MILLIKIN HONORS SCHOLARS
Jared M. Scott
HONORS SCHOLARS Audrianna Bartholomew Shannon L. Cook Nat Mars Long Zachary David McReynolds Jerome James Allen Wheeler
The
this
Studies at Millikin University wear white tassels except
afternoon’s academic procession are an extension
regalia
worn
by
participants
in
for nursing degree candidates who wear apricot tassels.
of a medieval tradition and symbolize the highest
Candidates for the bachelor of science degree in the Tabor
academic degree earned by the wearer and
School of Business wear olive drab tassels. Students in
the academic institution awarding the degree.
the College of Fine Arts wear brown tassels except for bachelor of music candidates who wear pink tassels.
The robe is usually black with a semi-stiff yoke and pleated front. The bachelor’s gown has pointed
Tassels are worn on the right side of the mortarboard
open sleeves with no ornamentation; the master’s
until
gown has longer, crescent-shaped sleeves; the
shifted to the left side by the entire graduating class.
the
degree
is
conferred
and
then
will
be
doctor’s gown has full-length lapels of velvet and bell-shaped sleeves with three horizontal velvet
Members of the faculty with advanced degrees wear hoods in
bars. The doctor’s gown and the velvet bars may
the colors of their degrees and the granting institutions. The
be a color reflecting the wearer’s field of study.
facing of the hood denotes the field of study while the colors of the lining are those of the college or university which
The doctor’s hood is the longest and fullest. The
conferred the degree. Millikin University confers honorary
color of lining of the hood indicates the degree-
doctorates; linings for these hoods are Yale blue and white.
granting institution. The doctoral gown is usually faced with black or blue velvet down the front,
Tassels for advanced degrees are normally black, except
and there are three bars of black or blue velvet
doctorates may be of gold metallic thread. Tassels may also
across the sleeves. The facing and crossbars may
be colored as are the facings of the hoods for advanced
also be done in velvet in the color distinctive of
degrees: arts, letters and humanities, white; business
the subject for which the degree was awarded, or
and accounting, olive drab; education, light blue; music,
** graduating Magna Cum Laude with a minimum 3.65 grade point average (pending final grade calculations)
in colors of the institution awarding the degree.
pink; philosophy, dark blue; science, golden yellow; law,
† graduating Cum Laude with a minimum 3.5 grade point average (pending final grade calculations)
The color of the trim signifies the field of study:
purple; library science, lemon; theology, scarlet; etc.
* graduating Summa Cum Laude with a minimum 3.8 grade point average (pending final grade calculations)
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.
white, arts and letters; golden yellow, science; purple, law; apricot, nursing; green, medicine;
The processional is led by student marshals, who are
olive drab, business and accounting; lemon,
generally selected by Student Senate. Two senior professors
library science; scarlet, theology; dark blue,
serve as faculty marshals. Following them in the processional
philosophy; pink, music; light blue, education.
are the faculty; University trustees, who wear distinguishing
Candidates for degrees in the College of Arts
purple hoods and mortarboards; and the platform party.
and Sciences and the College of Professional
GRADUATES WILL RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS PROGRAM IN THE MAIL