COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
DECEMBER 15, 2024
MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
DECEMBER 15, 2024
PRESIDING
Dr. James M. Reynolds, President
Mary M. Black, Provost
FACULTY MARSHALS:
Dr. Joel Blanco, Associate Professor of Exercise Science & Sport
Dr. Jonathan Haag, Associate Professor of Art & Creative Media
The audience will rise with the entrance of the Academic Procession and will remain standing until the President speaks.
PROCESSIONAL
Millikin Saxophone Quartet
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
Dr. James M. Reynolds, Millikin President
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER
Luke Manolakes, Class of 2024
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
Rickey Williams Jr., Class of 2000
THE CONFERRING OF DEGREES
The Doctor of Nursing Practice 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 Bachelor of Arts Degree, College of Arts & Sciences
The Bachelor of Science Degree, College of Arts & Sciences
The Bachelor of Arts 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 Science Degree, Tabor School of Business
POSTHUMOUS DEGREE
Benjamin Scott Tracy
CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ronald L. Branch, Board of Trustees Chairman
WELCOME TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Lindsey Quick, Class of 2015
TASSEL CEREMONY
Bobbi Foster, Class of 2024
The audience will rise and remain standing for the Alma Mater and Academic Recession.
SINGING OF THE 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 Saxophone Quartet
MILLIKIN SAXOPHONE QUARTET
Mackenzie Mann, soprano saxophone
Cuyler Lantry, alto saxophone
Grant Gillen, tenor saxophone
Brycton Curry, baritone saxophone
LUKE MANOLAKES
Class of 2024
Luke Manolakes is graduating with a B.S. in Health Promotion. He is from Champaign, Ill., and is the son of Allison and Dan Manolakes. Initially attending Illinois State University, Luke transferred to Millikin after a year and shifted his major to focus on becoming a personal trainer.
Luke ran track and cross country for the Big Blue and now supports the squad as the Team Manager. He has also volunteered with the Big Blue Swim Team and is active in the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
Luke is currently interning at the Decatur YMCA, providing personal training sessions for people with Parkinson’s disease and those recovering from cancer treatments. His busy schedule has him filling many roles, including serving as a lifeguard; teaching swimming lessons; and instructing Pedaling for Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s on the Move, and LIVESTRONG, a class for adults before, during and after cancer treatments. After graduation, he intends to begin his career as a personal trainer.
RICKY WILLIAMS JR.
Class of 2000
Rickey Williams Jr. was a Presidential Scholar at Millikin University, earning a B.A. in Political Science in 2000. After graduation, he was awarded a full fellowship to pursue a Ph.D. in Political Science at Emory University.
Williams’ life was forever changed after taking a mission trip to Malawi, ultimately leading him back home to Danville, Ill. There, as the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club from 20062012, he helped dramatically increase membership and event attendance while growing revenues by nearly 40%.
From 2013-2019, Williams was CEO/CFO of Project Success of Vermilion County, which provides critical services to local children, including homework assistance, tutoring, and many academic enrichment programs. Under his leadership, Project Success grew the number of program sites, more than doubled the number of students served, and secured approximately $11 million in new grants.
In Danville, Williams served as Ward 1 Alderman from 20092019, Vice-Mayor from 2013-2017, and was elected Mayor in April 2019. He was re-elected to a second term as Mayor in April 2023.
In his free time, Williams loves to spend time with family and friends, playing games, hiking and kayaking. Perhaps his favorite thing, though, is going to the movies with his dad, which they do nearly weekly.
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Abigail Marie Crocker Springfield, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Andrea Garfinkel Springfield, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Amanda Christine Graef
Mt. Zion, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Mathew Hettinger Forsyth, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Anthony Mwangi Kinyua
Springfield, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Crystal Lynn Lamont
Champaign, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Hope Michele Marlow
Decatur, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Natalie Blaire Niemerg
Effingham, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Rebecca Patrick
Mt. Pulaski, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Danielle Steffi Quinn
Springfield, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Elle Ryan Springfield, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Lorna J. Scoggins
Springfield, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Caitlin Alyse Sims
Normal, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Megan Stang
Decatur, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Erica Breanne Turner
Bloomington, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Sarah Renae Wortman
Effingham, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Taylor S. Armstrong Watson, IL
Exercise Science
Zoie Chance Bowman
Decatur, IL
Exercise Science
Emmagene Margaret Draper
Kankakee, IL
Early Childhood Education
Mark Adam Glause*
Decatur, IL
Sport & Recreation Management
Breanna Nichole Kessel*
Decatur, IL
Elementary Education
Lucas Cole Manolakes
Champaign, IL
Health Promotion
Kade C. Zanger
Quincy, IL
Sport & Recreation Management
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Lauren Noelle Adcock Bloomington, IL Nursing
Brooke Nicole Beavers
Mt. Zion, IL Nursing
Lexi Jalynn Bolt
Mt. Zion, IL Nursing
Alissa Castle Elwin, IL Nursing
Krystal Kay Duckworth Mt. Zion, IL Nursing
Molly Katherine Hunter Sandwich, IL Nursing
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dr. Nancy Curtin, Dean
Hamzeh Wadi Abedalkarim Anaheim, CA Criminal Justice
Gabrielle Faustina Bievenue* Red Bud, IL Environmental Studies
Cristina Borunda Gomez Chihuahua, Mexico English
Andrew Clark + Decatur, IL Social Science Secondary Teaching
Rhiannon Hartman Decatur, IL History
Jennifer Nicole Johnson+ Decatur, IL Sociology
Cheyenne Nicole McMillion+ Argenta, IL Social Science Secondary Teaching
Ariell Mackenzie Rose Peeples Washington, IL Nursing
Isabel Grace Vincent Chatham, IL Nursing
Mackenzie L. Webb
White Heath, IL Nursing
Destiny Kay Schlesinger** Maroa, IL English
Kelvin Smallwood Jr. Chicago, IL Criminal Justice
Alana Catherine Terry* Metamora, IL Environmental Studies
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Nancy Curtin, Dean
Cole Garrett Anderson Creal Springs, IL Communication
Madelyn Renee Boaz Mt. Zion, IL Computer Science
Patrick Allen Dorn* Decatur, IL Environmental Studies
Amanda Renee Duke Taylorville, IL Psychology
Seth Idris Eridanus* Decatur, IL Chemistry
Amanda Fathman Decatur, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies
Bobbi Darinona Foster Oak Forest, IL Human Services
Austin Patrick Fyke Decatur, IL Psychology
Alexander Clay Harshman Forsyth, IL Computer Science, Mathematics Data Science
Braden Charles Highley Decatur, IL Interdepartmental
Max Ryan Johnson Lewistown, IL Environmental Studies
Benjamin Moy Leong Naperville, IL Computer Science
Chloe Marie Lewis Louisville, IL Criminal Justice
Sydney Lorraine Pennypacker Decatur, IL Biology
Diana J. Terneus* Decatur, IL Human Services
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Cameron Jackson, Dean
Zachary Phillip Cook Taylorville, IL Arts Technology
Isabella Jolie Hernandez* Chicago, IL Theatre & Performance
Lauren Nicole Jackson
Mt. Zion, IL Art Therapy
Marcus Alexander Pallan** Bartlett, IL Theatre & Performance
Hannah Sophia Rule* Chicago, IL Theatre & Performance
Ryan Charles Skidmore Decatur, IL Music Business
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Cameron Jackson, Dean
Jackson Harmon+ Arlington Heights, IL
Graphic Design, Art Education
Abigail Margaret Mendoza** Deerfield, IL Design & Production
James Daniel Orsund Lake St. Louis, MO Graphic Design, Computer Art
Mary Anna Stefanski Jeffersonville, IN Design & Production
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Cameron Jackson, Dean
Trinity Haggerty Geneva, IL Music Education — Vocal
Kendra Sue Jellison* Calhoun, IL Music Education — Instrumental
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Candice Aldrich Decatur, IL Accounting
Madeline Marie Carroll Ottawa, IL
Digital Media Marketing
Ignacio Diaz+ Madrid, Spain
International Business
Itzel Guadalupe García+ Aurora, IL
Digital Media Marketing, Spanish
Kendra R. Hentz Decatur, IL Organizational Leadership
Tyler Thomas Lofland Northbrook, IL Management
Aidan Vincent Lombardo Lisle, IL Management
Nicholas Frank Marcogliese* Kincaid, IL Finance
Minh Hoang Nguyen*
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Management
Kobe Michael Roulx Decatur, IL Management Information Systems
Joseph Michael Smiley+ Clover, VA Finance, Sport & Recreation Management
Cameron James Stott
Decatur, IL Accounting
JAMES MILLIKIN
HONORS SCHOLARS
Seth Idris Eridanus
Abigail Margaret Mendoza
Sydney Lorraine Pennypacker
Hannah Sophia Rule
Alana Catherine Terry
LONG VANDERBURG SCHOLARS
Itzel Guadalupe García
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.
* 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)
As an institution of higher learning, Millikin University has a responsibility to acknowledge the historical context in which it exists. Thus, in the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the land upon which we celebrate today is the ancestral home of multiple Native nations. Specifically, we stand on the lands of the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Myaamia, Mascoutin, Meskwaki, Kiikaapoi and Ochethi Sakowin nations which hold historical, cultural and sacred significance to these Indigenous people. We also acknowledge the living history and contributions of these First People Communities that inhabited the land prior to the establishment of Millikin University and recognize their continuing contributions which allow our campus community to flourish.
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 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.
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. Two 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.