Dr. Sarah Drake, Assistant Professor of Communication
Brendan Greene-Walsh, Assistant Professor of Theatre & Dance
Ryan Mensik, Junior, Physics Major
Abygail Woudenberg, Sophomore, International Business Major
The audience will rise with the entrance of the Academic Procession and will remain standing until President speaks.
PROCESSIONAL
Millikin University Student Jazz Ensemble
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
Dr. Dean Pribbenow, President
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Dr. Nancy Curtin, Interim Provost
STUDENT SPEAKERS
“Learning to Pivot: Trusting Yourself Through Change,” Carissa Guerrier, Class of 2026
“The Power of the Unexpected,” Miamaya Parra, Class of 2026
C OMMEN CEMENT ADDRESS
“Everywhere and Forever,” Dr. James Rauff, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
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 Master of Science in Athletic Training 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 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 Master of Business Administration Degree, Tabor School of Business
The Bachelor of Arts 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
CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Kathy Gardner Thomforde, Board of Trustees Chair
WELCOME TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Lindsay Quick, Class of 2015
TASSEL CEREMONY
Colby Wygal, Class of 2026
Ellie Fitzpatrick, Class of 2026
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
Millikin University Choir
Soprano
Zoë Lucas, Soprano, Class of 2026
Jo Condos, Soprano
Jocelyn Bettarelli, Soprano
Mackenzie Sarasin, Soprano, Class of 2026
Morgan Reckamp, Soprano
Alto
Caroline Thrun, Alto, Class of 2026
Jillian Darland, Alto 1
Cassidy Culjat, Alto
Melis Barutcu, Alto, Class of 2026
Holly Abbott, Alto 1
Maggie Brockland, Alto
Zandi Moreano, Alto, Class of 2026
Karley Blau, Alto
Izzy Kostbade, Alto 2
Audrey Soetermans, Alto, Class of 2026
Stella Hyden, Alto 2
Ava Coletta, Alto, Class of 2026
Tenor
Jalen Eskridge, Tenor
Luke Davis, Tenor, Class of 2026
Jarrett Newsome, Tenor, Class of 2026
Baritone/Bass
Laithen Webber, Baritone
Diego Rivera, Bass
Aidan Kostbade, Class of 2026
Jacob Pangilinan, Class of 2026
RECESSIONAL
Millikin University Student Jazz Ensemble
Millikin University Student Jazz Ensemble
Aries Leihser, Trumpet
Annabelle Bruels, Saxophone
Henry Koonce, Piano
Caleb Timlick, Bass
Zander Shaw, Drum Set
CARISSA GUERRIER
Class of 2026
Carissa Guerrier is an Exercise Science major from Grayslake, Ill., with a Pre-Professional focus in Physical Therapy. During her time at Millikin University, she embraced the University’s Performance Learning approach through hands-on coursework, undergraduate research, and clinical experience as a physical therapy technician. A dedicated campus leader, Carissa served as Secretary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Vice President of the Latin American Student Association, and President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, while also contributing as a Wellness Peer Advocate, a Strength and Conditioning Intern in the Rathje Center, and Big Blue Ambassador. Following graduation, Carissa will attend Saint Louis University to pursue her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Carissa’s speech is titled “Learning to Pivot: Trusting Yourself Through Change.”
MIAMAYA PARRA
Class of 2026
Miamaya Parra is a graduating senior from Chicago, majoring in English Writing and Psychology with a minor in Spanish. During her time at Millikin, she has been an active campus leader, serving as President of the Latin American Student Organization, Vice President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and an EDGE mentor supporting first-year students as they transition to college life. She has also worked as a student aide in the Office of Student Affairs and is a member of Black Student Union. After graduation, Miamaya plans to pursue graduate studies, with interests in public health, business, and continued service-oriented leadership. Miamaya’s speech is titled “The Power of the Unexpected.”
DR. JAMES RAUFF
Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
Dr. James V. Rauff is Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at Millikin University, where he has taught since 1988.
Dr. Rauff grew up in Detroit, Michigan. When he graduated from Albion College as a mathematics major, he was the first college graduate in his extended family. He went on to earn master’s degrees in Mathematics from the University of Wyoming and in Anthropology from Loyola University Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Computational Linguistics from Northwestern University.
His teaching and scholarship span mathematics, computer science, linguistics, and anthropology, with nearly 200 publications across those fields. His Millikin honors include the Alpha Lambda Delta Outstanding Teacher Award, the James Millikin Scholars’ Educator of the Year Award, the Research and Artistic Achievement Award, and the Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award.
Dr. Rauff says that his students have been the source of the energy that has powered him throughout his 38 years at Millikin. He has found joy in teaching students at all levels, from those who claimed they couldn’t do mathematics to those pursuing advanced topics. He has marveled at the intelligence and creativity of the student researchers he has mentored in capstone and honors projects in topics ranging from computer games to French translation. He has been inspired by the student leaders and members of the campus groups, academic and activist, for which he has served as advisor.
Dr. Rauff is retiring at the end of this academic year. He looks forward to a continued relationship with the Millikin community including attending performances involving his son, Andy, an adjunct instructor in the School of Music, and his students and colleagues. He also looks forward to traveling and spending more time with Becky, his wife and best friend of 40 years.
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Kelley Leigh Evans Monticello, IL Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Completion Program
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Bobi Michelle Biggs Danvers, IL Nurse Educator
Tatum Emily Harman Monticello, IL Nurse Educator
Joshua David Platzbecker Decatur, IL Nurse Educator
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Zena Loren Roberts
Richton Park, IL Athletic Training
Parker John Warren
Decatur, IL Athletic Training
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Ashleigh Helaine Johnson-Jones St. Louis, MO Elementary Education
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Lauren Elizabeth Argo** Chesterfield, MO Physical Education
Ava Lynn Armstrong Oreana, IL Exercise Science
Alexis Dawn Benson Clinton, IL Elementary Education
Breanna G. Black* Bondville, IL Exercise Science
Michael Luke Bradley* Paris, IL Sport & Recreation Management
Connor Michael Russell Daundivier* Blue Mound, IL Elementary Education
Isabella Rayshelle Dudley Brocton, IL Elementary Education Hannah Lynn Ermeling* St. Peters, MO Exercise Science
Alexia Renee Finch Decatur, IL Exercise Science
C.J. Forney Houston, TX Sport & Recreation Management
Awstace Grauer** Gibson City, IL Exercise Science
McKenzie Ryan Greene* Eureka, IL Elementary Education
Carissa Cassandra Guerrier Round Lake, IL Exercise Science
Tayler Hayward* Clinton, IL Elementary Education
Carter Wayne Hocq † Pana, IL Physical Education
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Rachel Anne Holthaus* Pana, IL Physical Education
Anthony T. Jerrell Lawrenceville, IL Sport & Recreation Management
Diane Nicole Johnson Decatur, IL Elementary Education
Kelly Lynn Largent Decatur, IL Elementary Education
Samuel Joseph Luckenbill † Decatur, IL Physical Education
Hailey Nicole Macminn † Allenville, IL Elementary Education
Charles Kristopher Mandra Urbana, IL Sport & Recreation Management
Madelyn Renae Maragni* Marion, IL Exercise Science
Chord Jeffery Miller Argenta, IL Exercise Science
Josslyn C. Mose Mt. Zion, IL Exercise Science
James T. Paradee Mt. Zion, IL Physical Education
Hannah L. Sago Decatur, IL Elementary Education
Jazmyn Nykol Schnetzler* Decatur, IL Elementary Education
Madelyn Kaye Shugart † Decatur, IL Elementary Education
Sabri Jacob Sino* Franklin, WI Sport & Recreation Management
Christian Todd Smith Bloomington, IN Sport & Recreation Management
Isabella Rose Smith* Mattoon, IL Elementary Education
Sean Thomas Steele Downers Grove, IL Sport & Recreation Management
Elliana A. Sunde Liberty, IL Elementary Education
Erran Artaveon Thompson Oakland, TN Sport & Recreation Management
Amy Irene Webb-Braun* Decatur, IL Elementary Education
Faith K. Wilson New Lenox, IL Elementary Education
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Carissa Beiler Decatur, IL Nursing
Faith Olivia Brindley † Highland, IL Nursing
Natalie Christilyn Claypool Decatur, IL Nursing
Kailyn Marybeth Coates Hebron, IN Nursing
Michah Wayne Conaway Mt. Zion, IL Nursing
Brianna Gabrielle Cook Decatur, IL Nursing
Amaiyah M. Cruz Decatur, IL Nursing
Kaia Joi Garbacz* Mahomet, IL Nursing Elyse Noelle Hermanson New Lenox, IL Nursing
Zadie May Laubenstein † Lincoln, IL Nursing
Madelyn Paige Letourneau Danville, IN Nursing
Shaye M’Lynne Moomey** Kincaid, IL Nursing
Megan Marie Oakley* Monticello, IL Nursing
Jaleigh R. Oliver Clinton, IL Nursing
Danielle Amanda Piper Peotone, IL Nursing
Kylie Rebecca Villarreal Morris, IL Nursing
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dr. Cameron Jackson, Dean
Melis Claire Barutcu* Springfield, IL Music
Willow Cypress Elowyn Black Wheaton, IL Theatre & Performance
Gournie Christine Ferrell Chicago, IL Multimedia Communication
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS // BACHELOR OF ARTS
Kayla Brianne Hanson** Buffalo, IL Arts Technology
Jessica Seitz Cerro Gordo, IL Arts Administration
Rayna Lyn Johnson* Stillman Valley, IL Theatre
Caroline Elizabeth Thrun Kansas City, MO Music Business
Nadia Ra’Shaun Williams
Omaha, NE Theatre
Colby R. Wygal* Litchfield , IL Arts Technology
Zoë S. Lucas † Avon, IN Music
Jacob Torrens Glen Ellyn, IL Music
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Cameron Jackson, Dean
Matthew Charles Gowen** Downers Grove, IL
Film & Video Production
Jacob Austin Habel † Algonquin, IL Film & Video Production
Austin Lee Haga †
St. Louis, MO Music Business
Hailey Jo Newill* Fremont, NE Arts Technology
Jeremiah James Renfro Macon, IL Arts Technology
Hannah Marie Swan* Bloomington, IL Arts Technology
Hannah Michelle Uebinger Monticello, IL Film & Video Production
Jada R’Tinique Williams Chicago, IL Music Business
Kameron Zurzolo** Cary, IL Arts Technology
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Dr. Cameron Jackson, Dean
Madelyn Crosby Alger* Cary, NC
Musical Theatre
Ella Kathryn Amarante Waltham, MA Musical Theatre
Bella M. Birdsley** Cedar Park, TX
Musical Theatre
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS // BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Grace Elizabeth Brixa*
Winter Haven, FL Musical Theatre
Grace Elizabeth Cleeton Springfield, IL Studio Art
Ajay Kapoor Davis Fresno, CA Design & Production
James Earlywine* Paola, KS
Acting
Nina Marie English
Elk River, MN
Stage Management
Wayne Kenneth Lamar Fenderson † Decatur, IL
Graphic Design
Leah S. Flint* Leawood, KS Musical Theatre
Aleah Claire Frank † Sun Prairie, WI Musical Theatre
Caley Eileen Fyke †
Mt. Zion, IL
Graphic Design
Gabrielle Yayra Hometorwu
Crown Point, IN
Acting
Joseph Raymond Huizenga
Fulton, IL
Graphic Design
Mayah Jaimes-Echeverria
New London, NC
Stage Management
Moriah Grace Elizabeth Jestus* Glenpool, OK Design & Production
Jaylon Johnson
Chicago, IL
Graphic Design
Camilla Marie Jones*
Decatur, IL
Musical Theatre
Sona Kappil
Des Plaines, IL
Art Therapy
Ember Anity Kvande** San Antonio, TX Stage Management
Madison Renae Leeder Janesville, WI
Musical Theatre
Abby Patrice Lowe*
Mapleton, IL
Acting
Natalie Amelia Mase*
Royal Oak, MI
Musical Theatre
Rachel Elizabeth Nott*
Terre Haute, IN Musical Theatre
Mia Faye Diann DePoy Orr* Marion, IN Acting
Hannah Rose Patton** Algonquin, IL Stage Management
Isabelle Cosette Porter
Kansas City, MO
Design & Production
Ethan Rhoades
Montgomery, IL
Musical Theatre
Hannah Marie Roberts
River Forest, IL Art Therapy
Gwendolynne Ann Royle* Downers Grove, IL
Acting
Savanah Paige Schwartz* Petersburg, IL Stage Management
Ashlee Ellen Webb* Hampshire, IL
Graphic Design
Shaina Mae Gundran
Yumol*
Woodstock, IL Art Therapy
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Dr. Cameron Jackson, Dean
Eric Lemont Brindle Borden, IN Music Performance — Instrumental
Ava Sophia Coletta** Elk Grove Village, IL Music Education — Vocal
Luke M. Davis Litchfield , IL Commercial Music
Alex Joshua Lee Farkasch* Lockport, IL Music Education — Instrumental
Grant Michael Aaron Gillen** Cameron, IL Commercial Music
Samantha Katschke Paw Paw, IL Music Education — Instrumental
Aidan Michael Kostbade** Coal City, IL Music Education — Vocal
Zandi G. Moreano** Gurnee, IL Commercial Music
Jarrett Troy Newsome Clyde, OH Commercial Music
Jacob Dennis Pangilinan** Bartlett, IL Music Education — Vocal
Bradley A. Rossbach* Wauconda, IL Music Education — Instrumental
Mackenzie Grace Sarasin Aurora, IL Music Education — Vocal
Audrey Louise Soetermans* Rockford, IL Commercial Music
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Eric L. Brewer
Mt. Zion, IL Management
Kelsey Elizabeth Bruno Springfield, IL Management
Afonso Hernandes Camargo Mt. Zion, IL Management
Kendallyn Jade Davison Tipton, IN Management
Hannah E. Dick Decatur, IL Management
Anthony Obioma Ezeanyim Chicago, IL Management
LaKeeya La’Naya Funches Decatur, IL Management
Guy Rene Gahungu Decatur, IL Management
Mark Adam Glause Decatur, IL Management
Grace Anne Hadican St. Louis, MO Management
Richard Ashton Hooker Decatur, IL Management
Sophia Grace Howell St. Louis, MO Management
Derek John Lahey Decatur, IL Management
Shelby Ann Lahey Decatur, IL Management
Wasiu Olawale Lawal Jacksonville, FL Management
Dawsen Timothy Loafman Nokomis, IL Management
Max Nicklaus Monroe Fleming Island, FL Management
Emerson Nyquist Highland, IL Management
Allison Michelle Raiha Decatur, IL Management
Philip Benjamin Schepper Forsyth, IL Management
Blake Ryan Van Beers St. Charles, MO Management
Benjamin Michael Wiltse Bethany, IL Management
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
BACHELOR OF ARTS
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Abigail Catherine Aquilina † Galena, OH Communication
Eloise Delane Fitzpatrick* Decatur, IL Business Communication
Zachary Andrew Christopher Hollis Decatur, IL Communication, History
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Johann Said Avila Rodriguez Beardstown, IL Management
Bryson Ameri Boes Decatur, IL Finance
Jack Matthew Bollinger Glenview, IL Finance
Samuel Peter Bushur* Teutopolis, IL Finance
Reece Samuel Butcher** Springfield, IL Accounting
Lila Itzel Castillo Burgess* North Beach, Australia International Business
Payton Dominguez Geneva, IL Cybersecurity
Megan Elizabeth Dunscomb* Forsyth, IL Management, Digital Marketing
Alexander James Elenbaas † Decatur, IL Digital Marketing
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Delaney Higgins* Milan, MI Management Information Systems
Katie Grace Janvrin* Decatur, IL Digital Marketing
Kenneth Allen Johnson* Chicago, IL Organizational Leadership
Zachary William Kohler** Oreana, IL Accounting
Kolby L. Koslofski* Decatur, IL Finance
Tryston Paul Larson Mt. Zion, IL Management
Mirlind Letniku Taylorville, IL Digital Marketing
Tyler Joseph O’Neill † Centralia, IL
Cybersecurity
Drew Hogan Petitt** Decatur, IL Agribusiness
Elizabeth Elaine Portman* Bridgeton, MO Finance William Glenn Powers Columbia, IL Digital Marketing
Amber Regina Reynolds* Forsyth, IL
Organizational Leadership
Shelby Danielle Smiley* Decatur, IL
Organizational Leadership
Oakley Dale Tate* Decatur, IL
Finance, Accounting
Carly I. Thomas Mt. Zion, IL
Organizational Leadership
Jeb Kenison Vanatta Charleston, IL
Digital Marketing
Tanya L. Vaughn †
Forsyth, IL
Accounting
Ryenne Wagner
Decatur, IL
Business Communication
Karly Marie Weir** Mt. Zion, IL
Accounting
Brittany Ann Kacsir † Forsyth, IL Organizational Leadership
Bullveye L. Woodhall
Decatur, IL
Management Information Systems
Tanner Buehnerkemper Monticello, IL Finance
Jacob Alan Bullock Normal, IL Accounting
Jonathan Burora Kigali, Rwanda Management Information Systems
Mason Chase Clem Springfield, IL Finance
Elijah Bodi Cooper Decatur, IL
Cybersecurity
Mason Alan Corey Decatur, IL Accounting
Nicholas George Farsalas Itasca, IL Finance
Erin Brianne Fleisher* Aurora, IL Digital Marketing
Bailey Jane Maldonado † Mt. Zion, IL Organizational Leadership
Sharleen Marie* Toulon, France Digital Marketing
Myka Rose Smith Gurnee, IL Digital Marketing
Tionne Travell Spates Jr. Zionsville , IN Digital Media Marketing
Thomas William Swartz* Monticello, IL Agribusiness
Glory Zambele Beardstown, IL Management
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, Interim Dean
Ameena Khadijah Al-Nurridin Harris Harvey, IL Political Science
Alex Araiza San Antonio, TX Criminal Justice
AmBriah Nicole Bradford Decatur, IL History
Jennifer Janice Brooks Plainfield, IL Criminal Justice
Kaleb Andrew Brown Auburn, IL Criminal Justice
Colin Cyrus Claffey Chicago, IL Political Science
Ainsley Grace Lucille Diver* Delavan, IL Sociology
Harris Benjamin Dorgan* Bloomington, IL History
Aiden Edward Paul Etchason* Decatur, IL English Education
Lance Edward Frederick Rochester, IL Environmental Studies
Grant Michael Aaron Gillen** Cameron, IL Criminal Justice
Kyler Marie Griggs* Decatur, IL English — Writing
Jackson Christopher Hughes* Greeley, CO History
Canzetta W. Jackson Decatur, IL Criminal Justice
Joseph Donald Jens † Grayslake, IL Social Science — Secondary Education
Kemper Koslofski** Decatur, IL English — Writing
Julia D. Lambert* Argenta, IL English Education
Chase Noah Mason † Decatur, IL English — Writing
Chase Mirelez** Patterson, CA Environmental Studies
Ixavion Amer Moore Chicago, IL Criminal Justice
Emmanuel Nwatu Chicago, IL Criminal Justice
Miamaya Ailani Parra Chicago, IL English — Writing
Abigail Elaine Penning
Machesney Park, IL Social Science — Secondary Education
Anna Josephine Quick* De Land, IL English — Writing
Emma Elizabeth Reidy New Lenox, IL Criminal Justice
Marina Nicole Rohman* Maroa, IL Environmental Studies
Maggie Ann Schrage* Breese, IL Political Science
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES // BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dejuan Edmond Sparkman
Decatur, IL Criminal Justice
Emerson Jude Thorlton Bismarck, IL
English Education
Haley Grace Willan*
Bloomington, IL Political Science
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, Interim Dean
Amanda Rialy Gonzalez Andrews* Santa Clara, CA Psychology
Caroline M. Arnold Fults, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies
Melis Claire Barutcu* Springfield, IL Psychology
Carly LeeAnne Birch Decatur, IL Biology — Life Science Studies
Msanaa Jules Bosland † Nassua, New Providen, Bahama Mathematics
Abbey Ann Burkhalter O’Fallon, IL Chemistry
Emily DuWayne Clevidence**
Cottage Grove, WI
Biology — Biomedical Engineering
Corlyn Chantre Davis
St. Louis, MO Psychology
Andrew Karl Detmers † Mt. Zion, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies
Ainsley Grace Lucille Diver*
Delavan, IL
Psychology
Myesha Amaria Flagg
Decatur, IL
Psychology
Tyesha Lasha Flagg Decatur, IL
Psychology
Madelyn Patricia Ford
Alsip, IL Psychology
Cassandra Beau Gabbert † Lake St. Louis, MO
Psychology
Grant Michael Aaron Gillen** Cameron, IL Criminal Justice
Devin Patrick Gloeckner St. Peters, MO Mathematics
Keith Dawayne Gravely III Shawnee, KS
Psychology
Hailey Elizabeth Gula*
Oak Forest, IL
Biology — Life Science Studies
Zahra Shakur Haji † Decatur, IL
Biology — Life Science Studies
Marcus Antwon Holman Jr. St. Louis, MO Criminal Justice
Noah John Horner Plainfield, IL
Mathematics — Data Science
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Evan William Hudlin Pana, IL Sociology
Austin M. Hughes** Decatur, IL Mathematics
Chloe Danielle Hughes Decatur, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies
Alexiana Leigh Jackson Steger, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies
Jallah Flomo Kollie Jr.** Florissant, MO Computer Science
Lucas Anthony Mosqueda West Frankfort, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies
David K. Navarra Champaign, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies
Hailey Jo Newill* Fremont, NE Computer Science
Brody Niebrugge Watson, IL Psychology
Justice Cody Norris Chillicothe, IL Psychology
Doran Vaughn Sanders Decatur, IL Computer Science
Hailie Marie Schafman Belvidere, IL Psychology
Hope Maelyn Self Henry, IL Mathematics — Secondary Education
Amari Darnell Terrell Rolla, MO Biology — Pre-Professional Studies
Alexis Ann Marie Vogel** Freeburg, IL Mathematics — Secondary Education
JAMES MILLIKIN HONORS SCHOLARS
Madelyn Crosby Alger
Caroline M. Arnold
Melis Claire Barutcu
Bella M. Birdsley
Msanaa Jules Bosland
Grace Elizabeth Brixa
Samuel Peter Bushur
Kailyn Marybeth Coates
Ava Sophia Coletta
Harris Benjamin Dorgan
Hannah Lynn Ermeling
Eloise Delane Fitzpatrick
Zahra Shakur Haji
Elyse Noelle Hermanson
Gabrielle Yayra Hometorwu
Jackson Christopher Hughes
Moriah Grace Elizabeth Jestus
Camilla Marie Jones
Rayna Lyn Johnson
Dayton Joseph Lasack
Zoë S. Lucas
Kemper Koslofski
Kolby L. Koslofski
Ember Anity Kvande
Rachel Elizabeth Nott
Mia Faye Diann DePoy Orr
Jacob Dennis Pangilinan
Anna Josephine Quick
Ethan Rhoades
Marina Nicole Rohman
Maggie Ann Schrage
Savanah Paige Schwartz
Hope Maelyn Self
Audrey Louise Soetermans
Hannah Marie Swan
Oakley Dale Tate
Dayton Joseph Lasack* Deerfield, WI Engineering Science
Emily Renee Mars Moweaqua, IL Psychology
Jayden Dean McNaught* Chillicothe, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies
Lilia Sue Monigold* Le Roy, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies
Addison Lee Oyer Ludlow, IL Biology — Life Science Studies
Deep Patel** Decatur, IL Computer Science
Jackson J. Pearce New Berlin, IL Computer Science
Alissa Michelle Razo Sherman, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies
Demetric Deshand Williams Decatur, IL Criminal Justice
Ava Katharine Zukowski* Palos Heights, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies
Leah S. Flint
Aleah Claire Frank
Cassandra Beau Gabbert
Kaia Joi Garbacz
Amanda Rialy Gonzalez
Andrews
Austin Lee Haga
Madelyn Paige Letourneau
Natalie Amelia Mase
Jayden Dean McNaught
Shaye M’Lynne Moomey
Lilia Sue Monigold
Hailey Jo Newill
Hannah Michelle Uebinger
Alexis Ann Marie Vogel
Ashlee Ellen Webb
Haley Grace Willan
Shaina Mae Gundran Yumol
Ava Katharine Zukowski
* 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
Caroline M. Arnold
Kaleb Andrew Brown
Gournie Christine Ferrell
Zahra Shakur Haji
Gabrielle Yayra Hometorwu
Drew Hogan Petitt
Faye Diann DePoy Orr
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
Melis Claire Barutcu
Zahra Shakur Haji
Lilia Sue Monigold
Maggie Ann Schrage
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.
