2025 Drake University Law School and Main Commencement Programs
DRAKE UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY FIVE des moines, iowa
The One Hundred and Fifty-Eighth Commencement of Drake University
May Seventeenth, Two Thousand Twenty-Five
associate, bachelor degrees
Saturday Morning at Ten O’clock
master, specialist, doctorate degrees
Saturday Afternoon at Two O’clock
knapp center — des moines, iowa
drake university’s mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students, faculty, and staff and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation.
Undergraduate Program
may seventeenth, two thousand twenty-five, ten o’clock in the morning
the academic processional ...............
Land of Hope and Glory:
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, Edward Elgar
the call to order
Mark Ernst Board of Trustees
the national anthem Havyn Fish Class of 2025
the drake hymn ........................
introduction of platform
Lauren E. Low Class of 2025
Marty Martin party and remarks President of the University
the presentation of the drake medal
madelyn m. levitt awards
2024–2025 oreon e. scott award...........
Joe Aiello Board of Trustees
Sue J. Mattison Provost of the University
Ashley Dyson recipient remarks Class of 2025
the presentation of candidates Provost Mattison
the conferring of degrees
the presentation of diplomas ..............
President Martin
President Martin and Deans of the Colleges and Schools
alumni welcome Paul LeFort jo ‘91
the academic recessional
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4, Edward Elgar
Peggy Fisher, FA’70, and Larry Stelter Drake Medal
Drake University is honored to present the Drake Medal to Peggy Fisher, FA’70, and Larry Stelter for their significant, long-term service to Drake University and personal commitment to the University’s quality and character.
Peggy and Larry have built a meaningful and accomplished life dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening communities. Together, they have faithfully served Drake University for more than 30 years and created positive change that will benefit students, faculty, and staff for generations to come.
Peggy graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in design from Drake University, which launched her distinguished career in the field. Following graduation, she started her own design agency before joining the Meredith Corporation as art director for Country Home magazine. In 1994, she joined Larry at the Stelter Company, first as creative director and then as CEO. Fueled by a belief that generosity can change the world, the couple guided the company in its commitment to serving nonprofits and grew a joint passion for helping others through philanthropy.
For nearly 20 years, Peggy has served as a member of Drake University’s Board of Trustees. In 2019, she became the first woman to serve as chair of the governing board. During her time on the Board, Peggy co-chaired the distinctlyDrake campaign, which generated $216 million for the University. More recently, she served on the steering committee for The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave and Bold, which raised more than $265 million.
In addition to Peggy’s visionary leadership as a trustee, together, she and Larry made a financial contribution to The Ones campaign of $3.3 million. For almost 30 consecutive years, the couple has generously supported Drake’s commitment to transform lives and strengthen communities. Peggy and Larry have elevated the student-athlete experience through financial gifts to Drake Athletics with significant support of the men’s and women’s basketball programs, including the development of the Shivers Basketball Practice Facility. They funded the Peggy Fisher & Larry Stelter Endowed Chair of Magazine & Brand Media and regularly engage with students and faculty within the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. In addition, the couple has invested in many capital projects, including the Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Boys & Girls Club, the Johansen Student Center, a Knapp Center renovation, the Drake Plaza, and Quad Creek development.
Peggy and Larry are exemplars of what it means to be servant-leaders. Their unwavering support, generosity, and leadership has created a legacy at Drake. Today, it is our great honor to present the Drake Medal to Peggy Fisher and Larry Stelter in recognition of their enduring commitment to Drake University and the transformative power of giving back.
Excellence in Mentor and Teaching Awards
the madelyn m. levitt mentor of the year award 2025
In 1994, the Madelyn M. Levitt Mentor of the Year Award was created in honor of Madelyn Levitt’s commitment to Drake and her ongoing interest in faculty and staff achievement and academic excellence.
This award honors commitment to student success on the Drake campus and recognizes faculty and staff who exhibit:
• An outstanding commitment to student success in and out of the classroom
• Integrity in personal relationships
• Typifying the ideal student mentor
the madelyn m. levitt teacher of the year award 2025
Since 1994, the Madelyn Levitt Teacher of the Year Award has recognized a faculty member for his or her superior teaching. The award is named in honor of Madelyn Levitt’s commitment to Drake and her ongoing interest in faculty achievement and academic excellence.
This award recognizes the Drake University faculty member who best demonstrates excellence in teaching, inspirational leadership, and intellectual rigor through:
• An informed mind in inspirational dialogue with students
• Integrity in personal relationships
• Rigor in intellectual endeavors
• Contagious enthusiasm for her/his subject matter
the madelyn m. levitt scholar of the year award 2025
The Madelyn M. Levitt Scholar of the Year Award was created in honor of Madelyn Levitt’s commitment to Drake and her ongoing interest in faculty achievement and academic excellence.
This award recognizes a faculty member whose scholarly work demonstrates:
• Excellence in academic rigor, with scholarship disseminated through recognized peer-reviewed outlets
• A meaningful impact on society beyond the academic sphere
• Rigor in intellectual endeavors
• A sustained commitment to advancing knowledge in ways that benefit both the academic community and the broader public
marshal of the university and master of ceremonies
Craige C. Wrenn
Professor of Pharmacology
assistant marshals of the university
Rachel Paine Professor of Political Science
Kelly B. Bruhn
Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication/Associate Dean
Stacy Gnacinski
Associate Professor of Health Sciences
Thomas H. Root
Associate Professor of Finance
faculty marshals
Jen Thoma
Associate Professor of Education
John P. Rovers
Professor of Pharmacy Practice
announcing of graduates
Charles Phillips
Professor of Pharmacy Administration/Associate Dean
bachelor degrees
Elise McKenna Ambler
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Paige Helena Anderson
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Isabel Aramburu
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Kennedy Boyd
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Leetal Dorit Sivana Cohn
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Benjamin Henry Connolly
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Ethan J. Duesterhaus
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Shelley Marie Engel
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Davia Goette
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Anesa Imann Hajdarevic
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Maria Husting
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Rachel E. Kaiser
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Taylor Kemp
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Ian Seamus Ford McDonald
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
school of education
Candidates Presented by Dean Ryan M. Wise
Professor Kevin Lam and
Professor Tonia Land, Marshals
Bridgid Olk Miller
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Mark Pepper
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Briandrias Marchelle Rhodes
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Graham Robinson
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Rachel Lynn Roen
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Asa Schuemann
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Charlie L. Schwab
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Savannah Lynn Smith
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Madeline Streepy
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Khennedy Rhyne Terrell
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Juliana Valentina Ward
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Izabella Wolfe
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Nicole Zdunczyk
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Emily Zimmerman
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
college of arts and sciences & school
of fine arts
Candidates Presented by Dean Gesine Gerhard
Professor David Skidmore and
Assistant Professor Elizabeth Talbert, Marshals
bachelor degrees
Ahmed Abdelfattah
B.A., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
Eman Abdelfattah
B.S., Kinesiology
Note Aguilar
B.F.A., Musical Theatre
Veronica Aguilar
B.A., Sociology
Aleeza Ahmar
B.A., Rhetoric and Media Studies, Law, Politics & Society
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership, Business Law
Brennan Rzewuski
B.S.B.A., Finance
Madison Delaney Sanchez
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Kaia Schuett
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Riley Schultz
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics
Will Schultz
B.S.B.A., Marketing, Information Systems
Gracie Marie Shannon
B.S.B.A., Finance
Maxwell Sheridan
B.S.B.A., Accounting
Nicholas Sidor
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science, Data Analytics
Sean Sommerness
B.S.B.A., Finance
Trevor Lane Stevens
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Matthew J. Stokovich
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Hillary Tan
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Christina A. Timm
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science, Finance
Phillip Tita
B.S.B.A., Business Studies
Ethan Toh
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Jack Upton
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Tiffany VanTassel
B.S.B.A., Quantitative Economics, Data Analytics
Ethan Vargas
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Taylor Irene Williamson
B.S.B.A., Business Law
Sophie May Wokatsch
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Aliza Woodford
B.S.B.A., Finance
Jacob Yanacheak
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Maxwell A. Yde
B.S.B.A., Finance
college
bachelor degrees
Elizabeth Marie Aanestad
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Cristina Baez
B.S., Health Sciences: Public Health
Alma Berbo
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
B.S.N., Nursing
Adama S. Bockarie
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Taylor Bohannon
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Chloe Bonta
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Caleb Bowling
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Anthony Bradley
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical, Kinesiology
Emma Byrne
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Caitlyn Calvert
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Mikyla A. Cooper
B.S.N., Nursing
Meghan Coulter
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
B.S.N., Nursing
David Basil Brandon Duncan Jr.
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Clare Else
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Savannah Ervin
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Caroline Elizabeth Fleming
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Matthew Allard Fook
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Nachalah Gardiner
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Madeline Gilpin
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Jayden Hansen
B.S.N., Nursing
Ava B. Hawthorne
B.S., Health Sciences: Health Care Administration
Melanie Elizabeth Hipsher
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Fatima Hoy
B.S.N., Nursing
Ashley Iiams
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Serena Iske
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Alyssa Jahr
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Candidates Presented by Dean Erik Maki
Professor Nate Newman and Professor Andrea Kjos, Marshals
Sophia K. Johnson
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Molly Marie Kennedy
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Samuel Kim
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Kaylee Larson
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Felicia Lor
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Brooklyn Lowry
B.S., Health Sciences: Health Care Administration
Tom Lucas
B.S., Health Sciences: Health Care Administration
Ruthie Lundberg
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Blake Maher
B.S.N., Nursing
Khushi Makhija
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Camryn Grace Makovicka
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Phun Nei Mawi
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
B.S.N., Nursing
Tessa McCutcheon
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Cassandra Elizabeth McPheron
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Avery Mertz
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
B.S.N., Nursing
Anna Miller
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Sydney Norton
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Carina Joy Oelkers
B.S., Health Sciences: Public Health
Abby Onwiler
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied, Kinesiology
Elias Oxer
B.S.N., Nursing
Hannah N. Par
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Pooja Patel
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
B.S.N., Nursing
Melia Rose Patrick
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Edda Margaret Pederson
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Cana Phillips-Jones
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Marie Vernon Porto
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Beth Posey
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
B.S.N., Nursing
Kiara K. Riley
B.S., Health Sciences: Public Health
Helen Saldana Morales
B.S.N., Nursing
Allison Jane Schaffer
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Katherine Anne Schmalz
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
B.S.N., Nursing
Cassandra Scupham
B.S.N., Nursing
Mia F. Shipley
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Suzanne Shoemaker
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical, Health Sciences: Public Health
Talia Slovut
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Madelyn Smith
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Shandhan Sureshbabu
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Hayden Thatcher
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
B.S.N., Nursing
Anya Thigpen
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Jessica Thomas
B.S.N., Nursing
Sophie Weis
B.S.N., Nursing
Lily Whitmore
B.S., Health Sciences: Health Care Administration
Raelyn Wilcox
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Starla Wiler
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Kalli Erin Yoder
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Sofia Zelinski
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Holly Zi
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
B.S.N., Nursing
school of journalism and mass communication
Candidates Presented by Dean Catherine Staub
Professor Sandy Henry and Associate Professor Ryan Stoldt, Marshals
Carmon Baker
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Ava Barvian
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising
Alexandra Elizabeth Bates
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication, Public Relations
William Frederick Michael Baumgartner
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production, Multimedia Journalism
Payton E. Blahut
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Will T. Blevins
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication
Ryan Brown
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production
Samuel Buegler
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication, Digital Media Production
Cody J. Butenhoff
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication
Patricia Asenet Caldera
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production
Candace J. Carr
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Maddi Cave
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations, Strategic Political Communication
Keira Coady
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Erica Louise Copeland
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production
Piper Davison
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Melanie Dygert
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Will Erbes
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production, Advertising
Mara Camille Fendrich
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
David Freeman
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Charlie Galloway
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising
Asha Geoghegan
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism, Digital Media Production
Ryan Charles Gledhill
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production, Public Relations
Rodrigo Gonzalez
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Max Green
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production
Kylie Greer
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations, Strategic Political Communication
Sarah Greiver
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Abigail Hawkinson
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations, Advertising
Maria Lynn Heath
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Maria Kathryn Hernandez
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising
Gavin Hoedl
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication
Cassidy Raye Hoehne
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Meghan Holloran
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism, Magazine & Brand Media
Haley Horman
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising
Jayden James
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising, Digital Media Production
Riley Jeanne Jouppi
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production, Advertising
Eva Katherine Kellen
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations, Strategic Political Communication
Skylar Lathrop
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations, Multimedia Journalism
Abigail Lynn Lee
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Communication
Ava G. Leigh
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism, Magazine & Brand Media Serenity Souriyatai Lo
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Lauren E. Low
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Michael Mitchell
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication
Morgen Lily Neuhauser
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism, Public Relations
Anna Serena Nottleson
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Lilith Kristine Orne
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication
Malynn Pavey
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production
Catherine M. Pollard
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication
Margaret E. Poltrock
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production
Bryson Rea
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Isabella Spah
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production
Tyler Nicole Strachan
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
bachelor degrees
Emma Faye Stroner
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production
Mackenzie Swenson
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Ryan Charles Swingler
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Colson Thayer
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism, Magazine & Brand Media
Lauren Amber Theisen
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Heidi Wheeler
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Ethan Williams
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations, Strategic Political Communication
Tomos Williams
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising
Alexis Nicole Withrow
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Kelsey Wolfe
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising
Parker Dane Strudwick Wright
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Emily Zeller
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising
john dee bright college
Candidates Presented by Dean Craig Owens
Assistant Professor Eric Adae and Associate Professor Hope Bibens, Marshals
associate degrees
Jayln Best
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Gabrielle Marie Brooks
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences, & Humanities
Isaaca Carter
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences, & Humanities
Irvin Alonso Ceron-polco
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Michael Gamble Jr
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences, & Humanities
Ameyah T. Hodges
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences, & Humanities
Liv Liechti
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences, & Humanities
Donovan C. McCamey
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences, & Humanities
Ajani Patton-Imani
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences, & Humanities
Pascal Patton-Imani
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Melanie Recendiz Perez
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
John Reid
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Katherine Kay Rucker
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Leah Toti
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Janae Wynter
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences, & Humanities
Elise Young
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Honors at Graduation
Students who have attained academic excellence and high scholastic achievement on the basis of cumulative grade point average of 60 or more undergraduate hours at Drake University are recognized with the following honors:
cum laude — Students who have achieved a grade point average between 3.50 and 3.69
magna cum laude — Students who have achieved a grade point average between 3.70 and 3.89
summa cum laude — Students who have achieved a grade point average of 3.90 and above
Transfer students who have fewer than 60 hours may receive honors based on criteria outlined in the Drake catalog.
The Honors Program
The Honors Program is an all-University concentration with an interdisciplinary curriculum that allows students to supplement their personal educational goals by exploring unique subjects and pursuing special projects.
Students in the Honors Program earn University Honors by completing 19 credit hours in honors seminars, conducting and presenting a three-credit Honors senior thesis project, and achieving a 3.2 or higher cumulative grade point average.
honor societies
Alpha Kappa Delta — Sociology
Beta Alpha Psi — Business
Beta Beta Beta — Biology
Chi Omega Lambda — Chemistry
Kappa Delta Pi — Education
Kappa Mu Epsilon — Mathematics
Kappa Tau Alpha — Journalism
Lambda Alpha — Anthropology
Nu Rho Psi — Neuroscience
Omicron Delta Epsilon — Economics
Order of Omega — Greek
Phi Alpha Theta — History
Phi Beta Kappa — Scholarship
Phi Delta Epsilon — Pre-Medicine
Phi Lambda Sigma — Pharmacy Leadership
Pi Alpha Alpha — Public Administration
Pi Kappa Lambda — Music
Pi Sigma Alpha — Political Science
Pi Theta Epsilon — Occupational Therapy
Psi Chi — Psychology
Rho Chi — Pharmacy
Sigma Tau Delta — English
IAPLS — Undergraduate Research
Academic excellence; outstanding performance; leadership; upholding the highest standards and ideals, character, personality, and promise of success; and a high level of ability, talent, and potential are the various criteria for membership in these organizations.
The honors designations are based upon grades earned through the Fall 2024 semester and are subject to change based upon grades earned thereafter. Names listed in honor societies may include December 2024 graduates.
This commencement program does not constitute an official list of confirmed graduates or confirmed academic honors for the May 17, 2025, commencement at Drake University. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not signify that degrees and academic honors have been awarded unless all pertinent academic requirements have been met.
the honors program
university honors
Cayden Anderson
Karissa Anderson
Grace Brinker
Olivia Corey
Matthew W. Dinwiddie
Anthony Esboldt
Christa Fabel
Annika Fredeen
Hailey Garrison
Petya Ivanova Haralanova
Emily Hedrick
Rachel C. Horrmann
all-university honors
oreon e. scott award
This award is presented to students receiving the baccalaureate degree, who have attended Drake University for at least four semesters, and who have been of the greatest service to the University during their years at the University.
Ashley Dyson
order of omega
Elise McKenna Ambler
Cayden Anderson
Carmon Baker
Rylee Jo Beardsworth
William Frederick Michael Baumgartner
Maria Lynn Heath
Robert Hurst III
Eva Katherine Kellen
Lilith Kristine Orne
Cora Lynn Siemonsma
Robert Hurst III
Maia Onda Italia
Libby Johnson
Rachel E. Kaiser
Anna Knueve
Ella Grace Kocina
Morgen Lily Neuhauser
Lilly Ruiter
Mackenzie Swenson
Mackenzie Voelcker
Nora Will
school of education honors
summa cum laude
Ethan J. Duesterhaus
Taylor Kemp
Bridgid Olk Miller
Mark Pepper
Madeline Streepy
magna cum laude
Elise McKenna Ambler
Kennedy Boyd
Shelley Marie Engel
Graham Robinson
Rachel Lynn Roen
Charlie L. Schwab
Savannah Lynn Smith
Emily Zimmerman
cum laude
Isabel Aramburu
Leetal Dorit Sivana Cohn
Benjamin Henry Connolly
Maria Husting
Rachel E. Kaiser
Briandrias Marchelle
Rhodes
Juliana Valentina Ward
Nicole Zdunczyk
departmental honors
Elise McKenna Ambler
Ethan J. Duesterhaus
Shelley Marie Engel
Taylor Kemp
Bridgid Olk Miller
Mark Pepper
Graham Robinson
Rachel Lynn Roen
Charlie L. Schwab
Madeline Streepy
Nicole Zdunczyk
Emily Zimmerman
kappa delta pi
Elise McKenna Ambler
Paige Helena Anderson
Kennedy Boyd
Benjamin Henry Connolly
Bridgid Olk Miller
Briandrias Marchelle
Rhodes
Allison May Roberts
Savannah Lynn Smith
Eunice Villanueva
Juliana Valentina Ward
college of arts and sciences honors
summa cum laude
Hannah G. Andersen
Cayden Anderson
Ian Anderson
Karissa Anderson
Carmon Baker
Samuel Basala
Rylee Jo Beardsworth
Chiara Belfico
Lauren Victoria Benson
Claire Bissmeyer
Grace Brinker
August L. Butterworth
Erin Carlson
Adrianna Clark
Matt Colbert
Ruth Conlin
Grace Christine Day
Audrey Dennison
Bradley E. Dice
Joshua Doolittle
Ethan J. Duesterhaus
Sydney Dvorak
Claire Elizabeth Epperson
Christa Fabel
Annika Fredeen
Ella Pearl Gittemeier
Natalie Hamacher
Grant Harbaugh
Maria Lynn Heath
Avery B. Hickcox
Libby Johnson
Eve Adelaide Kelly
Anastasia Kirillov
Leif Stefan Klarqvist
Anna Knueve
Ella Grace Kocina
Raquel Liedtke
Rowan Lovering
Lauren E. Low
Nathan Luu
Adaire Josephine MacSwain
Nora Mahoney
Fiona Rae Martin
Stephanie G. Mayer
Isabelle Rose McGraw
Anna Miller
Bridgid Olk Miller
Heather Nguyen
Soren Olsen
Jenna Olson
Lilith Kristine Orne
Hallie Peak
Mark Pepper
Julie Ngoc Pham
Jordan Ann Porter
Conor Jo Rezabek
Lilly Ruiter
Addison K. Schmierer
Ryan Schuenke
Chloe Qianfang Slater
Matthew Stadnika
Mia Isabella Stefani
Jillian Rose Stevens
Caleb Nathaniel Stewart
Madeline Streepy
Harrison Stull
Mackenzie Swenson
Anna Faith Thompson
Mackenzie Voelcker
Odessa White
Nora Will
Aubrey Marie Williams
Kelsey Wolfe
magna cum laude
Ahmed Abdelfattah
Aleeza Ahmar
Elise McKenna Ambler
Will T. Blevins
Eleanore C. Boomershine
Laura Marie Breyen
Madison Bunton
Joseph Byrne
Candace J. Carr
Davion Cherwin
Hannah Clark
Jordan Crespo
Vaughn E. Clissold
Brooke Davies
Maya Jean Elting
Summer Rae Fields
Havyn Fish
David Freeman
Hailey Garrison
Chloe Gayer
Emily Hedrick
Getsy Hernandez
Jared Hess
Ashlyn McKayla Hobbs
Robert Hurst III
Amber Lauryn Hussain
Kailey Inman
Megan Johnson
Emily Konzen
Katie Krueger
Piper Lebert
Breckyn Anne Dodd Lyons
Sydney Marchand
Emma Marie
Marissa Mai Marquez
Oliver Marshall
Lily McIntosh
Zachary David Melahoures
Levi Miller
Grace Miner
Lewis “Mac” Muehlberger
Claire Mulder
Nmesomachukwu C. Ndubueze
Logan Joseph Nelson
Gia Han Nguyen
Anna O’Tool
Edda Margaret Pederson
Nicholas D. Peters
Catherine M. Pollard
April Pupp
Graham Robinson
Savannah Roshek
Catalina Samaniego
Kenji Sazawa Bachmann
Riley Schultz
Charlie L. Schwab
Corinne Sidebottom
Griffin Snow
Tyler Nicole Strachan
Olivia E. Stuber
Lauren Theisen
Caroline Thompson
Olivia Thompson
Heidi Wheeler
Kaden D. Whitlow
Emily Zeller
Emily Zimmerman
cum laude
Note Aguilar
Veronica Aguilar
Hayden Nicole Altena
Jordyn T. Althaus
Isabel Aramburu
Jessica Lizbeth Avianeda Blanco
Taryn Beenblossom
Taylor L. Bierman
Kayla Bonneau
Anthony Bradley
Cooper Brown
Taylor Bunton
Anastasia Cesarz
Leetal Dorit Sivana Cohn
Olivia Corey
Samantha Lennox Cotter
Ashley Dyson
Nate Gottschalk
Savannah Marie Grannan
Lauren Jakubowski
Brittney Jeambey
Michelle Joseph
Isabelle Kaiser
Caroline Kansa
Jackson William Kilburg
Jason Knuth
Zofia Katarzyna
Landowska
Emily Lau
Ellie Lewis
Amber Loney
Leo Nash
Elena A. Pearce
Thanh Phan
Ansleigh Novalee Ragan
Genessis Rico
Jane Elaine Marie Rynchek
Brennan Rzewuski
Cora Lynn Siemonsma
Cameron Solen
Sharon Solomon
Gracie McKee Tribolet
Makenna M. Wade
Jack Welsh
Jacob Andrew Werner
Oliver T. Williams
Annika Ruth Wilson
Marie Elizabeth Witt
Ahana Yelagar
Nicole Zdunczyk
Zoe Elizabeth Zillgitt
departmental
honors
Aleeza Ahmar
Elise McKenna Ambler
Hannah G. Andersen
Cayden Anderson
Ian Anderson
Karissa Anderson
Isabel Aramburu
Carmon Baker
Samuel Basala
Rylee Jo Beardsworth
Chiara Belfico
Lauren Victoria Benson
Claire Bissmeyer
Kayla Bonneau
Eleanore C. Boomershine
Laura Marie Breyen
Grace Brinker
Cooper Brown
August L. Butterworth
Erin Carlson
Candace J. Carr
Adrianna Clark
Hannah Clark
Matt Colbert
Ruth Conlin
Olivia Corey
Grace Christine Day
Audrey Dennison
Bradley E. Dice
Joshua Doolittle
Ethan J. Duesterhaus
Sydney Dvorak
Ashley Dyson
Claire Elizabeth Epperson
Christa Fabel
Summer Rae Fields
Annika Fredeen
David Freeman
Hailey Garrison
Ella Pearl Gittemeier
Natalie Hamacher
Grant Harbaugh
Maria Lynn Heath
Emily Hedrick
Getsy Hernandez
Jared Hess
Avery B. Hickcox
Ashlynn McKayla Hobbs
Robert Hurst III
Amber Lauryn Hussain
Kailey Inman
Libby Johnson
Megan Johnson
Rachel E. Kaiser
Eve Adelaide Kelly
Anastasia Kirillov
Leif Stefan Klarqvist
Anna Knueve
Ella Grace Kocina
Emily Konzen
Katie Krueger
Piper Lebert
Ellie Lewis
Raquel Liedtke
Rowan Lovering
Lauren E. Low
Nathan Luu
Breckyn Anne Dodd Lyons
Adaire Josephine MacSwain
Nora Mahoney
Marissa Mai Marquez
Fiona Rae Martin
Stephanie G. Mayer
Isabelle Rose McGraw
Lily McIntosh
Zachary David Melahoures
Anna Miller
Bridgid Olk Miller
Levi Miller
Grace Miner
Lewis “Mac” Muehlberger
Claire Mulder
Nmesomachukwu C.
Ndubueze
Logan Joseph Nelson
Gia Han Nguyen
Heather Nguyen
Soren Olsen
Jenna Olson
Lilith Kristine Orne
Hallie Peak
Edda Margaret Pederson
Mark Pepper
Nicholas D. Peters
Julie Ngoc Pham
Catherine M. Pollard
Jordan Ann Porter
Ansleigh Novalee Ragan
Genessis Rico
Graham Robinson
Savannah Roshek
Lilly Ruiter
Brennan Rzewuski
Kenji Sazawa Bachmann
Addison K. Schmierer
Ryan Schuenke
Riley Schultz
Corinne Sidebottom
Chloe Qianfang Slater
Griffin Snow
Cameron Solen
Matthew Stadnika
Mia Isabella Stefani
Jillian Rose Stevens
Caleb Nathaniel Stewart
Tyler Nicole Strachan
Madeline Streepy
Olivia E. Stuber
Harrison Stull
Mackenzie Swenson
Lauren Theisen
Anna Faith Thompson
Caroline Thompson
Olivia Thompson
Mackenzie Voelcker
Jacob Andrew Werner
Heidi Wheeler
Odessa White
Nora Will
Aubrey Marie Williams
Marie Elizabeth Witt
Kelsey Wolfe
Emily Zeller
alpha kappa delta (sociology honor society)
Lauren Victoria Benson
Getsy Hernandez
Chloe Qianfang Slater
Olivia E. Stuber
beta beta beta (biology honor society)
Rylee Jo Beardsworth
Ruth Conlin
Sydney Dvorak
Tiana LaShea Holden
Ella Grace Kocina
Marissa Mai Marquez
Isabelle Rose McGraw
Levi Miller
Nmesomachukwu C. Ndubueze
Heather Nguyen
Petit-Paul Mwilarhe Ushindi
Jaden MaiXiuYi Waterhouse
kappa mu epsilon (mathematics honor society)
Samuel Basala
Jared Hess
Kailey Inman
Aubrey Marie Williams
Nicole Zdunczyk
lambda alpha (anthropology honor society)
Julie Ngoc Pham
nu rho psi (neuroscience honor society)
Lauren Jakubowski
Michelle Joseph
Sharon Solomon
Odessa White
omicron delta (economics honor society)
Olivia Kennedy
Catalina Samaniego
phi alpha theta (history honor society)
Rachel E. Kaiser
Grace Miner
Ansleigh Novalee Ragan
phi beta kappa (national honor society)
Cayden Anderson
Carmon Baker
Rylee Jo Beardsworth
Hannah Clark
Ruth Conlin
Sydney Dvorak
Summer Rae Fields
Ella Pearl Gittemeier
Natalie Hamacher
Jackson Hill
Libby Johnson
Leif Stefan Klarqvist
Anna Knueve
Ella Grace Kocina
Lauren E. Low
Nathan Luu
Breckyn Anne Dodd Lyons
Sydney Marchand
Zachary David Melahoures
Nmesomachukwu C. Ndubueze
Lilly Ruiter
Olivia Thompson
Mackenzie Voelcker
phi delta epsilon (pre-medicine honor society)
Clare Else
Savannah Marie Grannan
Lauren Jakubowski
Samuel Kim
Ella Grace Kocina
Raquel Liedtke
Fiona Rae Martin
Marissa Mai Marquez
Zachary David Melahoures
Nmesomachukwu C. Ndubueze
Matthew Stadnika
pi kappa lambda (music honor society)
Havyn Fish
Lewis “Mac” Muehlberger
pi sigma alpha (political science honor society)
Cayden Anderson
Eliott Benson
Chiara Belfico
Will T. Blevins
Libby Johnson
Anna Knueve
Breckyn Anne Dodd Lyons
Lilly Ruiter
psi chi (psychology honor society)
Erin Carlson
Olivia Corey
Claire Elizabeth Epperson
Lex Knox
Sydney Marchand
Gia Han Nguyen
Julie Ngoc Pham
Jordan Ann Porter
Chloe Qianfang Slater
Olivia E. Stuber
Olivia Thompson
Makenna M. Wade
Odessa White
sigma tau delta (english honor society)
Maria Lynn Heath
Grace Miner
Ansleigh Novalee Ragan
zimpleman college of business honors
summa cum laude
Hannah G. Andersen
Hugh Arlington Bartlett III
Chiara Belfico
Madison Rose Briden
Amelia Burnell
Matthew W. Dinwiddie
Caitlyn J. Erland
Anthony Esboldt
Tim Frantz
Luke Gregoire
CJ Grisar
Emma K. Hawkinson
Jackson Hill
Caitlin Marie Judkins
Jessica Larson
Lily Manning
Chloe Kay Reicherts
Ellen M. Rimsky
Maxwell Sheridan
Trevor Lane Stevens
Sophie May Wokatsch
Jacob Yanacheak
magna cum laude
Chloe Ashley
Kyle Battani
Brendan P. Cain
Manuel Campuzano
William Ecklund
Nolan Henze
Eric Jerdee
Ethan Jermain
Gracie Joblinske
Trevor John Julga
Griffin Kohl
Tyla Lumley
Emilie Meyer
Brynn Miracle
Lily Elaine Moat
Diego Munoz
Phuong T. Nguyen
Nicholas Navon Nix
Aidan Ramsey
Bryson Rea
Thea M. Rotto
Brennan Rzewuski
Riley Schultz
Hillary Tan
Jack Upton
Aliza Woodford
cum laude
Grace Bero
Paige Breeding
Rece Budde
Deylin Dean Chandler
Jia Le Chua
Dominic Cook
Hayden Cross
Katelyn Ellinger
Aiden Ernsteen
Jadyn Elizabeth Feucht
Marlies Cole Hohner
Noah Honnold
Julie Anne Huggins
Maia Onda Italia
Olivia Kennedy
Troy Jason Koska
Zofia Katarzyna
Landowska
Ellie Lewis
Dagan Martin
Grace H. McGrane
Ella Peterson
Zack Post
Cameron Pugliese
Paxton Reading
Tiffany VanTassel
departmental honors
Hannah G. Andersen
Chloe Ashley
Hugh Arlington Bartlett III
Chiara Belfico
Madison Rose Briden
Amelia Burnell
Brendan P. Cain
Mauel Campuzano
Matthew W. Dinwiddie
Caitlyn J. Erland
Anthony Esboldt
Tim Frantz
Luke Gregoire
CJ Crisar
Emma K. Hawkinson
Jackson Hill
Noah Honnold
Caitlin Marie Judkins
Trevor John Julga
Griffin Kohl
Troy Jason Koska
Zofia Katarzyna Landowska
Jessica Larson
Ellie Lewis
Lily Manning
Emilie Meyer
Brynn Miracle
Diego Munoz
Aidan Ramsey
Chloe Reicherts
Ellen M. Rimsky
Thea M. Rotto
Riley Schultz
Maxwell Sheridan
Trevor Lane Stevens
John Upton
Tiffany VanTassel
Sophie Wokatsch
Jacob Yanacheak
Lily Manning
Chloe Ashley
Caitlyn J. Erland
college of pharmacy and health sciences honors
summa cum laude
Elizabeth Marie Aanestad
Mikyla A. Cooper
Clare Else
Molly Marie Kennedy
Samuel Kim
Ruthie Lundberg
Anna Miller
Elias Oxer
Melia Rose Patrick
Allison Jane Schaffer
Shandhan Sureshbabu
Lily Whitmore
magna cum laude
Meghan Coulter
Matthew Allard Fook
Ava B. Hawthorne
Alyssa Jahr
Sophia K. Johnson
Felicia Lor
Kaylee Larson
Cassandra Elizabeth
McPheron
Abby Onwiler
Edda Margaret Pederson
Beth Posey
Talia Slovut
Madelyn Smith
Sophie Weis
Starla Wiler
Kalli Erin Yoder
cum laude
Cristina Baez
Taylor Bohannon
Caleb Bowling
Anthony Bradley
Emma Byrne
Savannah Ervin
Madeline Gilpin
Melanie Elizabeth Hipsher
Brooklyn Lowry
Camryn Grace Makovicka
Tessa McCutcheon
Avery Mertz
Cana Phillips-Jones
Mia F. Shipley
Suzanne Shoemaker
Talia Slovut
Jessica Thomas
departmental honors
Elizabeth Marie Aanestad
Mikyla A. Cooper
Meghan Coulter
Matthew Allard Fook
Clare Else
Molly Marie Kennedy
Samuel Kim
Kaylee Larson
Ruthie Lundberg
Cassandra Elizabeth
McPheron
Anna Miller
Elias Oxer
Melia Rose Patrick
Edda Margaret Pederson
Beth Posey
Allison Jane Schaffer
Shandhan Sureshbabu
Lily Whitmore
school of journalism and mass communication honors
summa cum laude
Carmon Baker
Maddi Cave
Abigail Hawkinson
Maria Lynn Heath
Lauren E. Low
Michael Mitchell
Morgen Lily Neuhauser
Lilith Kristine Orne
Emma Faye Stroner
Mackenzie Swenson
Kelsey Wolfe
magna cum laude
Ava Barvian
Alexandra Elizabeth Bates
Will T. Blevins
Samuel Buegler
Candace J. Carr
David Freeman
Max Green
Sarah Greiver
Maria Kathryn Hernandez
Meghan Holloran
Skylar Lathrop
Ava G. Leigh
Anna Serena Nottleson
Catherine M. Pollard
Bryson Rea
Isabella Spah
Tyler Nicole Strachan
Colson Thayer
Lauren Amber Theisen
Heidi Wheeler
Tomos Williams
Emily Zeller
cum laude
Melanie Dygert
Will Erbes
Kylie Greer
Gavin Hoedl
Haley Horman
Jayden James
Riley Jeanne Jouppi
Eva Katherine Kellen
departmental honors
Carmon Baker
Ava Barvian
Alexandra Elizabeth Bates
Will T. Blevins
Candace J. Carr
Maddi Cave
Melanie Dygert
David Freeman
Sarah Greiver
Abigail Hawkinson
Maria Lynn Heath
Gavid Hoedl
Meghan Holloran
Eva Katherine Kellen
Skylar Lathrop
Lauren E. Low
Michael Mitchell
Morgan Lily Neuhauser
Anna Serena Nottleson
Lilith Kristine Orne
Catherine M. Pollard
Bryson Rea
Isabella Spah
Tyler Nicole Strachan
Emma Faye Stroner
Mackenzie Swenson
Colson Thayer
Heidi Wheeler
Kelsey Wolfe
Emily Zeller
kappa tau alpha national honor society
Carmon Baker
Maddi Cave
Abigail Hawkinson
Maria Lynn Heath
Morgan Lily Neuhauser
Mackenzie Swenson
john dee bright college honors
summa cum laude
Gabrielle Marie Brooks
Isaaca Carter
Donovan C. McCamey
Katherine Kay Rucker
magna cum laude
John Reid
cum laude
Jayln Best
Melanie Recendiz Perez
Graduate Program
may seventeenth, two thousand twenty-five, two o’clock in the afternoon
the academic processional ............... Land of Hope and Glory:
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, Edward Elgar
the call to order
the national anthem
the drake hymn ........................
introduction of platform
Mark Ernst Board of Trustees
Cadence Lowery-Hart Class of 2026
Cadence Lowery-Hart Class of 2026
Marty Martin party and remarks President of the University
remarks
the presentation of candidates
the conferring of ......................
LaNae J. Greene Class of 2025
Sue J. Mattison Provost of the University
President Martin doctoral degrees
the conferring of
President Martin other degrees
the presentation of diplomas
the academic recessional
President Martin and Deans of the Colleges and Schools
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4, Edward Elgar
*D rake University Law School held its own commencement ceremony on May 16, and Law School graduates are listed in their commencement program.
school of education
Candidates Presented by Dean Ryan M. Wise
Assistant Professor Amber Graeber and Associate Dean Lindsay Woodward, Marshals
doctorate degrees
Ryan N. Arnold
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Community-University Engagement: Conceptual Clarifications on the Nature of the Relational Phenomenon adviser: Dr. Matthew Hayden
Heidi A. Bedier
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Investigation of the Congruence Between the Espoused and Enacted Employee Value Proposition adviser: Dr. Jen Thoma
Shannan Belden
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: AAn Examination of the Lived Experiences of Students and Teachers Who Practice an Earth-Based Faith adviser: Dr. Todd Hodgkinson
Deborah Bordenaro
Ed.D., Leadership
capstone title: Strengthening the Foundation: Strategies for Enhancing Classified Staff Retention adviser: Dr. Ryan Wise
Jeremy R. Braden
Ed.D., Leadership
dissertation title: Learn. Lead. Serve: A Case Study
Describing the Impact of Rounding for Outcomes on Levels of Engagement Among Middle School Staff adviser: Dr. Doug Stilwell
Genesis Contreras
Ed.D., Principal Licensure
capstone title: Improving Special Education Programming Through Professional Learning Communities: Redesigning Child Study Teams adviser: Dr. Tom Buckmiller
Matthew Eddy
Ed.D., Leadership
capstone title: Assessment of the Cooperative Leadership Program for Effectiveness and Future Improvement Using the Kirkpatrick Model adviser: Dr. Catherine Gillespie
Amanda L. Ensworth-Himes
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Cultural Learning Dimensions: Exploring Employee Learning and Onboarding Perceptions and Outcomes at Multinational Enterprises adviser: Dr. Robyn Cooper
Amber Kristen Fairbanks
Ed.D., Principal Licensure
capstone title: Improving Student Outcomes and Reducing Problem Behaviors: Implementing a 21st Century Life and Career Skills Curriculum adviser: Dr. Amber Graeber
David Christopher Ford
Ed.D., Leadership
capstone title: Establishing Iowa’s Framework To Provide Targeted Automatic Admissions Notifications To Iowa’s Colleges And Universities for High School Seniors
adviser: Dr. Randal Peters
Melissa Annette Gress
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Middle Level Project-Based Learning Facilitation Before, During, and After a Global Pandemic adviser: Dr. Lindsay Woodward
Stephanie Ann Ingle
Ed.D., Principal Licensure
capstone title: Building Teacher Capacity: Preparing Teachers to Respond to Challenging Student Behavior adviser: Dr. Amber Graeber
Justin Johnson
Ed.D., Leadership
capstone title: Getting Them to School is Half the Battle: A Multi-Tiered Approach to Improving Student Attendance adviser: Dr. Doug Stilwell
Sylwia Johnson
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: An Exploration of K-5 Teacher Perspectives on the Response Classroom Approach to Social and Emotional Learning adviser: Dr. Leah Shepard-Carey
Tim Kahl
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Generative AI in the Classroom: Use and Ethics Among High School Students adviser: Dr. Robyn Cooper
Jonathan Wade Karli
Ph.D., Superintendent Licensure
dissertation title: An Examination of Perceived Levels of Social Isolation of Students with Visual Impairments During High School: A Retrospective Study adviser: Dr. Catherine Gillespie
Isaiah Kent-Schneider
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Nature of Technology Views: Questionnaire Development, Cross-Population Analysis, and Educational Intervention adviser: Dr. Jerrid Kruse
Stephanie Langstraat
Ph.D., Superintendent Licensure
dissertation title: Navigating School Safety: A Phenomenological Exploration of Threat Evaluation by School Personnel and Law Enforcement adviser: Dr. Robyn Cooper
Jessica Lang
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Reflections in Experiential Learning: An Exploration of Young Drivers’ Experiences in At-Fault Motor Vehicle Accidents and the Implications for Driver Education adviser: Dr. Robyn Cooper
Jaime Miranda
Ed.D., Leadership
dissertation title: “Love Yourz”: A Case Study on Communication, Implementation, and the Shared Experiences of Stakeholders Under the McKinney-Vento Act for K-12 Students Facing Homelessness
adviser: Dr. Catherine Gillespie
Jennifer LaRee Nelson
Ed.D., Principal Licensure
capstone title: Elementary Math Teacher’s SelfEfficacy: Cultivating Confidence in Teacher Knowledge and Effective Teaching of Mathematics adviser: Dr. Thomas Buckmiller
Shelby L. Nelson
Ed.D., Leadership
dissertation title: Cultivating Belonging: The Role of Onboarding in the Social Integration of Higher Education Staff New to Academia adviser: Dr. Robyn Cooper
Amy J. Pfeifer
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Heutagogy at Work: Exploring the Experiences of Workers Independently Pursuing Professional Development adviser: Dr. Robyn Cooper
Shaen Polasky
Ed.D., Leadership
capstone title: Improving Teacher Support Systems: Improved Student Engagement Through the Implementation of Learning Extension Instruments in Lamoni Community Schools adviser: Dr. Ryan Wise
Whitney Reber
Ed.D., Leadership
capstone title: Engagement of Third Grade Students in Physical Education adviser: Dr. Catherine Gillespie
Marilyn P. Rippy
Ed.D., Principal Licensure
capstone title: Improving Implementation of Tier 1 Through Effective Professional Development adviser: Dr. Doug Stilwell
Amy Kristin Post Spear
Ed.D., Leadership
capstone title: An Investigation of the Provision of Communication to Native English Speaking and Multilingual Students and Families in an Elementary Band Program adviser: Dr. Catherine Gillespie
Terri Marie Thompson
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Literacy Intervention Instruction: Current Understanding of Practicing Teachers adviser: Dr. Lindsay Woodward
Hayley Thomson
Ed.D., Leadership
dissertation title: Childless by Choice: The Lived Experience of Educators in Iowa adviser: Dr. Tom Buckmiller
Andrea Marie Thatcher Warner
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Beyond Numbers: A Quantcrit Approach to Understanding English Learner Reclassification Criteria adviser: Dr. Shelley Fairbairn & Dr. Robyn Cooper
Candidates Presented by Dean Alejandro J. Hernandez
Associate Professor Kelley Ellis and Assistant Professor Brian Sweeney, Marshals
master degrees
Wendy Vargas Alvarez
M.P.A., Public Administration
Mohammed Amador
M.B.A., Business Administration
Atabong Aminsuh
M.S., Business Analytics
Jacob Anderson
M.B.A., Business Administration
Louis Bassman
M.P.A., Public Administration
Tanner John Brockway
M.B.A., Business Administration
Noah J. Budde
M.B.A., Business Administration
Nicole Casey
M.B.A., Business Administration
Maya LaDonna Char
M.B.A., Business Administration
Jessica Coon
M.P.A., Public Administration
Tyler Davis
M.B.A., Business Administration
Carter Scott Durscher
M.B.A., Business Administration
Jason C. Etnyre
M.P.A., Public Administration
Trey Godbolt
M.S., Business Analytics
Rick Gonzalez
M.P.A., Public Administration
Meredith Luann Goodwin
M.S., Business Analytics
Sara Jean Grier
M.P.A., Public Administration
Megan Noelle Gustafson
M.P.A., Public Administration
Winston Bob Gweah
M.P.A., Public Administration
Pierre Habonimana
M.B.A., Business Administration
Witt Harberts
M.B.A., Business Administration
Jack Harper
M.B.A., Business Administration
Katelyn E. Harsh
M.B.A., Business Administration
Chelsea Elaine Hertel
M.B.A., Business Administration
Nicholas Hinkle
M.B.A., Business Administration
Dakota T. Hopper
M.S., Business Analytics
Andy Hou
M.Acc., Accounting
Omar Jammeh
M.Acc., Accounting
Casey Jenness
M.B.A., Business Administration
David Jess
M.P.A., Public Administration
Alena Ann Jomon
M.B.A., Business Administration
Benjamin Jones
M.B.A., Business Administration
Casey Keller
M.P.A., Public Administration
Cody Lawrence
M.B.A., Business Administration
ChanHyeok (John) Lee
M.Acc., Accounting
Andrew Lentsch
M.B.A., Business Administration
Natasha Joe Lewerke
M.P.A., Public Administration
Leigh Lewis
M.B.A., Business Administration
Addison Randall Loges
M.B.A., Business Administration
Landon Lorenzen
M.S., Business Analytics
Brisa Mauricio
M.S., Business Analytics
Madisyn McNelly
M.B.A., Business Administration
Madeline Grace Mews
M.B.A., Business Administration
Louis Moreno
M.B.A., Business Administration
Emily T. Nauman
M.S., Business Analytics
Matthew Nguyen
M.S., Business Analytics
Ryan Nguyen
M.B.A., Business Administration
Matthew Nickel
M.Acc., Accounting
Lily Overstreet
M.B.A., Business Administration
Joseph M. Owens
M.B.A., Business Administration
Shawn Patel
M.B.A., Business Administration
Logan Peterson
M.B.A., Business Administration
Erika Pleggenkuhle
M.B.A., Business Administration
Rebecca Purchase
M.P.A., Public Administration
Rachael Raaf
M.B.A., Business Administration
Lawrence Rabang
M.S., Business Analytics
Ross Reddington
M.B.A., Business Administration
Scott Carter Richey
M.B.A., Business Administration
Emelyn Grace Robinson
M.P.A., Public Administration
Cara Rungo
M.P.A., Public Administration
Allyssa Kay Ruths
M.P.A., Public Administration
Madeline Schmitt
M.P.A., Public Administration
Jen Sheehan
M.P.A., Public Administration
Ashley Sinnorai
M.B.A., Business Administration
Brian Spellman
M.S., Business Analytics
Jo dee Stewart
M.S., Business Analytics
Amisha Tayal
M.B.A., Business Administration
Peter Teigen
M.S., Business Analytics
Louis Bassman
Jason Etnyre
Rick Gonzales
Sara Jean Grier
Megan Noelle Gustafson
David Jess
Rebecca Purchase
Emelyn Grace Robinson
Allyssa Kay Ruths
Jen Sheehan
Preston Terry
M.B.A., Business Administration
Farin Lee Toussaint
M.B.A., Business Administration
Heather Travis
M.B.A., Business Administration
Isabel Vaudreuil
M.B.A., Business Administration
Connor Visnic
M.B.A., Business Administration
Justin Vonderhaar
M.B.A., Business Administration
Cody Waddell
M.S., Business Analytics
Camille Elaine Wheels
M.B.A., Business Administration
Christopher Duane Wilkins
M.B.A., Business Administration
Jackson Williams
M.B.A., Business Administration
Graci Zeiger
M.P.A., Public Administration
Peter Zemansky
M.P.A., Public Administration
school of journalism and mass communication
master degrees
Joi Alexander
M.A.C., Communication Leadership
Kristina Baker
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Jacinda Lee Bevilacqua
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Alexander Fearino
M.A.C., Communication Leadership
Nate Ferguson
M.A.C., Communication Leadership
Jody Crossman Gifford
M.A.C., Communication Leadership
Tasha Goodvin
M.A.C., Communication Leadership
Shantraya M. Gustafson
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Jillian Hassler
M.A.C., Public Affairs & Advocacy
Moneeck Jackson
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Lila Johnson
M.A.C., Public Affairs & Advocacy
Kathryn Kuckelman
M.A.C., Public Affairs & Advocacy
Candidates Presented by Dean Catherine Staub
Associate Professor Ryan Stoldt, Marshal
Levi Lenius
M.A.C., Communication Leadership
Amy Lorentzen McCoy
M.A.C., Public Affairs & Advocacy
Madelene Erin Opar
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Andrea Marie Ross
M.A.C., Communication Leadership
Jessica Seelinger
M.A.C., Public Affairs & Advocacy
Parker Sisler
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Christopher Spring
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Derek Steffen
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Daniel Tribble
M.A.C., Communication Leadership
Ashley Tucker
M.A.C., Communication Leadership
Julia A. Verhoef
M.A.C., Communication Leadership
Jenny Rae Waner
M.A.C., Public Affairs & Advocacy
school of journalism and mass communications honors
kappa tau alpha national honor society
Joi Alexander
Jacinda Lee Bevilacqua
Jody Crossman Gifford
Tasha Goodvin
Lila Johnson
Kathryn Kuckelman
Amy Lorentzen McCoy
Madelene Erin Opar
Parker Sisler
Derek Steffen
Daniel Tribble
Julia A. Verhoef
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Program
may sixteenth, two thousand twenty five, three o’clock in the afternoon
the academic processional
the call to order
the national anthem
the drake hymn
university honors ......................
Land of Hope and Glory:
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1
Edward Elgar
Craige C. Wrenn
2025 College Marshal
Nicholas Kavanaugh
Assistant Director of Student Affairs
Lauren E. Low
Class of 2025
Erik Maki
Dean, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
presentation of candidates
Erik Maki
Dean, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
conferral of degrees and
Sue J. Mattison, Provost of the University academic hoods
Erik Maki, Dean
Chuck Phillips, Associate Dean
Michael Nelson, Assistant Dean
oath of an occupational therapist
oath of a pharmacist
oath of an athletic trainer
Mackenzie Laughlin
O.T.D., Class of 2025
Kayla Batdorf
Pharm.D., Class of 2025
Darinka Stepan
M.A.T., Class of 2025
alumni welcome CoraLynn Trewet
Pharm.D., Class of 2003
the academic recessional
Pomp and Circumstance March, No. 4
Edward Elgar
college of pharmacy and health sciences
occupational therapy doctorate
Alexa J. Aldrich-Ingram
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Lily Becker
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Hannah Behunin
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Grace Blazevich
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Hannah Bley
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Abby Brown
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Madelyn Grace Canfield
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Hannah Cole
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Brooke Kathleen Dannenfeldt
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Abigail DeAnna
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Marissa Durham
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Brittney Lee Eilers
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Ellen Everhart
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Paige Fernety
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Ayla Fleming
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Johnna Elise Gary
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Jessica Garza
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Emily Anne Goodman
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Nicole Anne Heeren
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Samantha Jean Hoenig
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Candidates Presented by Dean Erik Maki
Professor Eliza Dy-Boarman, Associate Professor Wendy Mobley-Bukstein and Assistant Professor Jamie Rognes, Marshals
Alicia Marie Hubbard
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Young Jang
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Tessa Jaske
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Stefanie Rae Jensen
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Whitney Elizabeth Kovarik
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Alex Larson
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Mackenzie Laughlin
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Megan Menke
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Kinzi Jade Mott
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Madison Osbern
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Madeline Claire Preston
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Kristin Prine
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Haylee Rasmussen
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Abigael T. Riordan
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Peyton Brooke Robertson
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Quincy Schenk
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Abigail Summers
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Olivia Lynn Terzich
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Olivia Wersinger
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Jillian Wood
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
doctor of pharmacy
Ruben Abraham
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Deena Alsabbah
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Trinity O. Baccam
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Kayla Bartdorf
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Keith Barnett III
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Claire A. Behymer
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Lexie Jane Bennett
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Devin Blish
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Michael Bracco
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Anna Braun
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Noah J. Budde
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Trinity Busch
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Abigail Crupi
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Megan E. Day
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Megan E. Deal
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Nicholas Taylor Ortuoste Deveza
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Zoe DeWitt
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Jennifer Diaz
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Luke Ferguson
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Sally Katelyn Fry
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Zakk Getz
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Timothy Daniel Giesen
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Marissa Krystyn Grothe
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Adela Hadziric
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Sarah A. Hennessey
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
MacKenzie Hester
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Megan Hoenig
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Anna Katherine Holden
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Jillian Hood
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Stacia L. Humphrey
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Alena Ann Jomon
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Benjamin Jones
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Megan N. Kenney
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Austin Jeffrey Lampman
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Emily Luu
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Suzanne Mahalick Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Corinne McCormick
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Elizabeth Kay Mensing Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Madeline Grace Mews
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Jacob Miller
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Drew Momchilovich Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Hanna Mullen
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Carly Mullins
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
McKenna Murcek Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Sophia Chau Nguyen Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Grant Nutter
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Kayla Nye
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Jaymie O’Connor-Wessels Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Imor James Germano Okwaramoi Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Paula Grace Ornelas Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Shawn Patel
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Mung Suan Piang Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Beth Reed-Jahncke Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Kathryn Reiman
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Alexis M. Sands
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Michaela T. Schick
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Ashley Sinnorai
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Karl D. Stadler
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Abigail Stumpner
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Amisha Tayal
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Hannah Thillman
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Kaitlyn A. Thomas
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
master of athletic training
Kaylee Larson
M.A.T., Athletic Training
Samantha Miller
M.A.T., Athletic Training
Tyler Otto
M.A.T., Athletic Training
McColm T.D. Pursell
M.A.T., Athletic Training
master of science
Elizabeth Marie Aanestad
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Ashley Allen
M.S., Clinical Psychopharmacology
Trinity O. Baccam
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Rachel Duda
M.S., Clinical Psychopharmacology
Ruthie Lundberg
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Camryn Grace Makovicka
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Angelica M. Tracy
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Ryanne Elizabeth Trpkosh
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Rachel Turin
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Dylan Valley
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
John Ware
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Aayushi Sarkar
M.A.T., Athletic Training
Darinka Stepan
M.A.T., Athletic Training
Jeremy Villalobos
M.A.T., Athletic Training
Jacob Miller
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Carina Joy Oelkers
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Ann Marie Regan
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Aayushi Sarkar
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Justus Shimei
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
John Ware
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
college of pharmacy and health sciences honors
highest academic honors
gpa: 3.9 – 4.0 gold cord
occupational therapy doctorate
Hannah Bley
Grace Blazevich
Brooke Kathleen Dannenfeldt
Abigail DeAnna
Brittney Lee Eilers
Johnna Elise Gary
Emily Anne Goodman
Nicole Anne Heeren
Samantha Jean Hoenig
Stefanie Jensen
Whitney E. Kovarik
Megan Menke
Quincy Schenk
Jillian Wood
high academic honors gpa: 3.7 – 3.89 silver cord
therapy doctorate
Alexa J. Aldrich-Ingram
Lily Becker
Hannah Behunin
Abby Brown
Madelyn Grace Canfield
Ellen Everhart
Paige Fernety
Jessica Garza
Alicia Marie Hubbard
Young Jang
Mackenzie Laughlin
Kristin Prine
Haylee Rasmussen
Olivia Wersinger
academic honors gpa: 3.5 – 3.69 white cord
therapy doctorate
Marissa Durham
Alex Larson
Kinzi Jade Mott
Madeline Claire Preston
Peyton Brooke Robertson
Abigail Summers
doctor of pharmacy doctor of pharmacy doctor of pharmacy
Deena Alsabbah
Claire A. Behymer
Anna Braun
Trinity Busch
Megan E. Day
Marissa Krystyn Grothe
Anna Katherine Holden
Austin Jeffrey Lampman
Suzanne Mahalick
Elizabeth Kay Mensing
McKenna Murcek
Kayla Nye
Kathryn Reiman
Alexis M. Sands
Rachel Turin
master of athletic training
Kaylee Larson
Tyler Otto
Darinka Stepan
master of science
Rachel Duda
Danielle Miro
Justus Shimei
John Ware
Lexie Jane Bennett
Megan E. Deal
Jacob Miller
Drew Momchilovich
Hanna Mullen
Grant Nutter
Paula Grace Ornelas
Shawn Patel
Amisha Tayal
Kayla Batdorf
Devin Blish
Noah J. Budde
Zoe DeWitt
Sally Katelyn Fry
Zakkary Getz
Adela Hadziric
Alena Ann Jomon
Jaymie O’Connor-Wessels
Michaela T. Schick
master of athletic training master of athletic training
Aziz Jdai
master of science
Elizabeth Marie Aanestad
Ashley Allen
Trinity O. Baccam
Ruthie Lundberg
Camryn Grace Makovicka
Jacob Miller
Ann Marie Regan
master of science
Carina Joy Oelkers
student leadership development series purple and teal cord
Deena Alsabbah, Pharmacy
Trinity O. Baccam, Pharmacy
Claire A. Behymer, Pharmacy
Taylor Bohannon, Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Brittany Lee Eilers, Occupational Therapy
Savannah Ervin, Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Sally Katelyn Fry, Pharmacy
Stacia L. Humphrey, Pharmacy
Alena Ann Jomon, Pharmacy
Austin Jeffrey Lampman, Pharmacy
Felicia Lor, Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Sophia Chau Nguyen, Pharmacy
Carina Joy Oelkers, Health Sciences: Public Health
Paula Grace Ornelas, Pharmacy
Cana Phillips-Jones, Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Amisha Tayal, Pharmacy
Kaitlyn A. Thomas, Pharmacy
Rachel Turin, Pharmacy
John Ware, Pharmacy
Kalli Yoder, Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
iota tau alpha (athletic training academic honor society) red, yellow, and royal blue cord
Kaylee Larson
Tyler Otto
phi lambda sigma (pharmacy leadership society) green and gold cord
Deena Alsabbah
Kayla Batdorf
Claire A. Behymer
Lexie Jane Bennett
Marissa Krystyn Grothe
Adela Hadziric
MacKenzie Hester
Austin Jeffrey Lampman
Elizabeth Kay Mensing
Hanna Mullen
Carly Mullins
McKenna Murcek
Kathryn Reiman
Amisha Tayal
Rachel Turin
pi theta epsilon (occupational therapy academic honor society) navy blue and gold cord
Alexa J. Aldrich-Ingram
Grace Blazevich
Hannah Bley
Abby Brown
Madelyn Grace Canfield
Abigail DeAnna
Brittney Lee Eilers
Johnna Elise Gary
Emily Anne Goodman
Nicole Anne Heeren
Smantha Hoenig
Alicia Marie Hubbard Young Jang
Stefanie Jensen
Whitney E. Kovarik
Mackenzie Laughlin
Megan Menke
Haylee Rasmussen
Quincy Schenk
Olivia Wersinger
Jillian Wood
rho chi society (pharmacy academic honor society) purple ribbon medallion
Claire A. Behymer
Anna Braun
Megan E. Day
Megan E. Deal
Anna Katherine Holden
Austin Jeffrey Lampman
Suzanne Mahalick
Drew Momchilovich
McKenna Murcek
Kayla Nye
Kathryn Reiman
Alexis Sands
Rachel Turin
Oath of an Occupational Therapist
• I understand all individuals are unique and I will assist with realizing their potential with understanding, kindness and respect.
• I pledge to engage in compassionate, conscientious and evidence based practice within whatever professional role I pursue. I will advocate for persons to live full, occupationally engaged and meaningful lives.
• I will be humble in acknowledging my responsibility to engage in lifelong learning and demonstrate competence to all I serve.
• I will model leadership and uphold the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics as representatives of this beloved profession.
With dignity and pride, I join my Occupational Therapy colleagues, and promise to preserve the integrity of the profession, to the greater good of persons served.
Oath of a Pharmacist
I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy.
In fulfilling this vow:
• I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns.
• I will promote inclusion, embrace diversity, and advocate for justice to advance health equity.
• I will apply my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal outcomes for all patients.
• I will respect and protect all personal and health information entrusted to me.
• I will accept the responsibility to improve my professional knowledge, expertise, and self-awareness.
• I will hold myself and my colleagues to the highest principles of our profession’s moral, ethical and legal conduct.
• I will embrace and advocate changes that improve patient care.
• I will utilize my knowledge, skills, experiences, and values to prepare the next generation of pharmacists.
I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted by the public.
Oath of an Athletic Trainer
• I solemnly pledge to uphold the standards of the profession of athletic training and to strive to be an exemplary athletic trainer in all of the following ways:
• I will learn and maintain a solid foundation of clinical and ethical skills on which to practice.
• I will provide patient-centered care, demonstrate integrity, honesty, confidentiality, and working to the best of my ability.
• I will commit to self-improvement, life-long learning, stress management, and health.
• I will practice with compassion and respect the dignity of all patients, colleagues and faculty. I will do this regardless of gender, race, religion, age, ethnic or national origin, nature of illness, disability, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
• I will responsibly contribute to whichever aspects of profession I engage in: clinical practice, education, research, or professional advocacy.
• I will follow all professional and legal standards in my practice by complying with all ethical guidelines and continually providing care that is in line with current evidence based medicine I will refrain from practicing in a way that would negatively affect my patients or the profession through conflicts of interest, the pursuit of financial gain, or the provision of false information.
The Academic Costume
The pageantry and dress of the University commencement have been inherited from the medieval universities of the 12th and 13th centuries. Academic life as we know it today began in the Middle Ages, first in the Church and then in the guilds. The teaching guild was the Guild of the Master of Arts, where the Bachelor was the apprentice of the Master and the dress was the outward sign of privilege and responsibility.
Principal features of academic dress are the gown, the cap, and the hood. It early became necessary for universities to set rules to preserve the dignity and meaning of academic dress. Both Cambridge and Oxford since the 15th century have made academic dress a matter of university control even to its minor details, and have repeatedly published revised regulations. American universities agreed on a definite system in 1895. In 1932, the American Council on Education presented a revised code. In 1959, the Council appointed a committee on academic costumes and ceremonies. Since 1960, the revised guidelines have provided guidance for the latest developments in higher education— the Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science degrees granted by the community and junior colleges. The Specialist in Education degree also is recognized and regulated by the latest revisions in the code for academic dress.
the gown
The flowing gown comes from the 12th century. While it originally may have been worn as protection against the cold of unheated buildings, today it has become symbolic of the democracy of scholarship, for it covers any dress of rank or social standing underneath. It is black for all degrees with pointed sleeves for the bachelor’s degree; long closed sleeves with a slit at the arm or wrist for the master’s degree; and full bell double sleeves for the doctor’s degree. Bachelor’s and master’s degree gowns have no trimming. For the doctor’s degree the gown is faced down the front with velvet and has three bars of velvet across the sleeves, in the color distinctive to the faculty or discipline of the degree. The code allows institutions to adopt their own design and color that better expresses the individuality of the institution.
the cap
When Roman law freed the slave, he won the privilege of wearing a cap. And so the academic cap is a sign of freedom of scholarship and the responsibility and dignity with which scholarship endows the wearer. Old poetry records the cap of scholarship as square, to symbolize the book. In the 15th century, some caps were stiff, some soft, some square; and some round with a tuft in the center. The tassel used today is an elaboration of the tuft. While some institutions still use the round cap, most have adopted the mortar board style, which comes from Oxford. A different style, called the Cambridge cap, resembles a large beret and is appropriate for doctorate degrees only. The color of the tassel denotes the discipline. Those holding doctorate degrees are entitled to wear metallic-gold tassels.
the hood
The hood is trimmed with one or more chevrons of a secondary color on the ground of the primary color of the college. The color of the facing of the hood denotes the discipline represented by the degree; the color of the lining designates the university or college from which the degree was granted.
The colors associated with the different disciplines are as follows:
Agriculture — Maize
Athletic Training — Sage Green
Journalism — Crimson
Philosophy — Dark Blue
Arts, Letters, General Studies — White
Law — Purple
Physical Education — Sage Green
Business and Commerce — Drab
Library Science — Lemon
Public Administration — Peacock Blue
Economics — Copper Medicine — Green
The Ceremonial Mace
Science — Golden Yellow
Education — Light Blue
Music — Pink
Social Work — Citron Fine Arts — Brown
Nursing — Apricot
Occupational Therapy — Slate Blue
Speech — Silver Grey Forestry — Russet
Pharmacy — Olive Green
Theology — Scarlet
Since the Middle Ages, the mace has been used in the courts by rulers to signify their power and authority. When placed on the rostrum, it indicated that the governing body was in formal session. The ceremonial mace is carried by a mace bearer or by the beadle, an official in the British university who leads the academic procession. The symbol has been adopted in American higher education and is carried by the marshal of the University at official academic convocations.
The ceremonial mace was carried in the academic procession of Drake’s annual commencement ceremony for the first time in 1983. The mace and stand were created by Professor Emeritus Condon Kuhl, then professor of art at Drake University. The mace is handcrafted from ebony and overlaid and appointed with silver. It measures two and one-half feet in length and weighs about five pounds.
DRAKE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY FIVE
the knapp center — des moines, iowa
The One Hundred and Fifty-Eighth Commencement of Drake University Law School
Friday Evening at Seven O’clock
May Sixteenth, Two Thousand Twenty-Five
THE KNAPP CENTER — DES MOINES, IOWA
Dwight D. Opperman Hall and Law Library
D wight D. Opperman Hall and Law Library
Program
may sixteenth, two thousand twenty-five, seven o’clock in the evening
academic processional ..................
Drake Brass Quintet
welcome Roscoe Jones, Jr. Dean, Drake Law School
national anthem .......................
Erik Johnson, 3l
Logan Kelleher, 3l
Aubrey Kohl, 3l Irelynn McMurphy, 3l
remarks .............................
Dean Jones
Kayla Hruska President, Student Bar Association 2024–2025
commencement address
presentation of candidates
conferral of degrees and academic hoods ....................
Judge William Kelly, United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Iowa
Dean Jones
Marty Martin, President
Dean Jones
John D. Edwards, Associate Dean
Erin Lain, Associate Dean
alumni welcome
concluding remarks ....................
drake alma mater
academic recessional
Bill Miller, LW ’02 President, Law School Board of Counselors
Dean Jones
Havyn Fish, BA ’25
Drake Brass Quintet
Judge William Kelly
Judge William P. Kelly was born and raised on a horse farm in Central Illinois. He graduated from Brown University in 1990 before pursuing a legal career rooted in public service and leadership. He enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard in 1995 and joined ROTC while studying at Drake Law School, where he earned his law degree in 1999
His commitment to service extended beyond the courtroom—he was commissioned into the Judge Advocate General Corps in 2001 and later deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he was awarded the Bronze Star in 2011.
Judge Kelly’s legal career is distinguished by five key roles: litigator, mediator, teacher, judge advocate, and judge. He began as a civil litigator from 1999 to 2015 at the firm now known as Dentons Davis Brown. As a certified mediator since 2001, he has conducted nearly 400 mediations. His passion for legal education led him to serve as an Adjunct Professor at Drake Law School, where he taught pre-trial advocacy, reinforcing the importance of preparation, discipline, and adherence to the rule of law.
His judicial career began in 2015 as an Iowa District Court Judge in Polk County. In 2023, he was sworn in as U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Iowa.
OF THE UNIVERSITY
Anthony Gaughan
Kern Family Chair in Law and Professor of Law
2025 Leland Stanford Forrest Outstanding Professor Award Recipient
William Keck
President, Student Bar Association 2025–2026
MARSHALS
drake university law school
Candidates Presented by Dean Roscoe Jones, Jr.
juris doctor
Rosemary Adams
Jack Anderson
Kendall Anderson
Samuel Augustyn
Aaron Baker
Emily Barrett
Ally Bedwell
Britny Bergheger
Kendra Betz
Echoe Bilben
Paula Carlson
Hanna Chang
William Cooney
Cameron Cooper
Anthony Coppola
Shaye Coughlin
Alli Cummings Gauer
Melissa Curry
Jessica Danielson
John Danos
Myles Dean
Chloe Dinardo
Jacob Duff
Joseph Duggan
Joshua Dunsbergen
Sara Edgar
Jae Fehrle
Carter Koch Forrest
Fredaric Franklin
Natalie Gislason
Tia Goehring
Abigail Goulding
Witt Harberts - Joint Degree MBA
Jack Harper - Joint Degree MBA
Sean Henderson
Kayla Hruska
Nikolas Hudson
William Humphreys
Nathan Hunt
Camryn Huyser
Abby Ihlenfeldt
Saje Ites-Williams
Erik Johnson
Isabelle Kaiser
Diana Kajtazovic
Logan Kelleher
Delaney Kelly
Aubrey Kohl
Makenna Konkol
Jack Lander
William Laursen
Haley Ledford
Eric Lee II
Samuel Lincoln
Catherine Livingston
Emily Mast
Mariah McCarthy
Madeline Justine Foley McDonald
Irelynn McMurphy
Jessica Menken
Madelyn Michelini
Casey Middleswart
Brianne Miller
Emily Murphy
Jaswinder Nagra
Danielle Neu
Keaton Newgren
Matthew Noone
Nicholas Nyblom
Emsada Osmić
Ankit Pal
Adiceson Peppels
Monica Pietig
Elena Pinnow
Tristan Poirier
Patrick Powers
Ezekiel Quattlebaum
Karlie D. Reagan
Maryellen Reden
Johnny Ren
James Rettenmeier
Payton Rochford
Aiden Ruble
Kelsey Schott
Dylan Schuchard
Bryce Schulte
Anna Shull
Oulimata Sow
Kendra Sparby
Darbi Spellman
Erin Stender
Beth Stevermer
Michael Seok Suh
Catherine Lina Tanihu
Michael Taylor
Cara Teigum
Alexandria Townsend
Nadia Valentine
Zachary Van Waardhuizen
Madelyn Rose Waddell
Terumi Wayne
Jackson Robert Westen
Christi Wickre - Joint Degree LL.M.
Fred Wilcox
Colegrove Withers
Isabelle Wolf
Jasmine Yant
Ryan Youngstrom
Kendal Richard Zylstra
master of jurisprudence
Daniel Benavides**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
Danielle R. Boosinger**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
Jennifer J. Buntz**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
Melanie DeLashmutt**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
Catherine M.S. Edgerton**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
Lyndsey Heathman**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
David Jess**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Managemen
Lesley Nolan Judkins*
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
Russell L. Jung**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
master of laws
Christi Wickre
LL.M., Compliance and Risk Management
Bryce David Kelley*
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
Sam E. Kollath**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
John A. Minton**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
Amanda North**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
Elizabeth J. Teigen*
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
Donovan Theodore Thomas**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
Kurtis A. VanDellen**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
Tessa Yawn**
M.J., Compliance & Risk Management
* The degree may be conferred with “High Honors” upon a student whose final cumulative grade point average is 3.5 or above and with “Honors” upon a student whose final cumulative grade point average is 3.25 to 3.49. The honors designations in the program are based upon grades earned through the Fall 2024 semester and are subject to change based upon grades earned thereafter. This commencement program, therefore, does not constitute an official list of confirmed graduates or confirmed academic honors for the May 16, 2025, commencement at Drake University. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not signify that degrees and academic honors have been awarded unless all pertinent academic requirements have been met.
*Honors
**High Honors
the following 2024–2025 law school graduates participated in the december 14, 2024 commencement ceremony:
juris doctor
Trinity K. Hopkey
William Robert Kunkle
Jessa Marfal
Benjamin Alexander Toal
master of jurisprudence
Elvin Deumić
M.J., Compliance and Risk Management
Angel Eggerson
M.J., Compliance and Risk Management
Benjamin Michael Hager
M.J., Compliance and Risk Management
Ashleigh Sheehy
M.J., Compliance and Risk Management
Eric Van Drew
M.J., Compliance and Risk Management
law school designation of honors *
highest honors
Kendra Betz
Chloe Dinardo
William Laursen
Brianne Miller
Karlie D. Reagan
Payton Rochford
Aiden Ruble
Dylan Schuchard
Kendra Sparby
Erin Stender
high honors
Samuel Augustyn
Emily Barrett
Cameron Cooper
Shaye Coughlin
Natalie Gislason
Kayla Hruska
Nathan Hunt
Camryn Huyser
Aubrey Kohl
Makenna Konkol
William Kunkle
Ankit Pal
Monica Pietig
Elena Pinnow
Tristan Poirier
Johnny Ren
Christi Wickre
Jasmine Yant
Kendal Zylstra
honors
Jack Anderson
Ally Bedwell
Britny Bergheger
Melissa Curry
Joseph Duggan
Joshua Dunsbergen
Jae Fehrle
Abigail Goulding
Witt Harberts
Delaney Kelly
Jack Lander
Jessa Marfal
Emily Mast
Emily Murphy
Nicholas Nyblom
Adiceson Peppels
Patrick Powers
James Rettenmeier
Kelsey Schott
Oulimata Sow
Beth Stevermer
Michael Taylor
Nadia Valentine
Jackson Westen
Fred Wilcox
Ryan Youngstrom
* The degree may be conferred with “Highest Honors” upon a student who graduates in the top 10 of their graduating class, with “High Honors” upon a student whose final cumulative grade point average is 3.5 or above, but is not included in the top 10, and with “Honors” upon a student whose final cumulative grade point average is 3.25 to 3.49. A degree may be conferred “with honors” upon a student only if that student’s final cumulative grade point average places him or her in the top 40 percent of his or her class. The honors designations in the program are based upon grades earned through the Fall 2024 semester, without regard to the top 40 percent requirement and are subject to change based upon grades earned thereafter. This commencement program, therefore, does not constitute an official list of confirmed graduates or confirmed academic honors for the May 16, 2025, commencement at Drake University. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not signify that degrees and academic honors have been awarded unless all pertinent academic requirements have been met.
academic program certificates **
business law certificate
Kendall Anderson
Samuel Augustyn
Aaron Baker
Emily Barrett
Hanna S. Chang
Jacob Duff
Joshua Dunsbergen
Fredaric Franklin
Abigail Goulding
Trinity Hopkey
William Humphreys
Diana Kajtazovic
William Laursen
Jessica Menken
Casey Middleswart
Tristian Poirier
Payton Rochford
Aiden Ruble
Dylan Schuchard
Oulimata Sow
Alexandria Townsend
Jackson Westen
Christi Wickre
constitutional law and civil rights certificate
Rosemary Adams
Delaney Kelly
Madelyn Michelini
Ankit Pal
Michael Taylor
food and agricultural law certificate
Ally Bedwell
Kendra Betz
Sara Edgar
Sean Henderson
Catherine Livingston
Cara Teigum
Zachary Van Waardhuizen
intellectual property law certificate
Tristian Poirier
Dylan Schuchard
Erin Stender
Michael Seok Suh
international law and global citizenship certificate
Emily Barrett
Fredaric Franklin
Haley Ledford
Casey Middleswart
Emily Murphy
legislative practice certificate
Carter Forrest
Witt Harberts
Aubrey Kohl
Haley Ledford
Kelsey Schott
Oulimata Sow
Christi Wickre
Kendal Zylstra
prosecution and defense certificate
Britny Bergheger
Isabelle Wolf
public service certificate
Rosemary Adams
Sara Edgar
Sean Henderson
Aubrey Kohl
Danielle Neu
Nicholas Nyblom
Emsada Osmić
Elena Pinnow
Maryellen Reden
Bryce Schulte
Catherine Tanihu
Nadia Valentine
Christi Wickre
Isabelle Wolf
Kendal Zylstra
social justice and public interest
lawyering certificate
Rosemary Adams
Delaney Kelly
Maryellen Reden
Catherine Tanihu
Nadia Valentine
** Students who complete a required set of courses and internships receive a certificate recognizing their area of specialization.
administration
Marty Martin, B.A., J.D., LL.M., President of the University
Roscoe Jones, Jr., B.S., J.D., Dean and Professor Law
Erin C. Lain, B.A., J.D., Ph.D., Associate Dean and Professor of Law
John D. Edwards, B.A., J.D., M.A.L.S., Associate Dean for Information Resources and Technology, Director of the Law Library and Professor of Law
Elizabeth Battles, B.A., J.D., Assistant Dean for Student Services
Ashley Madsen, B.A., J.D., Director of Academic Success
J. Kara Blanchard, B.S., M.S., Assistant Dean for Admission and Financial Aid
Matt Johnson, B.S., B.S.B.A., M.P.A., Ph.D., Director of Admission and Financial Aid
Brianna Leistikow, B.A., Assistant Director of Admission and Diversity Initiatives
Laurie Dufoe, B.A., M.A., Assistant Dean of Career Development
Annie Reser-Moorehead, B.M., M.M, J.D., Director of Career Development
Theresa Howard, B.A., M.A., Director of Communication, Alumni Relations and Special Events
Andrea Solomon, B.A., M.P.A., Advancement Officer
faculty
James A. Albert, B.F.A., J.D., Professor of Law
Jerry L. Anderson, B.S., J.D., Richard M. and Anita Calkins Distinguished Professor of Law
Hon. Brent Appel (Ret.), B.A., J.D., Distinguished Lecturer and Jurist in Residence
Hon. Mark W. Bennett (Ret.), B.A., J.D., Director of the Institute for Justice Reform and Innovation
Sayoko Blodgett-Ford, B.S., M.S., M.A., J.D., Sease Faculty Research Scholar and Associate Professor of Law
Alexandra Brennan, B.A., J.D., Reference and Instruction Librarian and Instructor of Law Librarianship
Hunter R. Clark, A.B., J.D., Professor of Law
Erica Nichols Cook, B.A., J.D., Director of the Wrongful Convictions Clinic and Clinician in Residence
Colleen Cullen, B.A., J.D., Director of the Criminal Defense Clinic and Assistant Professor of Law
Steven Foritano, B.A., J.D., Practitioner in Residence
Sally B. Frank, A.B., MAT/CLE, J.D., Professor of Law
Sydney Gangestad, B.A., J.D., Director of the Legislative Practice Center and Instructor of Law
Anthony J. Gaughan, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., J.D., Kern Family Chair in Law and Professor of Law
David B. Hanson, B.A., M.A.L.S., Collection Management and Metadata Librarian and Associate Professor of Law Librarianship
Christoph Henkel, J.D., LL.M., S.J.A., Professor of Law
Mark S. Kende, B.A., J.D., Director of the Constitutional Law Center, James Madison Chair in Constitutional Law and Professor of Law
Jeremy Kidd, B.A., Ph.D., J.D., Professor of Law
Rebecca A. Lutkenhaus, B.A., M.A., J.D., Reference and Instruction Librarian and Professor of Law Librarianship
Natalie Banta Lynner, B.S., J.D., Dwight D. Opperman Distinguished Professor of Law
Allison McCarthy, B.A., J.D., Director of the Refugee Clinic and Instructor of Law
Nickole Miller, B.A., J.D., Director of the Middleton Children’s Rights Center and Associate Professor of Law
Alexa Perez, B.A., J.D., Assistant Professor of Law
Suzan M. Pritchett, B.A., M.A., J.D., Director of Clinical and Experiential Programs and Professor of Law
Nick H. Roby, B.S., J.D., Director of the Entrepreneurial/Transactional Clinic and Clinical Professor of Law
Joe Schomberg, B.A., J.D., Assistant Professor of Law
Miguel Schor, B.A., M.A., J.D., Class of 1977 Distinguished Scholar and Professor of Law
Danielle M. Shelton, B.A., J.D., Professor of Law
Julia Steggerda-Corey, B.A., J.D., LL.M., Director of the Compliance and Risk Management Program and Instructor of Law
Karen L. Wallace, B.A., M.A., Circulation/Reference Librarian and Professor of Law Librarianship
Melissa H. Weresh, B.A., J.D., Dwight D. Opperman Distinguished Professor of Law and Herb and Karen Baum Chair of Ethics in the Profession
Ellen L. Yee, B.A., J.D., Director of International Programs and Professor of Law
Jennifer Zwagerman, B.S., J.D., LL.M., Director of the Agricultural Law Center and Associate Professor of Law faculty emeriti
James A. Adams, A.B., J.D., Professor Emeritus
Andrea S. Charlow, A.B., J.D., LL.M., Professor Emeritus
Laurie Kratky Doré, B.A., J.D., Professor Emeritus
Matthew G. Doré, B.A., J.D., Professor Emeritus
Neil D. Hamilton, B.S., J.D., Professor Emeritus
Robert C. Hunter, B.A., J.D., Professor Emeritus
Suzanne J. Levitt, A.B., J.D., LL.M., Professor Emeritus
Russell E. Lovell II, B.B.A., J.D., LL.M., Professor Emeritus
David E. McCord, B.A., J.D., Professor Emeritus
Keith C. Miller, B.A., J.D., LL.M., Professor Emeritus
James R. Monroe, B.A., M.B.A., J.D., LL.M., Professor Emeritus
Robert R. Rigg, B.A., J.D., Professor Emeritus
Maura I. Strassberg, B.A., M.A., J.D., Professor Emeritus
Allan W. Vestal, B.A., J.D., Professor Emeritus
David S. Walker, B.A., J.D., Professor Emeritus in memoriam
William Hennan
Assistant Dean Director of Drake Continuing Legal
acknowledgment
Drake University and the Law School gratefully acknowledge the Law School Endowment Trust for its financial support of the Law School Commencement.
A reception will be held immediately following the Commencement Ceremony at the Courtside Club in Shivers Practice Facility. Refreshments will be provided. The graduates, their families and friends, alumni, faculty, staff, and other law students are cordially invited to attend the reception.
